My senior dog has a throat lump and her bark changed. What is it?

I'm sorry to hear that Bella isn't feeling well! Did all of this start between November and now? If so, please take her to you vet for an exam. I am worried that she has a tumor that may be affecting either the back of her throat, her neck (the lump you are describing). Its also possible that she has cancer elsewhere, such as in her spinal cord if her gait has changed significantly (though this could be due to disc disease or other causes of spinal cord compression.) Take her back to your vet for an exam. It sounds like her overall quality of life is still good... however, your vet may be able to identify ways to help you keep her feeling good for longer. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

It’s hard to know for sure without observing the behavior and being able to palpate his throat. I recommend to record the behavior and then make an appointment for an exam. There could be something stuck in his throat or a mass causing pain. Best of luck.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Elphaba. I worry that bumps you have noticed are enlarged lymph nodes. I would try to feel other areas on her body for similar and symmetrical bumps. Lymph nodes are also found in front of the shoulders, in the armpits and groin as well as behind the knees. She will need to see a veterinarian to have her condition diagnosed, but enlarged lymph nodes can indicate serious disease. I hope this information helps!

This could be due to a degeneration of the laryngeal nerve that is innervating the larynx being in charge of its movement (vocal chords included). Inflammation of this nerve and upper respiratory airways infection is possible as well. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

I am sorry to hear about Layal! You may be feeling her laryngeal area/cartilages, but without examining your dog it is impossible to tell if what you are feeling is a normal structure. An occasional clearing of the throat/cough isn't unusual just like in people, but if it is happening with increasing frequency or it is happening every time she moves a certain way then I would recommend having her examined by her veterinarian. I would make a video recording of the sound if you can to show your veterinarian in case she doesn't repeat the behavior while at the vet.

Hi there! I would recommend having this checked out by your vet when you're able to. A wheezing sound in the throat, hoarseness, and/or a raspy quality to her panting or breathing are all concerning for something interfering with normal air flow in the back of her throat. This could be due to laryngeal paralysis, a growth or tumor, a foreign body, or something simple like a respiratory infection causing some swelling or inflammation in this area. Your vet can do a complete oral exam under sedation if needed to get a better look at her throat, and may also recommend x-rays or other testing to help check for abnormalities.

I'm sorry to hear Taco isn't doing well. Unfortunately, to determine what is going on, he'd need to be examined in person. It would be best to have your vet perform a few tests such as bloodwork (to check organ function and for any illness), an X-ray (to check the throat for obstructions or the growth pressing on his chest or lungs) and a possible sample of the lumps to determine what they are (fatty tumors, growths, cysts, cancerous tumors, etc). Your vet can then help you determine what the best course of action would be for helping Taco feel more comfortable.