Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My Cavalier has ear pain & swollen neck glands. What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Female | spayed | 5 years and 2 months old

Hi Our 4 year old cavalier king Charles spaniel is yelping a lot when she is touched on the side of her head below the ear. It also feels like she has swollen glands in her neck when comparing them to our other small dog. I plan to call the vet as soon as they are open tomorrow morning but wanted to ask if there is anything I can do to help her in the meantime. Thanks

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Claudia Fioravanti

Veterinarian

Published on April 20th, 2017

The swollen glands are quite common with dental disease so it could be just a normal reaction to plaque and inflammation of the gums. The pain to the side of the neck, could be related to an ear problem or neck muscular sprain. I must tell you though that Cavaliers often suffer with a congenital condition called syringomyelia that can cause acute sudden pain of the neck, or more generalised symptoms, vague symptoms such as compulsive scratching of the neck. Treatment consists most commonly of rest and various forms of analgesia. I would try not to worry , unless Sadie is in a lot of pain in which case I would have checked asap if possible. Try to keep her quiet and confined to a small area and have her checked over first thing in the morning. Try not to google this condition or you might get very worried for nothing as she might not have this disease and if she does there are lots of options to keep her comfy.

Vote icon

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Ouch, poor Sadie! Since Sadie seems most uncomfortable around her ear, there is a good change that she has an ear infection. With many infections, the lymph nodes in the area of the infection can respond and become enlarged. Unfortunately, there are no effective at home remedies for ear infections. Try to avoid cleaning the painful ear or touching it too much so that your vet is better able to evaluate the problem in the morning. If Sadie is scratching at her ear, you can put an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent further irritation. I hope that she feels better soon!

    Vote icon

    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet keeps scratching its ear. What's causing this problem?
Is your pet scratching their ear often? A certified Petco veterinarian explains common causes like otitis or infection and how to identify the problem.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet's ear mite treatment isn't working. What else could it be?
Pet still itching after treatment? A Petco vet clarifies it may not be ear mites. Discover effective solutions like Revolution or consulting an exotic vet.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my pet's swollen lump with green patches not getting better?
Is your pet's swollen, green-patched infection still bothering them after treatment? A certified veterinarian discusses proper diagnosis methods like biopsy and FNA.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored