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Senior dog: swollen nodes, weight loss, wheezing. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 11 years and 10 months old | 50 lbs

My 12 year old beagle/pit mix has swollen lymph nodes on both sides of her neck for at least 3 months. She is losing weight and will no longer eat dry food. I have started her on wet food and she eats it but has troubles breathing after eating. Lots of wheezing and whole body contracts. Her ribs and hips are now showing. She otherwise seems very happy. I dont want to pay for testing as shes already 12 and may be near the end of her life but I dont want her in pain. What should I do?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on September 6th, 2017

Oh dear, I'm sorry to hear that Daisy has been feeling so poorly. It is very concerning that she is experiencing difficulty breathing with wheezing, and weight loss. Difficulty breathing indicates that she is already in some degree pain with a diminished quality of life. Given her enlarged lymph nodes, weight loss, and respiratory changes, lymphoma would be my primary concern. This would be diagnosed by fine needle aspirates that use a needle to draw a few cells out of her lymph nodes for microscopic evaluation. However, even if you opt not to pursue further testing (which is understandable), I still strongly recommend taking Daisy to her vet for a physical exam and thorough discussion of her current quality of life. It may be in Daisy's best interest to consider euthanasia to alleviate her suffering. I realize that this is never an easy decision to make, but I hope that an open discussion with her vet may provide some clarity. I'm sorry that you and Daisy are going through this situation.

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    Answered By Amber W

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on

    I'm sorry that Daisy is going through this! Swollen lymph nodes can be an indication of infection, however I'm also concerned that it could be related to a cancer called lymphoma. I really think you need to take Daisy to a veterinarian so that she can at least receive pain medication to improve her quality of life. Taking a small needle sample from the lymph nodes is necessary to diagnose lymphoma. Even if you're unable or unwilling to do testing your veterinarian can prescribe pain medications, corticosteroids or antibiotics if they feel an infection is causing this. You can also discuss quality of life issues with your veterinarian, so that if Daisy is suffering from cancer it may be easier to make the difficult decision on euthanasia if and when the time comes. Again, I am sorry Daisy is going through this. I hope she gets the care she needs and is feeling better soon.

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