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My dog's swollen lymph node shrank but is still hard. Is this normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | 4 years old | 40 lbs

I have a boxer mix who had a swollen lymph node the size of a softball a few weeks ago. It has now gone down to a marble size. It is hard and it does not seem to bother him. Took him to the vet when it was large and they gave him anabiotic. He poked it with a needle and said there was no fluid in there. I'm scared that it is still there. Is it possible that this is normal? He had also just had stitches taken out when this happened. A nail head caught him on a fence pretty badly.

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2 Answers

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Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 1st, 2017

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Lymph nodes are normally under the jaw. They are usually pretty small and very soft. If only one was swollen, it was likely reacting to something (like the infection/wound from the fence). If it is still hard I would recommend the vet check for other infections around the face or in the mouth or maybe treat with antibiotics for longer. It sounds like the lymph node reacted to the infection and it is going back to normal. Good luck and kisses to Dirk!

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    Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 21st, 2019

    I am highly concerned. This could be a salivary mucoceole which there isn't much that can be done about this. Sometimes antibiotics will help but surgery is usually needed to correct this. Surgery isn't required though as long as they aren't causing harm. My other concern is that it is actually the lymph nodes which means it could be a reactive lymph node or lymphoma which is cancer. I would have your vet take an aspirate or biopsy and send it in to the pathologist to figure out more about what is causing the swelling. This will give you more information and be able to help you decide the best treatment options for Summer. I hope this helps!

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