My dog has a swollen lymph node: infection or cancer? What tests?

Question

My dog is pretty mixed 1/2 lab and 1/2 something small. She’s a year old and fixed. She has a swollen lymph node but is acting completely normal and it doesn’t seem to bother her. Would this more likely be an infection or cancer? What does the testing for that look like? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 1 year and 11 months old | 20 lbs

Amber W · Accepted Answer

If Georgia is only a year old and only has a single swollen lymph node it is more likely infection related. However, the only way to know for sure is to have her examined and a needle aspirate sample obtained from the lymph node. Your veterinarian can evaluate the sample under the microscope to help determine if it is infection or cancer related. I'd recommend getting it checked out fairly soon as Georgia may need antibiotics or other supportive treatment if it is related to infection. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I'm hoping for a good prognosis for Georgia May!

My dog has a swollen lymph node: infection or cancer? What tests?

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