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Why is my dog's neck swollen like a ball, but he's acting normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Male | unneutered | 1 year old | 4 lbs

Bruiser has a swollen neck. It feels like a large ball. It appeared yesterday and it was fevered, and he would cry everytime you would touch it. Today he is eating, drinking and playing like his normal self. But his neck is still swollen. What could cause this? The vet can’t see him till Wednesday morning.

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1 Answer

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Answered By Maria DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 27th, 2018

I would call your veterinarian in the morning and explain that there is a large swelling on his neck. If they are still unable to see him then I would most likely see if there is an emergency veterinarian you can take him too. There is a lot of different things it could be. It could be a salivary gland, a lymph node, a foreign body or even an abscess. Your veterinarian will be able to further evaluate Bruiser to see what is the next step. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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