My dog has swollen glands for a year, tests negative. What's next?

Question

Boomer has had swollen glands for almost a year. Located at his neck, above his collar bones and behind his back knees. Treated with antibiotics in case of infection, had full blood work up and aspiration of cells? In several of the nodes all coming back neg for cancer. He is a 4 yr old chi/pin and appears healthy and playful. Vet a little baffled and thinks possibly a slow moving cancer. Only thing not done was a biopsy on a gland after removal. Glands are sometimes larger and then go down. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 4 years and 1 month old | 12 lbs

Rodrigo Roca, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello, thank you for your question about Boomer. Based on the symptoms and the tests that have been done so far I agree with your veterinarian's concerns. The two most common causes of enlarged glands in dogs are lymphoma and systemic infection. Since the glands change size an infection is still possible. It could be that the initial antibiotic did not treat the type of infection that Boomer has. Alternatively, it is also possible that Boomer could have lymphoma, and the aspiration of cells could have missed the abnormal portion of the gland. In terms of the next options for testing/treatment you could try starting Boomer on a different type of antibiotic to treat potential infection. Alternatively, I would consider biopsying one of the enlarged glands as this provides a larger piece for the lab to review. Hope this helps, good luck!

My dog has swollen glands for a year, tests negative. What's next?

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