enlarged lymph nodes on a dental piggy - what test should I get done?

[Lilly]

Peanut Butter went in for his monthly dental work today. A few weeks ago I had noticed his 2 sebaceous cysts, one under an arm and the other on his back, had turned into hard dry kernels. A few days ago they had totally disappeared. I mentioned this to the vet and she gave him a thorough check. She couldn't find them either. However, in her physical exam she noticed the lymph nodes under his back legs seemed enlarged and possibly the ones under his arms as well. As he was lively, eating and pooping with his usual gusto, not in pain, his temperature was normal, no signs of a UTI or URI, she couldn't think of any obvious reasons why they should be enlarged and suggested I just keep an eye on them and if they get bigger bring him back.

I'm not keen on this wait and see attitude if I can be more pro-active. What diagnostic tests should I request and in which order to get the best chance of finding out what's causing this?

 

[MargaretB]

I have no advice to offer, but hope that Peanut Butter's dental goes well and that the swollen lymph nodes are not anything serious. Maybe he's just a bit run-down. ?/

 

[Lilly]

Thanks Margaret. Any one out there know about lymph nodes and what tests can be done - biopsy, blood work, scans?

 

[Claire W]

Could you ask for a biopsy to be carried out on the lymph nodes? Also blood work?

Healing vibes for Peanut Butter xx

 

[Lilly]

Could you ask for a biopsy to be carried out on the lymph nodes? Also blood work?

Healing vibes for Peanut Butter xx

Thanks Claire. I've got the weekend to think about this. The enlarged lymph nodes were discovered sort of at the last minute after his dental and the vet was rushed to get into surgery so didn't really have time to discuss it. The vet didn't seem worried and said to just wait and see if they get bigger. But I'd rather get on it sooner than later.

 

[sport_billy]

Really sorry to hear this. hope you can get to the bottom of it. Love to Peanut Butter and to you too x

 

[Lilly]

Really sorry to hear this. hope you can get to the bottom of it. Love to Peanut Butter and to you too x

Thanks, I am a nervous wreck now waiting for Monday morning to come. I watch him like a hawk in case it's the emergency vet for him, but he seems oblivious to the fact he might be ill. He has just scoffed two dishes of brekkie veg.

I have discovered on a vet site that dental problems and swollen lymph nodes can go hand in hand, so am also thinking besides a lymph node biopsy and blood work I should also see about getting an X-ray of his jaw.

 

[sport_billy]

I'm always an advocate of jaw X-rays after we had Pitch with Teeth root issues. It just helps give further insight into what may be going on. I understand how worried you are. Will be thinking of you and Peanut Butter. *hugs* x x

 

[Claire W]

I second sport billy and will be thinking of both you and Peanut Butter tomorrow xx

 

[Lilly]

I'm always an advocate of jaw X-rays after we had Pitch with Teeth root issues. It just helps give further insight into what may be going on. I understand how worried you are. Will be thinking of you and Peanut Butter. *hugs* x x

I second sport billy and will be thinking of both you and Peanut Butter tomorrow xx

Thank you! It is now 7:30am here and PB has eaten his usual morning veg and is now tucking into his hay. So far so good. Another hour to go before the vet opens up!