Inflammation of the lymph nodes in cats - how to identify and treat the disease?

The main symptom of bacterial or infectious effects on the animal’s body is inflammation of the lymph nodes in cats. They are necessary for filtering lymph from various impurities and act as reliable protection against various infections. If the pet did not have lymph nodes, this would contribute to the rapid damage to all organs in just one blood circulation cycle. To avoid problems, cat owners need to take a responsible approach to the health, care, nutrition and development of their own pets.

Description and signs

Lymphadenitis in cats is a disease that causes inflammation and enlargement of the lymph nodes. The lymph node acts as a protective function in such a way that this “filter” does not allow foreign elements to spread throughout the animal’s body. All lymph, before entering the blood, passes through the lymph nodes, which contain immune cells to form stable immunity. The location of inflammation in the lymph nodes indicates the development of the disease. First of all, those lymph nodes that are located closer to the source of inflammation occur.

Enlarged lymph nodes are accompanied by swelling, pain, and redness. Lymphadenitis in a cat can manifest itself in different ways, depending on the area of ​​tumor formation. Thus, submandibular inflammation is characterized by difficulty in the process of absorbing food, and breathing problems may occur. Even an enlargement of one lymph node in the groin or in the axillary area leads to lameness of the animal. Cats with this disease regularly experience elevated temperatures, a feeling of fatigue, apathy, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Superficial swollen lymph nodes are noticeable with normal stroking with the hand.

If the cat owner detects such inflammation, it is recommended not to hesitate to visit the veterinarian.

Features of inflammation depending on location

Clinical manifestations depend on where the lesion is located. Let us consider the features of inflammation depending on the localization of pathological processes.

On the front and hind legs

If there is an inflammatory process on the front and hind legs, in addition to weakness, lethargy, and high temperature, lameness, stiff gait, discomfort due to increased tension in the muscle structures, and pain when walking are noted.

The axillary, supraclavicular, ulnar lymph nodes, and inguinal nodes are affected during inflammation of the hind limbs. Causes: infections, injuries.

Damage to the lymph nodes in the neck

The lymph nodes in the neck become inflamed due to viral or bacterial infections, or when eating low-quality, stale meat. Noted for toxoplasmosis, respiratory infections (rhinitis, tracheitis, bronchotracheitis, laryngotracheitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis).

The nodes are painful and greatly enlarged. The animal is lethargic, apathetic, and refuses food. Depression gives way to anxiety. A white coating is noticeable on the tongue. An unpleasant odor emanates from the mouth.

Submandibular lymph nodes, on the cheeks

Submandibular nodes and lymph nodes on the cheeks become inflamed due to viral and bacterial infections, dental diseases (stomatitis, gingivitis), injuries to the oral mucosa, and penetration of pathogenic agents into regional lymph nodes. Located under the angular rounding of the jaw near the salivary glands, in the cheek area (lymph nodes on the cheeks).

Cats have difficulty eating and drinking water. The oral mucosa is hyperemic and edematous. The temperature is increased by 1-2 degrees from normal. Loss of appetite causes your cat to lose weight.

In the groin, on the stomach

Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin and abdomen is a fairly commonly diagnosed form of lymphadenitis in cats. The nodes filter lymph coming from organs located in the peritoneum, groin, and genitals.

The inguinal nodes in cats are located on the inside of the hind limbs. Due to the fat layer, they are quite difficult to palpate, even if they are enlarged.

Inguinal lymphadenitis is caused by:

• viral, bacterial infections;
• inflammatory processes in the pelvis;
• oncology;
• diseases of the genitourinary tract;
• poisoning with toxins;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract of inflammatory nature;
• wounds, injuries of the peritoneum, genitals.

A sick pet is lethargic, constantly sleeps, takes unnatural positions, looks for secluded cool places, and refuses food. The temperature is unstable, increased by 1-2 degrees from normal. Urination is painful and difficult. In females, swelling and tenderness of the mammary glands are noted. In the area of ​​inflammation, foci of extensive damage to nearby tissues are noted. The formation of purulent foci and abscesses is possible.

In the armpits

The axillary lymph nodes are located under the armpit of the front legs. Lymphadenitis of the axillary nodes can be triggered by allergic reactions, inflammatory processes, furunculosis, viral infections, and colds.

When the lymph nodes in the armpits are inflamed, the animal experiences discomfort, pain, and difficulty walking. The cat is inactive, lethargic, and constantly sleeps. The nodes are painful and enlarged.

In the ears

If the lymph nodes in the ears are inflamed, most often the pathology is caused by inflammatory processes localized in the inner, middle ear. The cause may be viral, respiratory infections, injuries, tumors in the ears, and dental diseases.

In addition to the increase in inflamed nodes, pain, high temperature and swelling in the ear area are noted. The cat shakes its ears and behaves restlessly.

Causes and symptoms of inflammation

With inflammation of the lymph nodes, the pet suffers from weakness and drowsiness, which are accompanied by fever.
Lymphadenopathy is a general definition that characterizes the inflammatory process of several lymph nodes that are located in parallel for specific reasons. Veterinarians and scientists identify the following:

1. Lymphadenitis. The main feature is the development of inflammation corresponding to the location of the diseased node. The disease may lead to an increase in body temperature, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and drowsiness.
2. Oncological diseases. If the lymph nodes are swollen, then this is not a reliable sign of the formation of malignant tumors. To confirm or refute the diagnosis, it is necessary to perform a biopsy - pinching off a small part of the tumor for examination under a microscope.

Symptoms

With lymphadenitis in a cat, the inflamed nodes become hot to the touch compared to other areas of the body. If the lymph nodes are located on the neck, then the main symptom will be a sore throat and discomfort when swallowing in the animal. The cat may lose its appetite, but then its thirst increases and it drinks more water than usual. Also, with inflammation, the pet becomes apathetic, lethargic and drowsy, and refuses to play or engage in any activity.

With cancer problems, the symptoms are different. Thus, one node is capable of increasing to significant sizes. According to tactile sensations, the formations have a ribbed surface and initially, as the disease develops, no changes in the behavior and condition of the cat are observed, the reason for this is that the tumor at an early stage does not show all its negative effects.

Symptoms of the disease

The diagnosis depends entirely on the reasons why the lymph node is enlarged. In the case of lymphadenitis in a cat, the nodes undergo such characteristic changes as:

• the affected lymph nodes are hot to the touch compared to other parts of the body;
• The disease always affects two nodes parallel to each other, and their increase is not symmetrical;
• with an inflammatory process in the lymph nodes that are located in the neck, the main symptom is a sore throat in the pet;
• the cat’s appetite decreases, against the background of this, thirst increases, the animal is able to absorb huge amounts of water;
• the pet becomes apathetic, prefers to lie in one place, and reacts sluggishly to the owner’s attempts to cheer him up.

For oncological pathologies, the symptoms are somewhat different; they include:

• intense increase in the size of one lymph node;
• the resulting neoplasm is not so smooth as in the case of lymphadenitis, but rather ribbed or lumpy;
• In the initial stages of the disease, the cat’s behavior does not change, and the resulting tumor does not bother him in any way.

If the inflammatory foci are in the axillary or inguinal lymph nodes, then the pet begins to limp. An attentive owner can detect the presence of health problems in a cat by simply palpating its body. If alarming symptoms are detected, the pet should be immediately taken to an appointment with a veterinarian.

Diagnostics

Before taking an animal to a veterinary clinic, it is recommended to examine the cat yourself. It is necessary to pay attention to the following areas presented in the table:

A doctor will help you make an accurate diagnosis by first drawing blood and urine for testing.
You can diagnose inflammation of the lymph nodes yourself by carefully palpating all areas of your pet’s body. If this is not enough, you need to seek help from a specialist and have your cat tested: blood, urine, biopsy. Only after such procedures can an accurate diagnosis be made and effective treatment or surgical removal of tumors prescribed.

Treatment of lymphadenitis in cats

Treatment is always aimed at eliminating the underlying cause of lymphadenitis. For example, if the submandibular lymph nodes are inflamed, it is necessary to treat diseases of the oral cavity, perhaps abscesses, stomatitis or dental problems.

If a systemic infection is detected, antibiotics and antivirals will be prescribed.

In case of purulent inflammation of the lymph node, surgical intervention, opening and drainage of the abscess will most likely be required.

Enlargement of lymph nodes can occur not only with inflammation, but also with cancer. It is important to accurately establish a diagnosis and prescribe competent treatment, and only a qualified doctor can do this.

Sign up for treatment of lymphadenitis

POLAR BEAR

The veterinary clinic in Nizhny Novgorod "White Bear" provides all types of services for cats and dogs.
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Correct treatment of the disease

In case of infectious pathology, it is allowed to treat it at home, but in order to avoid complications, it is necessary to consult a veterinarian. You need to pay close attention to the cat’s diet, mood, general health and the process of emptying its intestines; if everything is normal, then there is no need to worry. If your cat's lymph nodes have been enlarged for a long time and continue to get larger, and the temperature is higher than expected, then it is recommended to consult a veterinarian.

After undergoing tests and making a diagnosis, the doctor prescribes complex medication therapy. It consists of antifungal medications and antibiotics, and a vitamin complex is also included. In some situations, the doctor sends the animal for a biopsy. If the diagnosis of oncology is confirmed, then treatment depends on the severity of the disease and the time when the tumor began to develop. In severe cases, surgery and chemotherapy may be prescribed. The fatal risk of developing cancer is almost 90 percent. Also, after successful treatment, it cannot be said that a relapse will not occur. When metastases spread throughout the body, it is recommended to euthanize the animal to free it from suffering and pain.

What to do if your animal has inflammation of the lymph nodes

First of all, the owner should not panic. If the disease is viral or infectious in nature, then treatment at home is allowed.

The owner should pay special attention to:

• General condition of the animal.
• His appetite.
• How does a pet go to the toilet?

Veterinarians recommend not taking any action for a while and allowing the body to overcome the disease on its own. If the disease does not go away and the lymph nodes are noticeably enlarged, it is best to seek qualified help. The answer to the question of how and with what to treat inflammation of the lymph nodes largely depends on the causes of the inflammatory process. First of all, the veterinarian must find out the pathology that “contaminates” the blood.

If a cat has a high temperature for a long time and behaves very nervously, you need to undergo a general biochemical blood test and consult a specialist with its results. Most often, treatment is prescribed in case of inflammation of the inguinal lymph nodes, since this disease can spread to all internal organs and systems.

In case of inflammation of the lymph nodes, it is better to conduct blood tests.

If the tests do not help determine the cause of the inflammation of the lymph nodes, the animal is prescribed a comprehensive treatment that involves the use of antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antifungal medications.

Characteristic features of lymphadenitis

Veterinarians identify the bacterial and fungal basis for the occurrence of the above-mentioned disease. The destructive effects of living organisms are observed :

• In the presence of pasteurella strains and special fusobacteria.
• Inflammation of the lymph nodes, their rapid growth under the influence of proliferation.
• Leukemia.

The fungal theory is supported by clinical studies that can reveal:

• Foreign formations that release toxic substances leading to inflammatory processes of the natural filter.
• Families: Sporozoans, Cryptococcus, Sporothrix.
• The destructive effects of other varieties due to the weakened body of a cat or dog.

It is important to know

It is quite difficult to discover the cause of inflammation on your own, but clinical studies will help identify the causative agent.

Step-by-step instructions for handling a sick pet

The cat will not require specialized treatment if a bacterial or viral basis for the inflammatory processes is identified. The procedure to take in such a situation is as follows :

• Carefully monitor your stool, appetite, physical condition, sleep and wakefulness.
• Allow your natural defense mechanisms to take over on their own and demonstrate their quality properties.
• Inflamed cervical nodes are accompanied by pain, so contact your veterinarian.
• “My cat has an inflamed inguinal lymph node” - such words should be accompanied by the help of qualified specialists.
• An integrated approach guarantees that your cat will be cured of the disease, but it is important to identify the cause of the inflammatory process before complications arise.
• If the diagnosis does not bring results, it is recommended to alternately use antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antifungal medications.

It is important to know

Rapid damage to many lymph nodes is an alarm bell indicating the development of leukosarcoma or leukemia.

Briefly about the main thing

Lymph nodes are designed to filter lymph from various impurities, as well as protect against infectious diseases. The absence of evolutionary formations would lead to damage to the cat’s entire body in one circulatory cycle.

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Inflamed lymph nodes are a clear sign of the destructive effects of a bacterial or infectious nature.