[moblock87]

I need to get thoughts on this:
Our eight yr. old beagle, during yearly check 1/22/08 was found to have enlarged lymph nodes under jaw, shoulder blades, and on one rear leg.
Also found that teeth were in bad shape, but before dental work was done a bloodwork was run to check for elev. calcium (sign of lymphoma).
Blood tests came back OK - no indication of any problems, so we went ahead with the dental work in Feb., which resulted in pulling of two lower rear molars and one lower front tooth - as well as discovery of an abcess on the gumline.

He shows no signs of any sickness - activity, appetite, weight are all fine.Now we are atr end of April, and nodes have not gone down in size.

Is this good or bad? Vet said lymphoma would hit hard (giant swellings of nodes) and fast if it were present. So far he is still doing great.

Could the nodes be damaged from fighting the oral problems (these were probably present for several months before we got him checked)?

Also he has allergies that affect him - could this be a possibilty?

[veterinaryblonde]

HI! I'm a vet in the UK.
I'm glad your dog is feeling well although I would be concerned about the lymph nodes still being enlarged. Lymphoma comes in two types, one which hits harder and faster then the other. I would imagine that swollen nodes in the neck region should have reduced in size by now, after the dental. Allergies may cause generalised enlarged lymph nodes although I haven't seen this in nine years of practice. There is also a condition called 'idiopathic lymphadenopathy' which means enlargement of the lymph nodes with no underlying cause established and this is generally harmless.
My advise is to speak with your vet about searching further for a diagnosis because you are clearly worried. They could do an aspirate or a biopsy of one of the nodes to help clarify the diagnosis. Your vet will be able to explain these procedures further with you.
Good luck!
Best wishes, Michelle