Swollen lymph nodes - no other symptoms (vet, allergies, infection)

[CrissCT]

I took my 14 year old bichon to the vet yesterday for some vaccinations. The vet said her lymph nodes felt swollen and held off on the vaccinations to run some tests. He took blood and did an aspiration of one of the lumps to get it tested. My dog has no other symptoms. She is eating and drinking fine, going to the bathroom normally, having no trouble getting around, basically acting 100% like herself.

We should have results of the blood test back today and the aspiration results tomorrow. In the meantime, I was wondering if anyone else had any experience with this. The vet didn't explain at all what it could possibly mean.

[foxywench]

swolen lymphs are typically a sign of infection (or otherwise the body is fighting something off)
could be something as simply as a bug, hes most probably checking for signs of cancer however given her age.

becasue the swolen lymphs mean her system is run down they will typically avoid vacinations untill the swelling has gone down and shes been given the all clear as vacinations in a sick dog dont typically end well.

good luck, keep us updated

[CrissCT]

Originally Posted by foxywench

swolen lymphs are typically a sign of infection (or otherwise the body is fighting something off)
could be something as simply as a bug, hes most probably checking for signs of cancer however given her age.

becasue the swolen lymphs mean her system is run down they will typically avoid vacinations untill the swelling has gone down and shes been given the all clear as vacinations in a sick dog dont typically end well.

good luck, keep us updated

Thank you!

[Dashdog]

Sending positive thoughts to you and your dog. I hope it is nothing more then an infection.

[lifelongMOgal]

Sounds like you have a good and thorough vet. Crossing paws that it is something minor rather than serious.

[Va-Cat]

Originally Posted by lifelongMOgal

Sounds like you have a good and thorough vet. Crossing paws that it is something minor rather than serious.

I agree. Its better to err to the side of caution. Swollen nodes can be something as simple as allergies but could also be an indicator of something a lot more serious. Let us know how she is doing and what the tests show.

[CrissCT]

It wasn't good news. It looks like she has leukemia. Her white cell count was extremely high(I believe he said normal is around 1000 and hers was 100,000 if that is even possible - I was in somewhat shock when he told me). It seems to have come on very suddenly and he believes it is not just in her lymph nodes but in her bones also with the numbers being that high. Ironically, my sweet old pup is completely fine for the time being so I just hope that we have some quality time left. Thanks everyone for the thoughts.

[lifelongMOgal]

I'm so very sorry to read this. Glad you pup is not in pain and still feeling well enough for you to have quality time together.

[Va-Cat]

Originally Posted by CrissCT

It wasn't good news. It looks like she has leukemia. Her white cell count was extremely high(I believe he said normal is around 1000 and hers was 100,000 if that is even possible - I was in somewhat shock when he told me). It seems to have come on very suddenly and he believes it is not just in her lymph nodes but in her bones also with the numbers being that high. Ironically, my sweet old pup is completely fine for the time being so I just hope that we have some quality time left. Thanks everyone for the thoughts.

I was worried that it might be something like that. The oldsters can be prone to a lot of different cancers. You have the right idea to enjoy the time you can with her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your sweet old girl.

[foxywench]

im so sorry!

the good news is right now she is a happy active little lady who doesnt sound like shes lost any quality of life and she could still have plenty of happy, quality time ahead of her.

belive me, she will let you know when shes ready to let go...
for now, keep living life to its fullest