Introduction
Swollen lymph nodes under a dog’s jaw can be concerning for pet owners. This article will cover the lymph nodes located under a dog’s jaw, common causes for them to become swollen, symptoms to look out for, when to see the vet, how vets diagnose the cause, treatment options, home care tips, how to prevent swollen lymph nodes, and the prognosis.
What are the Lymph Nodes Under a Dog’s Jaw?
The lymph nodes under a dog’s jaw are called the mandibular lymph nodes. They are located on either side of the jaw, near where the jaw connects to the neck. The mandibular lymph nodes drain lymph fluid from the head and neck region, filtering out bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, and other harmful substances.
Lymph fluid circulates through the dog’s body, passing through lymph nodes where it is filtered. The mandibular lymph nodes play an important role as part of the dog’s lymphatic system and immune function. Healthy lymph nodes act as barriers to infection, while also allowing immune cells to detect and respond to foreign invaders in the lymph fluid.
According to veterinary anatomy sources, each mandibular lymph node is normally the size of a pea or bean in adult dogs. Swelling of these lymph nodes can be a sign of infection, inflammation, cancer, or other disease affecting the head and neck area.
The mandibular lymph nodes are one set of several important lymph nodes in the dog’s body. Other lymph centers include nodes near the shoulders, knees, and groin. Together, the lymph nodes filter lymph fluid as it moves through the lymphatic system.
Common Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes Under the Jaw
There are several potential causes for swollen lymph nodes under a dog’s jaw. Some of the most common include:
Infections: Bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections can all lead to enlarged lymph nodes as the body fights off the infection. Common examples include abscesses, periodontal disease, upper respiratory infections, and tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease (source).
Abscesses: Abscesses in the mouth, face, or neck area can cause swelling and inflammation of the nearby lymph nodes as they drain into the lymphatic system. Dental abscesses from periodontal disease are a frequent culprit (source).
Cancer: Lymphoma is one of the most common cancers to affect the lymph nodes in dogs. It causes uniform enlargement of multiple lymph nodes. Other cancers like squamous cell carcinoma may also spread to the lymph nodes (source).
Immune Disorders: Hyperthyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases can cause generalized lymphadenopathy as the immune system overreacts.
Trauma: Injuries to the head, neck, or jaw may cause localized swelling of nearby lymph nodes as inflammatory fluids accumulate.
Symptoms of Swollen Lymph Nodes Under the Jaw
The most common symptoms of swollen lymph nodes under the jaw in dogs include:
- Swelling or lumps under the jaw, neck, or chin area
- Tenderness or pain when the area is touched
- Difficulty eating or drinking due to pain
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy or lack of energy
- Fever
- Redness, warmth, or discharge around the swollen area
- Swelling may start in one area and spread to surrounding nodes
According to this PetMD article, some owners first notice swollen lymph nodes when petting their dog under the neck or jaw. The swelling may feel like small lumps or nodules under the skin. Dogs may react painfully if the swollen nodes are touched or pressed on. Swelling under the jaw is often a sign of an infection or inflammation in the mouth, face, head, or neck region.
In some cases, the swelling can obstruct normal functions like swallowing, breathing, or defecating. Severe or sudden swelling is considered an emergency. Owners should monitor nodes carefully and contact their vet if they continue to increase in size or become more painful. Early treatment is important, as swollen nodes can sometimes indicate a more serious medical issue.
When to See the Vet
It’s recommended to take your dog to the vet if the swollen lymph nodes under the jaw persist for more than a week or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Some signs that warrant a veterinary visit include:
- The swelling continues to increase in size
- Your dog is showing signs of pain or discomfort in the area
- There is redness, heat, or discharge around the swollen nodes
- Your dog develops a fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite
- The swollen nodes feel abnormally firm or irregular in shape
- Swollen nodes are accompanied by respiratory signs like coughing or nasal discharge
- You notice sores, wounds, or abscesses near the swollen area
While mild swelling may resolve on its own, it’s always a good idea to have your vet examine any persistent or worsening lymph node enlargement. Catching the underlying cause early can help facilitate prompt treatment and prevent complications. Your vet will be able to pinpoint the origin of the swelling and diagnose conditions like infection, immune disease, or even cancer.
Diagnosing the Cause
If your dog has swollen lymph nodes under the jaw, the vet will perform a full physical exam, carefully palpating all the lymph nodes to check for enlargement, inflammation, or pain. They may also do a complete dental exam to look for signs of infection in the teeth and gums. Dental disease is a very common cause of swollen lymph nodes under the jaw.
Your vet may recommend aspirating cells from the affected lymph nodes with a fine needle. Examining these cells under a microscope can often reveal the type of infection or inflammation present. Lymph node biopsy may also be recommended to get a larger tissue sample for diagnosis.
Your vet may also recommend x-rays of the head and neck to look for any abnormalities in the lymph nodes or surrounding structures. Bloodwork will likely be done as well to look for elevated white blood cell counts or other indicators of infection or illness. Blood tests can also help diagnose or rule out some specific diseases linked to swollen lymph nodes like tick-borne infections.
With a combination of a thorough physical exam, diagnostic imaging, lymph node aspiration or biopsy, and bloodwork, the vet will work to pinpoint the underlying cause so the most effective treatment can be determined. Proper diagnosis is crucial since swollen lymph nodes under the jaw can indicate a wide range of conditions from simple infections to autoimmune diseases to cancer. But being aware of the symptoms and consulting a vet promptly can help get your dog on the road to recovery. (Source)
Treatment Options
The treatment for swollen lymph nodes under the jaw depends on the underlying cause. Some common treatment options include:
Antibiotics
If a bacterial infection is causing the swollen lymph nodes, the veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection. Common antibiotics used include amoxicillin, doxycycline, and cephalexin (source). The antibiotics are typically given for 2-4 weeks.
Anti-inflammatories
Steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like meloxicam are often prescribed to reduce inflammation and swelling of the lymph nodes (source).
Dental Cleaning
If the swelling is due to a dental infection, a professional dental cleaning and tooth extraction may be necessary to treat the underlying infection.
Tumor Removal
If the swollen lymph nodes are caused by cancer, the treatment may involve surgically removing the tumor and affected lymph nodes (source).
Home Care
There are some at-home remedies and care tips pet owners can implement to help provide comfort for a dog with swollen lymph nodes under the jaw:
- Apply cold compresses to the swollen area several times a day to help reduce inflammation and pain. Wrap an ice pack or frozen vegetable bag in a towel and hold it gently against the swollen glands for 5-10 minutes at a time. Be careful not to overcool the area.
- Feed soft, moist foods that are easy to chew and swallow. Canned food or adding warm water to kibble can make it easier for a dog with a sore throat or mouth pain to eat comfortably.
- Practice good oral hygiene by gently wiping the dog’s gums and teeth with gauze and an antiseptic solution prescribed by your vet. This helps prevent secondary infections from bacteria buildup.
- Prevent irritation of the swollen glands by using a soft e-collar or donut collar to stop the dog from excessively licking, scratching, or rubbing the area.
- Monitor the size of the swollen gland every day, watching for changes. Keep a log to update your vet on any growth, discharge, or worsening of symptoms.
While home care can provide comfort, a dog with persistent swollen glands should be under a vet’s supervision. Follow your vet’s advice diligently, give all medications as prescribed, and schedule recommended follow-up appointments.
Prevention
There are some steps pet owners can take to help prevent swollen lymph nodes in dogs:
Get regular dental cleanings. Dental disease is a common cause of bacterial infections that can lead to swollen lymph nodes. Regular professional cleanings can remove plaque and tartar to protect your dog’s oral health.
Treat infections promptly. If your dog has an infection, getting treatment quickly with antibiotics or antifungals can help prevent the infection from spreading to the lymph nodes.
Avoid injuries. Trauma to the head and neck area can damage lymph nodes and cause swelling. Use a leash when walking your dog and keep a close eye to avoid injuries during play.
Get early cancer screening. Lymphoma and other cancers often first appear as swollen lymph nodes. Wellness checks and bloodwork can potentially detect cancer in early treatable stages.
Feed a healthy diet. A nutritious diet supports your dog’s immune system to help fight off infections. Avoid unhealthy table scraps and treats.
Try natural supplements. Some supplements like echinacea may help stimulate immune function. Talk to your vet before starting any new supplements.
Prognosis
The prognosis for a dog with swollen lymph nodes under the jaw depends on the underlying cause of the swelling. If the lymphadenopathy is due to an infection that can be treated with antibiotics, the prognosis is excellent once the infection has resolved. The lymph nodes should return to normal size after the infection is gone.
However, if swollen lymph nodes under the jaw are caused by cancer, such as lymphoma, the prognosis is more guarded. Cancerous lymph nodes may require intensive treatment like chemotherapy and radiation. Even with aggressive treatment, long term survival rates are lower for dogs with cancerous enlarged lymph nodes compared to those with just an infection.
It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis from your veterinarian to determine the cause of swollen lymph nodes under the jaw. Catching an infection early can lead to a full recovery, while starting cancer treatment quickly improves chances of remission and extending your dog’s life. Your vet will discuss your dog’s test results and prognosis based on the specific underlying condition causing the swollen lymph nodes.