Swollen Lymph Nodes in Dogs Groin

Swollen lymph nodes in dogs are a rather common condition that can cause your beloved pet a significant amount of discomfort and pain. In order to properly grasp the details of the condition, it is important to understand the role played by the lymph nodes in the animal’s body. The lymph nodes are part of a network known as the lymphatic system and are visually similar to tiny sacs. These tiny sacs are spread all over the animal’s body and are primarily concerned with the filtration of blood – helping remove any foreign bodies or even debris. The secondary purpose of lymph nodes is the storage of white blood cells until the body requires them to fight off some kind of infection. Because of the fact that the lymph nodes are more exposed than most to infection, the chances of them becoming infected in the process of fighting off the foreign agent are significantly higher. The swelling will usually occur in the areas such as the animals jaw, shoulder, joint of the leg and groin. In the cases where the inflammation occurs in the swollen lymph node in the dog’s groin, the animal is likely to experience significant discomfort while performing actions such as passing stools. There are a number of causes that can lead to the development of swollen lymph nodes in dogs groin such as the presence of a rather minor, localized infection as well as the possibility of an allergic reaction to some kind of substance. In any case, it is of prime importance to identify the root cause of the problem as soon as possible because of the fact that early detection will increase chances of effective treatment. In order to properly identify the causing factor of the condition, the veterinarian will use blood tests, urine tests and even possibly a physical examination of lymph samples.

The most effective treatment of the condition will be very subjective to the root cause of swollen lymph nodes in the dog’s groin. Because of the variety of infections that are likely to cause the occurrence, there are a variety of different methods that will help in treatment. In most cases, the more minor complications will see the veterinarian use antibiotics, symptomatic treatments or even anti fungal medication with only the more serious conditions prompting the use of more aggressive treatment options. Also keep in mind the fact that most causing infections are known to be zootonic – meaning they can be easily transmitted to humans by their canine host.