hi,

on tuesday we took out 1 year 1 week old bitch to be spayed. While she was under they noticed that all her lymph nodes were enlarged, not hugely but still enlarged. They have taken tests and we were hoping to here back by today (but it's not looking good for today now and we are going to be worried to death by monday).

She has been eating well and as full of life and mychief as always. 2 days after the operation she is almost back to her old self (which is a pain since her old self involves lots of rough-housing with our male dog).

One thing we did notice though was that around 1 week before the operation the male had been spending more time sniffing her rear which he had not done since she came into season - I worried that she might be coming into season again but it's only 3 months since she had her first season. Also, during the operation the vet said she bled more than was usual.

The vet suggested that the dog sniffing, the bleeding and the enlarged lymph nodes might all be explained by an infection of the uterous (sp?). Clearly we are praying for that and not the other possibility.

My question is, has anyone else had or heard of a dog as young as 1 year old with enlarged lymph nodes and what was the outcome?

The breed is maremma sheepdog which in general is a very healthy breed (one of the reasons we picked them) with low cancer rates. No one in the breed has ever heard of cancer anywhere near as young as 1.

thanks in advance

Tony (and Lexie)

Hi Tony.
Enlarged lymph nodes are often a sign of infection, I wouldn't worry.
If she seems a little under the weather, pop her back to the vet for some anti-biotics, unless she is already on them.
Dawn.

Hi Tony,
My spayed westi/doxi bitch (abt. 9 years old) has been experiencing her lymph nodes swelling and subsiding for at least the last 4 years. It could have been happening before this, but I just didn't realize it.

The vet has run blood tests for several diseases/infections, checked her out for allergies, and switched her foods occasionally. I've tried to notice any consistency when they do swell --has she been exercised, in the bushes, killed vermin recently, changed the laundry detergent, etc.... Can't find any pattern at all for it.

We've both basically given up the search since she's happy, healthy, and thriving. After searching the web, I know that I'm not the only one with this "mystical" occurence. I do realize her body is reacting to something, but what, neither of us knows. I guess it's just a waiting game now. I don't like it, but medicine has never claimed to be an exact science :rolleyes:
good luck with your 'pup'
toodles

Update:

She has been on antibiotics for a week now and been back to the vets. Her lymph glands are now fine so I guess it was an infection. Strange since she seemed fine.

Anyway, relief is an understatement :)