Causes of lymphadenitis in kittens and adult cats, symptoms and treatment of inflammation of the lymph nodes on the neck and in other places

For both kittens and adult cats, lymphadenitis, or inflammation of the lymph nodes, can be a serious problem. These insignificant but vital components of the immune system are vital in the defense against infections. When they start to hurt or swell, there may be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

Most frequently, infections, wounds, or other illnesses can cause lymph nodes in the neck or other parts of the body to swell. Being aware of the early warning signs of lymphadenitis is crucial for cat owners because timely intervention can avert more severe consequences.

It is possible to help guarantee that your pet receives the care they require to recuperate swiftly and maintain their health by being aware of the conditions causes, symptoms, and available treatments.

What are lymph nodes, where are they located in cats and what role do they play?

Lymph nodes are round, pinkish-gray, cellular structures with a diameter ranging from 0.5 to 50 mm. They are typically found in groups of up to ten pieces within the body, usually in close proximity to large blood vessels.

Like any other mammal, cats have lymph nodes that serve as filters. They are a component of the immune system, which works to prevent diseases by preventing bacteria and viruses from spreading throughout the body. They also clean the blood that flows through the vessels. Without this helpful tool, any infection would impact all of the organs and tissues in a cat’s body in less than a minute—the amount of time needed for a small mammal’s blood to circulate throughout its body.

Nature "scattered" lymph nodes throughout the animal’s body so that the filtration system described could effectively accomplish the task given to it. Some of them, like the following, are perceptible to the owner alone:

• mandibular;
• cervical (at the front edge of the shoulder blades);
• abdominal cavity;
• groin;
• popliteal, etc. d.

Lymphadenitis, or inflammation of any of the listed lymph nodes (but not only), typically denotes active reproduction in this "sector" of the immune system’s defense mechanism, or lymphocytes. This typically occurs when the body tries to stifle infectious agents, particularly those that are "raging."

See also: What to do if a cat has a discharge from under its tail, and why does it have a white discharge from the anus?

Causes of lymphadenitis in cats

Why can cats in particular have enlarged and inflamed lymph nodes? Veterinarians identify the following as some of the most frequent reasons why pathology develops:

• attacks of harmful organisms (bacteria, viruses, parasites);
• metabolism disorders;
• injuries;
• decreased immunity.

The animal’s condition is typified by the same symptoms regardless of the cause of the inflamed lymph nodes. Their level of specificity is entirely dependent on how localized the issue is.

Infections, trauma, or other underlying medical conditions can cause the lymph nodes to become inflamed, which results in lymphadenitis in both kittens and adult cats. Fever, lethargy, and appetite loss are frequently present along with the swelling, which typically occurs around the neck or in other lymph node-containing areas. In order to address the underlying cause of the inflammation, prompt treatment is essential and may involve the use of antibiotics or other medications. Frequent visits to the vet can aid in the early detection and treatment of the illness, resulting in a speedy recovery for your cat.

Symptoms of the disease

An owner of a domestic cat can easily diagnose lymph node inflammation on their own. Usually, when caring for the animal, the pathology is unintentionally found. In this case, it’s important to be aware of the following symptoms of the pet’s condition as they are indicative of the disease:

• In inflammatory processes affecting any tissues and organs of the body, two symmetrically located clusters of lymph nodes increase at once. The size of the "tumors" is not necessarily the same on both sides.
• Inflamed lymph nodes are hard and smooth to the touch, which is easy to check by palpation.
• The animal clearly feels unwell. Most of the time the cat is in an apathetic, lethargic state and sleeps much longer than usual.

The disease’s symptoms can become even more specific with certain varieties. For instance, an animal suffering from purulent inflammation of the lymph nodes on its neck may have a sore throat and refrain from eating, but it may also drink a lot of water due to extreme thirst.

Veterinarians caution that, because of the similarity of symptoms, common lymphadenitis can be mistaken for the onset of cancer or a malignant neoplasm in pets. When a kitten’s owner feels an enlarged lymph node, they should be aware of the following:

Treatment for the illness must begin immediately, regardless of the preliminary diagnosis. For this reason, the cat is brought to the vet right away when the first signs of lymph node inflammation materialize.

What to do when a cat has swollen lymph nodes?

The vet orders a biochemical blood test for the animal in order to determine the cause of lymphatic system issues. In the event that the pathogen presents no significant risk to the cat’s health, the veterinarian will likely advise against taking any additional steps and instead trust the patient’s body to heal itself. Making this choice will benefit the animal’s immunity in the long run.

The veterinarian will recommend treatment if there is a chance that the cat’s body won’t be able to handle the threat on its own. Depending on the kind of infection, the specialist will recommend different medications. Antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory medications are used concurrently to treat lymphadenitis in cases where tests prove ineffective in determining the precise cause of the issue.

Therapy may not always have the desired outcome. The medication is then changed and the treatment is continued. Should this prove ineffective, there’s a good chance the animal has lymphosarcoma (or a related malignant tumor) instead of lymphadenitis. The patient with the tail is then prescribed chemical and hormonal therapy.

The cat may occasionally need surgical care as well. Both the tumor’s removal and the opening of the abscess that developed at the site of inflammation may require surgery. In both situations, seeking the assistance of a surgeon is regarded as an extreme measure that is best avoided.

In cats, lymphadenitis is a condition that needs to be treated right away, regardless of age. Early detection of the symptoms is crucial because inflammation of the lymph nodes may be a sign of an underlying infection or other health problem.

It’s critical to seek veterinary care if your cat exhibits symptoms like fever or lethargy, along with swelling on the neck or in other areas. Determining the cause and the most effective course of treatment will be aided by a professional diagnosis.

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