My guess would be that they want you too keep a close look out for early signs of Lymphoma. But like Sally says below, a swollen lymph node can be a sign of a treatable infection too. Lymph nodes can swell easily when they are doing their "job" and working to fight off an infection- anything from a URI, to a bladder infection. They can be especially palpable in an slightly underweight cat. I myself get noticeably swollen lymph nodes when I have certain infections and I've had it checked out by doctors and it's just kind of how my body works. So it just sounds like your vet just wants you to be vigilant (which I think is a good thing for a vet to tell you)- but he/she should have explained the "why." Someone please correct me if I am wrong, but my vet told me that Lymphoma is the most common form of cancer in cats and dogs period...regardless of whether your cat is Felv+. However, lymphoma is also the most common form of cancer for an Felv+ cat (and I think this is kind of why it's like Felv+ cats have so many strikes against them...that's two right there). Unfortunately, lymphoma is what my Felv+ Monkee got. I found a lump on the back of his leg around Easter this past year. I found it really quickly because I was always touching him (he was my love-bug!), but it was pretty large. It was a swollen lymph node, they did a needle biopsy and found Lymphoma. We did chemo (which, given the chance again, I probably would not go that route- I can discuss that another time if need be, but I won't go into it now). We eventually had the lump surgically removed because even after a few rounds of chemo, it actually grew in size. Monkee then came down with anemia and he died in July. So, I'm not saying this is the route your cat(s) will take at all, I just think your vet wants you to be vigilant in looking for signs of an infection or possible lymphoma. If you find a swollen lymph node, or any kind of lump on an Felv+ cat, I recommend calling your vet asap. I hope this helps. Caroline K.
Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2007 22:09:32 -0400From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Re: Glands My Cat Junior always has a certain degree of swollen lymph nodes. In his case means he is fighting an infection. My first concern when I discovered them was lymphoma, so I had the vet do a needle aspiration to rule out cancer. In his case it showed inflammation and other "stuff" indication infection. He was put on antibiotics to aid him in fighting the infection. I have to go back to the tests to see what stuff is neutrophils was one thing that was found. I just got out of the hospital Friday from surgery, so I did not see where this was answered. I hope this helps. I always worry about my Junior. He has swollen glands right now and a URI, that won't go away. Sally On 10/26/07, Dawn Morrison <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I was wondering if anyone could tell me why I was told to keep an eye out for swollen glands in the neck of my cat. Does the FeLV effect them or is it more of an immune issue? I noticed one day they seemed a little swollen and then the next day they were fine. Thanks D__________________________________________________Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com -- Sally, Eric (not a cat),Junior, Speedy, Grey and White, Ittle Bitty, Little Black, Lily, Daisy, Silver, and Spike Visit my BB for some pictures post your as well. http://www.k6az.com/ki4spk/index.php?sid=c57c00cf5804ef13853ed6e77a68eed3 _________________________________________________________________ Peek-a-boo FREE Tricks & Treats for You! http://www.reallivemoms.com?ocid=TXT_TAGHM&loc=us
