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
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