Lump on Throat of Dog: What You Need to Know

A lump on your dog's throat can be a worrying sight, but it's not always a cause for panic.

The most common cause of lumps on the throat of dogs is a benign growth called a lymph node enlargement, which is a normal response to an infection or inflammation in the body.

Some lumps on the throat can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as a tumor or a foreign object stuck in the throat.

If you notice a lump on your dog's throat, it's essential to have it checked by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

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A lump on your dog's throat can be concerning, but understanding the possible causes and symptoms can help you take action.

Traumatic injuries to the salivary glands and ducts are often the result of a dog chewing on an object, getting a bite wound from another animal, or pulling on a choke chain or prong collar.

Other potential causes of a lump on the throat include sialolithiasis, a rare condition in dogs that causes stones to form in the salivary glands or ducts, and foreign bodies like grass awns blocking the salivary glands.

Symptoms of a salivary mucocele, which is a type of lump on the throat, may include a round lump that feels swollen and is not typically painful in the early stages.

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A salivary mucocele can look and feel like a round lump, usually not painful in the early stages unless it becomes large enough to put pressure on another part of the anatomy.

Large or infected salivary mucoceles may cause dogs to show non-specific signs of illness, including lethargy and loss of appetite.

The specific signs of a salivary mucocele will depend on the type, with four types of sialoceles each named for the location where they occur.

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Salivary mucoceles in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors. Traumatic injury to the salivary glands and ducts is a common cause, often resulting from oral injuries like chewing on an object, such as a stick.

Bite wounds from another animal can also lead to sialoceles. Neck injuries from pulling on a choke chain or prong collar are another type of traumatic injury that can cause salivary mucoceles.

Sialolithiasis, a rare condition in dogs, can cause stones to form in the salivary glands or ducts, leading to a blockage and rupture that may result in a salivary mucocele.

Foreign bodies, such as grass awns, can block the salivary glands and lead to rupture, causing a salivary mucocele.

Some dog breeds are more prone to sialoceles than others. German shepherds, dachshunds, poodles, greyhounds, and Australian silky terriers are among the breeds that are more often affected.

Here are some common causes of salivary mucoceles:

Benign tumors are not something to worry about, and that's a relief. They're not likely to spread to other areas on the body.

A benign tumor is a growth that doesn't invade surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body. This is good news, as it means we have a better chance of treating and removing it.

Benign tumors are often found in people who are older, and they can appear almost anywhere in the body.

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Enlarged lymph nodes can be a sign of many different health troubles in your dog, so like all of the other lumps and bumps you may find on your dog it’s important to have it checked out by your vet.

Common places to find an enlarged lymph node include lumps on your dog’s neck under their jaw or a lump in their armpit.

Enlarged lymph nodes can mean anything from your dog fighting a small infection to canine lymphoma developing in that area.

If you notice that there is a lymph node that is swelling, it's crucial to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible to have tests run, which will greatly improve their chances for easy treatment.

Here are some common areas where enlarged lymph nodes can be found:

Diagnosing lumps and bumps in pets can be a straightforward process with the right approach. Your veterinarian will start by performing a physical examination to assess the lump.

Taking note of the location, size, and any changes to the lump since it first appeared can be helpful for your vet to make a diagnosis. Photographs of the lump can also be useful for your veterinarian to evaluate.

A Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) is a common test used to diagnose lumps and bumps in pets. This involves taking a small sample of cells from the lump using a needle and syringe.

If the FNA is unable to provide a clear diagnosis, your vet may recommend a biopsy to remove a part or all of the lump for further examination. This is usually done under sedation or general anesthesia.

In cases where the lump has fluid inside, an FNA may not be possible. Instead, the fluid is extracted and sent to a lab for analysis.

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If your dog has a lump on their throat, your veterinarian will likely recommend treatment options.

Surgical removal of the lump is a common treatment, which may involve removing some normal tissue as well.

The prognosis for dogs with salivary mucoceles, a type of salivary gland tumor, is generally good after surgery.

Your veterinarian will send your dog home with medications and instructions for basic home care, including keeping the incision clean and dry.

You should also bring your dog back to the vet for follow-up visits as necessary, and follow your veterinarian's recommendations for post-operative care.

Here are some possible treatment options for a lump on your dog's throat:

Dog skin lumps and bumps can be a concern for any pet owner.

Your vet will perform a physical exam to diagnose the lump, taking note of its location, how long it's been there, and any changes since you first noticed it.

It's helpful to take photographs of the lump to show your vet, especially if you notice any changes over time.

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Your vet may take an impression of the surface of the growth, use a syringe and small needle to withdraw a small sample of cells, or surgically remove a small tissue sample to determine a diagnosis.

A trained veterinary pathologist will analyze the sample to determine the cause of the lump, and your vet will recommend the best course of treatment.

Here are some common options for treating dog skin lumps and bumps:

To prepare for your vet visit, take note of the following:

You're going to the vet to check out that lump on your dog's throat, and you're probably wondering what to expect. Your vet will use different tests to identify what's causing the lump and how serious it is.

A Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) is a common test used to diagnose lumps on dogs. Your vet will take a small needle and stick the lump to get a sample of cells, which they'll then look at under a microscope.

Most lumps on dogs are diagnosed with an FNA, so you're in good hands. If the FNA can't identify what's causing the lump, your vet may sedate your dog to take a biopsy of the lump.

A biopsy will require a part of the lump, or all of it if it's small, to be removed and examined closely by a laboratory. This is usually a last resort, but it's a good way to get a definitive diagnosis.

If the lump has fluid inside, your vet will extract the fluid and send it to a lab for closer inspection. This is because an FNA can't be done if there's fluid inside the lump.