Taking Seamus to the vet... *Update test results*

[L.M.]

We are bringing Seamus to the vet this afternoon.  I'm the type of person who likes to know as much as I can before talking to a vet (or any doctor for that matter) so I'm looking for some ideas.  We found a swollen lymph node (pretty sure it's what it is) on the back of Seamus' back leg.  He is 2 years old, has thus far been a healthy big guy.  He is neutered, well-exercised...  From my research online it seems like it can be any number of things.  I don't want to even think about the worst case scenario...but of course that's in the back of my mind.  I've also read that a swollen lymph node can be a sign of lyme disease.  He does get the lyme shot, but who knows what that really does.  We also did just return from a vacation in Tennessee, where we did do some hiking with the pups.  He has been getting Frontline as well (although I wanted to stop giving him that in the future.)  Other than some limping when running on that leg and acting kind of babyish the past day, he is not showing any other symptoms.  He is still eating, playing, pooping, etc.  Not overly tired from what I can tell.  The node (or growth or who knows what it is..) is pretty large...you can't see it but can easily feel it.  Has anyone experienced anything like this with a younger dog?? My husband thought maybe a muscle pull or something that would swell his leg a little, but when I googled canine lymph nodes I found a diagram and there is a node in the spot where I feel a bump.  Can anyone also think of any questions I should be asking my vet as well?  Like I said before, I like to be thorough with my vet because sometimes he doesn't offer as much information as he should (in my opinion at least lol).  I will keep everyone updated once we get home later this afternoon.  Thanks so much everyone.

[Sue, Lola, Pongo & Hubby]

I have nothing helpful to add here...I just hope it's nothing to worry about, and I hope your vet IS thorough enough to figure out what it really is. good luck, and keep us updated!

[Rose Ann and Amante]

I had a swollen lymph node while back. Came out of know where. Turned out to be  just a weird virus. Hoping its same scenario in doggie medicine. Good Luck!

[L.M.]

Well we just got home.  The vet confirmed that it is in fact a lymph node.  lol I think he was impressed that I knew what a lymph node was.  He did a blood work up and parasite screen.  He also confirmed that from feeling around, it seems to be the only swollen node, which I guess is a good thing.  He has no fever either.  So he started him on doxycyclen in case it is lyme disease.  Now the waiting begins for the test results.  On the bright side, the vet complimented us that Seamus is such a good patient....my poor guy just gets up on the table and completely freezes while they do the exam and take blood.  I think I flinch more than he does.  Thanks for the well wishes everyone!  If it is lyme (which he was already vaccinated against...but I guess there's different strains?)  and it's caught early, do they only treat him with the oral antibiotics?  Or can we expect more issues in the future? I, myself, had lyme disease and only took one round of antibiotics...so I'm wondering if dogs are the same??

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm so glad you posted to let us know how you made out at the Vet...I've been thinking of you.  Murph did not have Lyme Disease, but last Fall he did have another tick borne illness.  He was symptomatic though, and it sounds like Seamus is not.  He was treated with oral antibiotics and there were no "after effects".

[Bonnie and Kona]

Looking forward to good news from the tests. I know the waiting is awful. Take care.

[F, Calla & Luca]

There are different strains I think. I also think they may start him on oral antibiotic since he seems to be in an early stage if that's what it is.

[Tina, Clover, Plus 5 More]

Thanks for keeping us updated.  I haven't had to deal with Lyme disease and have no advise.  Keeping fingers and paws crossed the test come back negative.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thanks for the update. I hope Seamus has a speedy recovery whatever it turns out to be.  I will look for your post as to the results of the tests.

[Rose Ann and Amante]

So happy you posted I was wondering!!! Hoping for a speedy recovery!!

[L.M.]

Our vet just called and the CBC came back perfect!  So no worries about lymphoma!  My stomach has been in knots and I can't believe he got back to me so quickly!!  He also said the parasite screen was negative but there could be some illnesses that would not show up in the screen, so we have to give him the antibiotics for a week, monitor the lymph node, and take him back when he finishes the pills.  (My own lyme disease didn't show up in my first blood test, so I'm wondering if the vet will test again in a few weeks.)  I'm just so thrilled it's not lymphoma or anything like that.  Thank you all so much for the well wishes again.  It's so nice to have all of you to share the good and bad moments with.  The vet said that Seamus should show some improvement in the next few days, so I'm hoping for the best.  He is really tired now and still seems a bit off....but I'm hoping the meds will bring him back to his crazy old self soon.  =)

[Tina, Clover, Plus 5 More]

Yay!!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Glad to hear the good news!