Yes they can, they become swollen generally when they are infected. It is commonly known as Lymphadenitis. The lymph nodes are masses of tissue responsible for controlling the immune system, when they become infected your dog may experience fatigue, loss of appetite, and in some cases trouble breathing. When the lymph nodes get infected, white blood cells increase in production and are then drained from the tissue into the lymph nodes, causing them to swell.
There are a number of causes behind this condition and it is important to remember that a fungal infection will affect the lungs, skin, bones and the brain. The swelling can be caused from bacterial infections which can be transmitted through fleas, rodents, ticks, flies, respiratory problems and contaminated water. In addition, bacterial infections can be passed between dogs during breeding.
If your dog experiences an allergic reaction then the lymph nodes will react and swell. Moreover, in some cases dogs suffer this infection through a cancer known as lymphoma. If you feel like your dog has Lymphadenitis then you should take them to a vet.
The swelling can be felt rather easily, however, the internal lymph nodes cannot be detected through touch if they are swollen, and it does not show up in blood tests either. Radiographs and ultrasound tests can be carried out to determine if there is an infection but they are not always reliable. If an infection in the lymph nodes is found, the vet can carry out a surgical procedure to remove them.
There are a number of causes behind this condition and it is important to remember that a fungal infection will affect the lungs, skin, bones and the brain. The swelling can be caused from bacterial infections which can be transmitted through fleas, rodents, ticks, flies, respiratory problems and contaminated water. In addition, bacterial infections can be passed between dogs during breeding.
If your dog experiences an allergic reaction then the lymph nodes will react and swell. Moreover, in some cases dogs suffer this infection through a cancer known as lymphoma. If you feel like your dog has Lymphadenitis then you should take them to a vet.
The swelling can be felt rather easily, however, the internal lymph nodes cannot be detected through touch if they are swollen, and it does not show up in blood tests either. Radiographs and ultrasound tests can be carried out to determine if there is an infection but they are not always reliable. If an infection in the lymph nodes is found, the vet can carry out a surgical procedure to remove them.
