Swollen lymph nodes

[Kareaver]

I have an 8 year old golden retriever and we've noticed extremely enlarged lymph nodes.  The vet felt them and immediately did a biopsy to test for lymphoma.  The results came back non-conclusive.  We treated him with antibiotics for 2 weeks thinking it may just be an infection, but the lymph nodes have actually increased in size some.  Our dog has had enlarged lymph nodes for about 2-3 months and isn't acting any different.  The vet came out yesterday and did a blood test and depending on that may do another biopsy.  He's somewhat confused because based on the physical exam, age, and breed of the dog he thinks it's lymphoma.  I have noticed that his breathing is a little heavier especially at night.  I'll let people know what the vet says when I hear something.  Just curious if anyone else has experienced something like this?

[Margot49]

Ah, so very sorry to read this.  It is very difficult and just tugs at your heart.
We were lucky, in a spence, that our dogs lasted as long as they did.  The original prognosis was about 2 months for our Ranger.  
Last act of live we can often do for them.  He was lucky to have had you!!
Hugs.

[boomersmomma]

I am so sorry for your loss.  Atleast Ajax is no longer in pain, and he crossed the Rainbow Bridge knowing that he was loved and cared for immensely.  

[Kareaver]

It has been a difficult 2 weeks for us as we had to put our beloved Ajax to sleep on July 3. As difficult as it was to see him go we know that he is in a better place. My brother and his wife came in town for the holiday on Wednesday night and Ajax was fine. We woke up Thursday morning and he hadn't moved at all throughout the night and couldn't use his back legs. We knew it was time and didn't want to see him suffer. The vet had actually been to the house on Wednesday for another pet but looked at Ajax and when he saw him on Thursday he couldn't believe the difference in 24 hours. We have many happy memories with him and couldn't have asked for a better dog. Thanks so much for the support and advice throughout the past 5 months.

[Margot49]

Thanks for the update and so sorry about the diagnosis.  Yes, treatment can be very expensive and very few go into remission.  I didn't want to put our Greyhound through that and he was in no pain either.  Like I said, he was with us another 6 mos and still enjoyed his daily walks, etc.  when he didn't want to go for his walk and the lymph nodes in his neck got huge, I knew it was time to let him go, as hard as that was.
You might want to search the Yahoo boards for Canine cancer groups.  Many have some good info but you have to do what you feel us right.
Again, so sorry.

[Kareaver]

I just heard from the vet today with the blood results. Unfortunately it is what we all didn't want to hear and his lymphocytes were off the chart. It has been determined that he definitely has lymphoma and most likely leukemia. We don't want to put him through chemo and really couldn't afford that option as it is expensive so we're going to treat with Prednisone and make him as comfortable as possible. The bright side is that our dog is not in any pain right now and doesn't even know anything is wrong with him. I guess someone will be getting a little more spoiled than he already is.

[Margot49]

Yes, lost  a Greyhound to Lymphoma.  Caught it pretty early as I felt an enlarged node under his jaw and went right in and my Vet did an aspiration biopsy that confirmed what I did not want to hear. :-(.  He was 12 and I opted to do palliative care only and gave him a special diet and supplements. It can progress quickly but he was with us for about another 6 months.  
Maybe your Vet should try another lab? Has he done any chest and/or abdominal x-rays?  Hope that  Lymphoma us not the case but, unfortunately, a pretty common cancer in dogs.  
Good luck and please let us know what you find out.