If your dog’s lymphatic system is compromised, it may experience fluid retention and tissue swelling known as lymphadema. Lymph, a water fluid in the dog’s body, contains white blood cells, circulating through the body and collecting in interstitial spaces like subcutaneous fat, according to PetMD.com.
Some dogs are born with this issue. It has been reported to be congenital in bulldogs, poodles, Labrador retrievers and Old English sheepdogs, meaning that it is caused by some sort of malformation of their lymphatic system. However, other dogs can also get it later in life, especially if they suffer from other conditions such as heart disease, heat or radiation exposure, or trauma to their lymphatic vessels or lymph nodes, according to the news source.
The accumulation of this fluid, which is referred to as edema, is typically not painful in dogs, and a veterinarian may be able to treat it with discount pet medications like Furosemide for dogs. The swelling, however, can affect one or more of the dog’s limbs and may become painful and may cause the dog to become lame.
When you bring the dog to the veterinarian for this condition, you will need to recount the onset of the symptoms as well as the nature of them, according to the news source. A complete physical examination as well as a biochemistry profile and blood count will be performed, but usually come back normal. The lymphography is the tell-tale test for this condition. During this test, a vet will inject a contrast substance into the lymphatic system that shows the affected region when an X-ray is taken.
Because there is no cure for lymphedema, your veterinarian may try a number of different treatments for the symptoms. Antibiotics for dogs may be prescribed, but rest and massage may also be helpful. Management of the pain and for the canine’s sore limbs is sometimes the best medicine. Treating a dog with this condition as you might treat dogs with arthritis can help. Give your pooch a comfy place to rest like a Plush Foam Memory Sleeper. Also, make it easier to get onto the bed or couch with pet supplies like Soft Dog Steps with 2 Steps and into the truck or car with Dog Ramps.