Is lymphedema fatal in dogs?

Severe forms of lymphedema may be fatal for the dog ; however, there are cases in which puppies with pelvic limp involvement fully recover.

How do you get rid of fluid in a dog's leg?

For dogs that have developed edema secondary to a bodily infection, the application of warm compresses is advised. In some cases, surgery or drainage may be necessary for treating the underlying cause . Severely edematous (swollen) limbs may require amputation if the condition cannot be resolved.

Why does my dog have fluid in his leg?

The most common cause of leg swelling in dogs is injury, which can be a sprain, dislocation, joint and hip trauma, muscle tears, or paw injury . Injuries cause joints to expand and accumulate fluid leading to swelling.

Can lymphedema be painful?

What Is Lymphedema? Lymphedema is a disease that causes painful and uncomfortable swelling of the arms, fingers, legs or feet, and commonly occurs after a patient's lymph nodes are removed as a necessary part of surgery.

What are the final stages of lymphoma in dogs?

Final Stage Dog Lymphoma Symptoms Breathing difficulties (which is frequently indicated by laboured panting) Glassy eyes. Restlessness and discomfort. Unwillingness or inability to move or even stand.

Can lymphedema be fatal?

Although lymphedema can strike anyone at any age, most cases are the result of cancer or cancer treatment. Over time untreated lymphedema can lead to disfigurement, disability, and even death .

How do I get my dogs swelling to go down?

The application of cold can significantly help reduce swelling and inflammation (a.k.a. irritation) in your dog. It relieves pain by reducing damage to muscles immediately after an injury, surgery or heavy exercise. In addition, cold therapy will decrease muscle spasms and lead to faster healing.

How can I stop my legs from leaking fluid?

Common treatments for leg swelling include walking daily, elevation of the legs throughout the day and at night, compression stockings and sleeves, compression pumps, wrapping the legs to reduce swelling, and use of water pills or diuretics in consultation with your primary care doctor and cardiologist.

Is lymphedema curable in dogs?

Recovery of Lymphedema in Dogs There is no cure for lymphedema , but if the underlying cause is found and treated, the condition may resolve with treatment. In cases of congenital lymphedema, several forms may be fatal for the dog.

How long will a dog live with untreated lymphoma?

The life expectancy of untreated dogs with lymphoma is about 4 to 6 weeks after diagnosis. The cancer will infiltrate an organ to such an extent that organ fails. Appetite declines, breathing becomes more labored, and the patient weakens and dies.

How do you comfort a dog with lymphoma?

Prednisone is frequently prescribed to dogs with lymphoma at the time of diagnosis , prior to consultation with a veterinary oncologist. Prednisone is a potent anti-inflammatory drug and can also help kill off a certain proportion of cancerous lymphocytes.

What are the last stages of congestive heart failure in dogs?

Stage 4 : CHF is in its final stage. Breathing becomes difficult even when at rest. Fluid can accumulate in various parts of the body, causing swollen legs or belly, making it difficult to walk. It can even cause vomiting.

My Dog's Leg Is Swollen With Fluid - Lymphedema in Dogs (2024)

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A dog's body is made up of various systems which connect to allow their organism to stay alive. The circulatory system is made of the blood and lymphatic systems which interrelate to carry out various functions. When one part of the body is affected, its connectivity means symptoms can appear in various areas. This differs whether the problem is localized or systemic, i.e. affecting one body part or a range at once. When we see our dog has legs swollen with fluid, we might think it is a localized problem. However, since the legs contain lymph nodes, it is also possibly a more systemic problem. This is often the case with lymphedema in dogs.

AnimalWised looks at the the main reason why a dog's leg is swollen with fluid. We do this by looking at the causes, symptoms and treatment of lymphedema in dogs.

You may also be interested in: My Cat's Paw Is Swollen

What is lymphedema in dogs?

An edema is a term for various types of fluid retention in the tissue of a dog's body. When this fluid accumulates in the subcutaneous tissue of the lymphatic system, we refer to it as a lymphedema. This is due to some type of malfunctioning of the lymphatic system, something we explore further below.

The lymphatic system consists of a network of nodes, lymphatic vessels and lymphoid organs. The latter include the thymus and the spleen. These components work together to collect and transport lymph fluid through various tissues in the body. When this system does not function properly, the lymphatic fluid collects in the tissue under the skin, resulting in the swelling.

Since the lymphatic system extends over their body, the fluid accumulation can be almost anywhere. However, we often see the lymphedema present in areas near the lymph nodes. This is why we see the dog's legs often swell with fluid.

It is also important to note that there are other types of swelling on a dog's legs. Tumors, skin diseases and allergic reactions can cause localized inflammation. However, not all will be swelling due to fluid accumulation, i.e. an edema.

Canine breeds predisposed to lymphedema

In the case of dogs, the most frequently affected areas are the hind limbs. There does not appear to be a predilection for the appearance of the disease according to sex, but breed does appear to play a part.. Among the breeds most affected by lymphedema, we can see the Bulldog, German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Great Dane and the Dachshund.

Types of lymphedema in dogs

Canine lymphedema can be classified into two groups:

Primary: when it is caused by a primary defect in the lymphatic system itself, specifically in the nodes and/or lymphatic vessels.
Secondary: when it appears secondary to other pathological processes or as a result of surgical intervention, trauma, etc.

Causes of lymphedema in dogs

Now we know the two types of canine lymphedema, we explain the main underlying causes of both these categories:

Primary lymphedema: is caused by congenital anomalies. Specifically, primary-type lymphedema in dogs can be caused by lymphatic hypoplasia or by lymphatic hyperplasia and dilatation.
Secondary lymphedema: secondary lymphedema in dogs can be produced by a range of pathological processes. These include malignant cancers (primary or metastatic), inflammation, trauma, chronic infections, parasitic infestations or immune mediated disease. It can also occur as a result of surgery.

Symptoms of lymphedema in dogs

The main clinical sign associated with canine lymphedema is swelling of the affected area. As we have explained, lymphedema in dogs is more frequent in the legs, especially in the hind limbs. However, the forelimbs, abdomen, genital area and ears can also be affected. It can be unilateral if only one side of the body is affected, or bilateral if both sides are affected simultaneously.

As well as legs being swollen with fluid, we may see certain other symptoms which include:

When it affects the legs, the swelling generally begins in the distal area of the extremity, i.e. the area farthest from the animal's body. As it progresses, it spreads towards the proximal area, i.e. the area closest the body.
Pressing the affected tissue firmly with the finger produces a depression (known as a pit) that persists for a few seconds after the finger is removed.
The skin of the affected area is usually thinner and spongy in appearance.
It is usually painless unless there is massive swelling or it is accompanied by cellulite.
The area is usually neither hotter nor colder than normal.
Regional lymph nodes may not be palpable.
The patient may be less active than usual due to the additional weight of the limb.

Some of these clinical signs are common with edema caused by abnormalities of the venous system (such as venous stasis), heart failure, renal failure, cirrhosis, or hypoproteinemia. It will be important to differentiate both alterations during the diagnostic process.

My Dog's Leg Is Swollen With Fluid - Lymphedema in Dogs (3)

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Diagnosis of lymphedema in dogs

When we see a dog's leg or legs swollen with fluid, we need to take them to a veterinarian. While some may require minimal treatment, others are potentially life threatening. The diagnosis of canine lymphedema is based on the following factors:

Clinical history and general examination: the clinical signs described in the previous section allow us to guide the diagnosis of canine lymphedema.
Laboratory tests: including blood tests, urinalysis and other complementary tests. They are necessary to differentiate between lymphedema and other types of swelling, as well as to identify the cause of secondary type lymphedema.
Skin biopsy and histopathology: allows visualizing the microscopic lesions associated with lymphedema. In the case of primary lymphedema, it will allow the detection of the specific type of congenital alteration (hypoplasia or hyperplasia) that causes the lymphedema. Varying degrees of dermal or subdermal edema are commonly seen, with dilated or hyperplastic lymphatic vessels. In chronic cases, it can be accompanied by fibrosis of the tissue. In this case, the swelling won't feel as fluid as before.
Direct lymphangiography: consists of a contrast X-ray of the lymph nodes and vessels. To obtain the radiographic image, the water-based contrast medium must be injected into a lymphatic vessel.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): can be performed as an advanced imaging test, since it allows us to see the structural changes caused by lymphedema and offers relevant information on the presence, architecture and size of the lymph nodes.

Treatment of lymphedema in dogs

The success of the treatment of canine lymphedema depends to a great extent on its progress and chronicity. The early stages are generally reversible and resolve spontaneously or with supportive treatment. However, when the process becomes chronic, tissue fibrosis usually occurs, complicating treatment.

We must emphasize that there is no curative treatment for lymphedema in dogs. However, there are various therapeutic options, both medical and surgical, which may help control the process. Next, we collect the main therapeutic alternatives or supportive therapies for canine lymphedema:

Robert Jones-type compression bandage: it is especially useful in the early stages of lymphedema, as it helps reduce swelling and provides relief to the patient. It is especially useful on the leg swelling.
Rigid bandages: with splints and/or plaster.
Pharmacological treatment: although there are few studies on the matter, tocopherol nicotinate and sodium sulfonate hydrate may be effective in controlling some clinical signs. Long-term treatment with diuretics (such as furosemide) is contraindicated.
Surgical treatment: when conservative treatment is not effective, it is necessary to resort to surgical treatment. Options include removal of edematous tissue, reconstructive surgery, and, in very severe cases, amputation of the affected limb.

In addition, in cases of secondary lymphedema in which the primary disease is known, it is also necessary to establish a specific treatment for said primary cause. For the above reasons, it is essential to go to a veterinary center when the first symptoms are observed, since it is important to find the cause to treat lymphedema in dogs.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to My Dog's Leg Is Swollen With Fluid, we recommend you visit our Other health problems category.

Bibliography

Dlujnewsky, J., Quintero, V., & Rodrigues, G. (2015). Clinical case report: canine primary lymphedema. Journal of the College of Veterinary Doctors of the Lara State, 10.
Fossum, T. W., & Miller, M. W. (1992). Lymphedema ethiopathogenesis. J Vet Inter Med, 6:238.
Fossum, T. W., King, L. A., Miller, M. W., & Butler, L. M. (1992). Lymphedema clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment. J. Vet Intern Med Assoc, 6:312.