Lump in 3 month old Chiuahua's ear going all the way to the throat

by vera
(arizona)

My 3 month old Chiuahua has a lump in from under his ear, it has gone from small to big to small to the size of a golf ball!

It was small when I left, and when I came home 3 hours later it was double the size of when I left. He's eating and drinking fine, and playing with the other (older) dogs, and sleeping well.

I'm not sure what to do, he seems like he's also a lot more skinner today as well, and wants to eat everything like he's starving..




Hi Vera
It could be that your puppy is experiencing something called 'puppy strangles' (real name Puppy Pyoderma or Juvenile Cellulitis).

This is an immune system problem and something that I get a lot of questions about. The lumps are caused by swollen lymph nodes under the chin and around the neck.

Your puppy needs to be examined by a veterinarian right away as this condition can be treated and your pup can make a full recovery. Usually antibiotics are given, sometimes in conjunction with corticosteroids to reduce the swelling.

But, left untreated this can end up being extremely serious, even fatal. So, please get your pup to a vet right away.

Of course there could be other reasons for the swelling, but in my opinion this is the most likely one. Your vet is the professional though and he'll be able to give you an accurate diagnosis.

Best of luck, hope your puppy is doing much better soon.