New puppy

Question
hi,
I just got a new puppy she's 7 weeks now. I got her 2 weeks ago. today I noticed a kind of swollen spot on her butt. it's kind of a bubble and deep pink in color. She seems fine, still energetic and like herself. my husband had another dog for 12 years and he said his other dog had a little swelling sometimes also. I'm trying to find out if this is normal at all before I take her to the vet. Thanks for your time,
Karla

Answer
Hello Karla -

Congratulations on your new puppy!

It sounds like your puppy may have a swollen lymph node.  Lymphadenitis is the term used to describe lymph nodes which are enlarged due to infection or inflammation. Lymphadenitis is a non-cancerous condition. When an infection occurs, often the lymph nodes in the area adjacent to the infection become enlarged and inflamed.

With lymphadenitis, enlargement of one or more lymph nodes is the most common sign. Usually, with an infection, an elevated temperature is also present. Other signs depend on the area involved. For instance, a dog with a sore throat may also cough, drool, swallow repeatedly, and be reluctant to eat. Some of these signs could be caused by the enlarged lymph nodes interfering with swallowing. If an infection occurs in a rear foot, the lymph nodes further up the leg would be enlarged. Limping may occur not only because the foot is sore, but also because the nodes may be painful and muscle movement increases the discomfort.

Lymphadenitis is usually not serious; assuming the infection is diagnosed and curable. In most cases, once the infection is cleared, the enlarged lymph nodes will return to normal size.

The cause of the enlarged lymph node must be determined. If a bacterial infection is present, antibiotics will help fight the disease. If a fungal infection is causing the enlarged lymph nodes, then antifungal medications must be given. It is very important to first determine the cause, then select the proper treatment.

I would take your pet to the vet to be sure. It could be something as simple as a strained muscle but hard for me to tell without seeing or feeling the lump.

In the meantime, begin to add Garlic powder to your puppies food. Garlic is an antimicorbial and will fight and kill bacteria and infection in the system. Don't be afraid to sprinkle it on the food with a heavy hand, dogs love Garlic and she should eat it up right away. It is good to begin natural regimens with your pets at a young age, they adapt very well to them and will just about any remedy you give them in the future. The only draw back to adding Garlic to the food is flatulence. Although she may be tiny, it still may be a little stinky, but the Garlic is doing its job by pushing the bacteria through the system. Just keep a couple clothes pins handy. It is safe to keep your pet on Garlic regardless of the conventional medication issued now or in the future. You may keep her on the Garlic daily or administer it upon illness.

If she is put on an antibitoic you may to consider adding Probitoics to her diet. Probitoics, such as Acidophilus, are the good bacteria found in the intestinal tract. When humans or animals get sick or are put on antibiotics, they kill all bacteria in the gut. Probiotics allow the intestinal flora (good bacteria) to thrive and help combat bacteria and infection and will increase healing time to 70%. You can purchase Probiotics in your pet store or you can give her the "human" kind. If you pup is not good at taking pills, give her plain yogurt daily. Probiotics are the live cultures found in yogurt, so it would work the same way. Again, this is safe to keep her on daily or if she begins antibitoics start her on this ASAP and continue for at least 7 (seven) days after the antibiotics have been completed.

I hope this information has helped you and your pet.

If you would like information on natural and herbal remedies for human and animal concerns please contact me at wintersaurora@yahoo.com and I will be happy to assist you and send you a catalog of my home made herbal remedies.

Thank you and best wishes to you and your pet.

Sincerely,
Sharon Hubbs, AHG
Certified Natural Health Consultant & Herbalist