Expert: Kaza - 9/8/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi there

My 19 month old bichon frise has swollen lymph nodes under his ears, a little smaller than say a cherry.

They have been swollen for at least the last 12 months, my vet did a biopsy via inserting a needle and said there were no signs of lymphoma, and he has not been able to put his finget on any cause. Since that time no further investigation has taken place.

Obviously I am concerned and would like to find out why they are swollen.  Harry is very well in himself, he eats and drinks and has plenty of energy.

I am really struggling to get any answers and really hope you may be able to shed some light.

many thanks

V Summers

ANSWER: It can be a number of issues here but I would suspect that the puppy either late gestation or through delivery could have become infected from mum with parvo-virus which in turn could have caused the swelling but as I say it could also be a laryngeal infection, oral infections such as gingivitis, inner ear infections that have not been resolved. The dog could at some stage have been infected with lyme disease from a tick. So long as Harry is eating well, drinking well doing what a puppy does at 19 months which usually involved being quite naughty I wouldnt worry.
If he was my dog I would firstly ensure he is not reacting to his diet and start a quality natural food diet for 6 months, give him fresh drinking water with a teaspoon of benefibre daily in it and give him meaty bones to gnaw on daily.
Give his vitamin C and selenium to support his immune system and also use colloid of silver in his water twice weekly for the next 6 months. All these will provide his immune system enough time to heal itself and boost him internally.
I would also ensure he has no chemicals in his grooming products like shampoo and colognese and watch his environment so no nice smelly carpet freshener near him, all of these will add to overload him.
Incidently it just may be how his body is as I say if he is being a normal doggy then try not to worry.

Good luck


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Kaza

This is fatastic and thaks very much I shall follow all your tips.  How often would i give him the vit c and selenium?

Are there any good chemical free shampoos i can use that you would advise?

One final question, please could you reccomment a good food to feed him?

THis is an area I really struggle and would love to know what you advise to feed him

Regards

Vicky Summers

Answer
http://www.versailles-kennels.co.uk/?p=p_111&sName=feeding-&-health
http://www.versailles-kennels.co.uk/?p=p_124&sName=herbs-for-pets
http://www.versailles-kennels.co.uk/?p=p_132&sName=the-importance-of-protein-in-.
http://www.versailles-kennels.co.uk/?p=p_132&sName=the-importance-of-protein-in-.

If you read the above links you will find some foods that he will enjoy and this will be a great start to use  from now on.

For chemical free shampoos you can go to my site
www.aromacarenaturalproducts.com

We stock a range that are chemical free.

Vit C and selenium

500mg and up to 700mg daily is fine but start at twice weekly for two weeks then increase one day at a time and see how he copes. These may make his stools a little loose.

Kaza