My dog has swollen glands.

My chihuahua has strange swollen glands under her ears. I don't know when they came up but I'm pretty sure they weren't there before. I really can't afford to take her to the vet. What are they and what should I do? Are they going to effect her health?

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Swollen glands can be due to dental disease, or another infectious disease.  It could also be due to an inflammatory process anywhere in the body, or to lymphoma or other neoplastic disease.  Swollen glands in the neck could also be normal salivary glands without an infectious process.

It really would be best to have your pet examined by a vet who can also perform a needle biopsy on the swollen glands to best determine the cause.  Once the cause is established an appropriate treatment is possible.  Without a diagnosis it is not possible to tell the cause or whether it will to affect her health.

Since you say that you don't really have the money for veterinary care you may be interested in Care Credit.  Care Credit is a credit card which can only be used for medical or veterinary bills.  It carries no interest for a period of time and than low interest.  You can apply for this credit card at many veterinary offices or online.  This may be a way for your pet to receive that veterinary care that she needs.