From:
Bruce Williams, DVM
Date: 2001-05-08 13:28:00 UTC
Subject: Re: fat pads vs. lymph nodes?
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., "- Z -" <regina_z@h...> wrote:
> me again, with another question, probably for the vets: is there
any
> way to tell the difference by touch between fat pads and swollen
> lymph nodes, in this case in the armpit area? Or is analysis of a
> sample the only way to know for sure? I've read that fat pads can
be
> hard to differentiate from swollen lymph nodes, but would fat pads
> occur naturally in the armpit area?
Dear Regina:
It is very difficult indeed to tell the difference between fat pads
and enlarged nodes, and many vets end up biopsying fat. In very
general rules - enlarged nodes are generally hard, and fat is
generally soft and mushy. But it can be very tricky, and an aspirate
or a biopsy often is required.
In an older animal, which tends to put down fat around the nodes,
especially in the proximity of the legs, I think I would proceed a
bit more slowly, and probably go with an aspirate in this case.
With kindest regards,
Bruce H. Williams, DVM, DACVP
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