What indicates a potential problem when palpating the axillary lymph node?

When palpating the axillary lymph node, an enlargement of the node is a significant indicator of a potential health issue. Lymph nodes play a crucial role in the immune system, acting as filters for foreign substances, including pathogens. An enlarged lymph node can suggest that the body is responding to infection, inflammation, or even malignancy.

In a healthy state, lymph nodes are typically small, firm, and not easily palpable in many dogs. Therefore, noticing an increase in size should prompt further investigation. It may signal that the body is actively fighting something or that there could be a serious underlying condition.

Comparative characteristics such as whether the lymph node feels smooth or if it is symmetrical are important for assessment but do not in themselves indicate a problem. For instance, a lymph node can be symmetrical and smooth while still being normal in size. The key finding is the enlargement, which suggests pathology and necessitates further examination or treatment.