Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Axillary lymph node removal surgery in 44 dogs with cancer
By Schneider, Nadine et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2025·AURA Veterinary, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Axillary lymph node removal for staging cancer; description of a lateral approach and application in 44 tumor-bearing dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 44 dogs with local tumors underwent surgery to remove their axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) to help stage their cancer. The procedure was successful, with no major complications during surgery, although some dogs experienced minor issues afterward, such as fluid buildup or wound problems. The average surgery time was about 112 minutes, and the dogs were monitored for an average of 147 days after the operation. Overall, this new surgical technique proved to be effective and safe for ALN removal in dogs with cancer.
People also search for: dog cancer surgery · axillary lymph node removal in dogs · complications after dog surgery · dog tumor treatment options
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe a lateral approach for axillary lymph node (ALN) extirpation and evaluate complications in dogs with local malignant tumors. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: A total of 44 dogs diagnosed with local malignancies. METHODS: Medical records (January 2021-July 2024) were reviewed for dogs undergoing ALN removal, with or without primary tumor excision, at a single referral hospital. Surgical techniques and anatomical landmarks were described. Data collected included patient demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical details, and complications. RESULTS: Axillary lymph node removal was performed successfully in 44 dogs (48 ALNs). Key anatomical landmarks included the costochondral junction of the first rib and the caudal scapular edge. Mean bodyweight was 22.9 kg (range: 5.5-49.8 kg). Average surgical time for combined ALN and tumor removal (n = 28) was 112 min (range: 29-220 min), while ALN-specific dissection time (n = 7; 9 ALNs) averaged 16.6 min (range: 14-35 min). No intraoperative complications, such as hemorrhage or inability to locate the LN, were observed. Postoperative complications included seromas (n = 2), wound dehiscence (n = 4), discomfort (n = 1), and significant lameness (n = 1), with a mean follow-up of 147 days (range: 13-588 days). CONCLUSION: This lateral approach provided a reliable and reproducible method for ALN extirpation in dogs, using consistent anatomical landmarks to minimize dissection time and surgical trauma. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This approach allows consistent ALN removal with reduced soft tissue dissection and without reliance on any intraoperative guidance techniques.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40600390/