Have you ever noticed a calf or cow with lumps or swellings under the jaw, behind the ears, or near the shoulders? These are often swollen glands (lymph nodes) - and they are not something to ignore.
🧫 What Causes Swollen Glands in Cattle?
Swollen lymph nodes are the body’s natural response to infection or injury. The lymph nodes act as filters that trap and destroy harmful germs. When infection strikes, they work harder and may become enlarged or painful.
Here’s what could be behind the swelling:
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Localized infections or wounds near the swollen area.
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Systemic infections, such as bacterial or viral diseases that affect multiple parts of the body.
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Parasitic infestations, abscesses, or even nutritional deficiencies in some cases.
If only one node is swollen, it’s likely a local infection. But if several nodes in different body areas are enlarged, it could mean a more serious systemic disease.
⚠️ Common Farm Remedies - and Why They’re Dangerous
It’s common to hear that some farmers try to relieve swelling by burning the lump with a red-hot metal rod or applying corrosive herbal pastes. Unfortunately, these practices cause more harm than good.
Here’s why:
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🔥 Burning or damaging the swelling doesn’t remove the infection - it creates new wounds that invite even more bacteria.
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🩸 It causes severe pain and stress to the animal.
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🧬 It may delay proper treatment, leading to worsening of the disease.
Lymph nodes swell because they’re producing immune cells to fight infection. Destroying them only weakens the animal’s immune defense.
👨⚕️ Veterinary Recommendations
Instead of traditional burning or herbal methods, the best action is to:
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Call a qualified veterinarian immediately when you notice swellings.
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Provide a detailed observation - when the swelling started, whether the animal is eating well, has a fever, or shows other symptoms.
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Follow the prescribed treatment, which may include antibiotics, drainage of abscesses, or supportive therapy depending on the diagnosis.
Early intervention ensures faster recovery, prevents the spread of infection, and saves the animal from unnecessary suffering.
✅ Takeaway for Farmers
Swollen glands are a warning sign, not just a cosmetic issue. Treat the cause, not the swelling. Always consult a veterinary professional for proper diagnosis and management. Healthy animals mean healthy farms - and that begins with proper care, not harmful shortcuts.
Author’s note:
If you ever notice unusual swellings, fevers, or behavior changes in your livestock, seek veterinary advice immediately. Early action saves lives - and livelihoods.
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