Possible swelling in the throat area

Hello, Our girl has slight swelling that seems to be in the throat/neck area. It doesn’t bother her and she is her happy self. Could it possibly be a swollen gland or lymph node? She is due for her vaccinations soon so will get a full health check. When she looks down her skin is like a fat roll. But I will feel her mother under the throat and see if they are the same but there seems to be slight swelling. She was diagnosed with an inlongated soft palate. She could have thyroid issues but of course we will get her assessed. She is 8 years old. Thank you.

Hello - swelling in the throat can be concerning and your vet should examine this patient and help you to get to the bottom of it.  Englarged thyroid glands can be felt in the necks of some individuals with hypothyroidism; other signs of hypothyroidism include 'slowing down,' apparent tiredness, coat changes and weight gain, so you are definitely on the right lines getting this assessed.  Another possibility might be enlarged lymph nodes, for example in connection with inflammation in the oral cavity or cancers such as lymphoma.  Dental disease, neurological changes, lipomas, foreign bodies might also be implicated.  There is a syndrome (BOAS) by which some combination of an enlarged larynx, small nostrils, relatively small trachea and enlarged laryngeal-flaps can present together as restricted breathing.  Finally, obesity can present as rolls in the neck area, but it is important not to assume this, even in overweight dogs, until other things have been ruled out.  We hope that you get to the bottom of your lovely girl's changes; please will you let us know how you get on?