Canine Lymphoma - What You Need to Know

Canine lymphoma is a cancer of lymphocytes in dogs. Lymphocytes are white blood cells that play a crucial role in defending the body against pathogens such as bacteria and virus. The tumor can develop in any part of the body where there is lymph tissue, such as lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, liver and other organs.

Canine lymphoma usually occurs in middle aged dogs, especially Golden Retrievers. The cause of this type of cancer is not known. It can be influenced by genetic or environmental factors, or both.

Canine Lymphoma Symptoms

The symptoms vary according to the type of canine lymphoma. There are several types of lymphoma, depending on which part of the body that the tumor develops.

1. Multicentric - Tumor develops in lymph nodes as painless lumps on the neck, behind the knees, under the front legs and in the groin. This is the most common type, accounting for at least 80% of all canine lymphoma. It can spread to other internal organs such as the spleen, liver and bone marrow. In the later stage of the disease, the tumor causes obstruction in the affected organ and symptoms such as weakness, tiredness, loss of appetite and fever can arise.

2. Alimentary - Tumor in the gastrointestinal tract that results in vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea and weight loss.

3. Mediastinal - Tumor of the thymus. In the advanced stage of the disease, dogs develop breathing difficulty, fluid accumulation in lungs and hypercalcemia.

4. Cutaneous - This affects the skin, causing lesions, itchiness, redness, nodules, plaques and hair loss.

Diagnosis Of Canine Lymphoma

Diagnostic tests may include a combination of needle aspirate of the affected lymph node, biopsy, blood test, ultrasound and x-rays.

Canine Lymphoma Treatment

Chemotherapy is the only treatment option. The treatment protocol and its effectiveness is determined by the stage of the disease and location of the tumor. A combination of chemotherapy drugs are administered orally and by injection.

Unlike human beings, most dogs experience no side effects from chemotherapy. Only less than 10% of dogs may suffer serious side effects that require hospitalisation. Possible side effects include hair loss, gastrointestinal problems, reduced appetite, tiredness, diarrhea, vomiting, blood in urine and low white blood cell count.

Although chemotherapy does not cure lymphoma, some dogs do go into remission for up to 1 year. However, if left untreated, most dogs will die within 4-6 weeks.

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