Lymphoma
Our guide has been authored by qualified veterinarians, but should not be taken as substitute for medical advice or professional veterinary consultation. If your pet displays any unusual symptoms, we strongly advise seeking guidance from a veterinarian
Understanding Lymphoma in Dogs
The lymphatic system is a vital part of the immune system responsible for filtering and carrying white blood cells whose role is to fight infections throughout the body. Lymphoma is a malignant disease that occurs when lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, begin to proliferate abnormally and uncontrollably in various parts of the body. In most cases, it is multicentric lymphoma, meaning it affects various lymphatic organs – lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and bone marrow. Other forms of the disease may affect the digestive system, chest, eyes, skin, kidneys, and nervous system.
The story of Luna
One day, Zoe noticed two lumps the size of ping pong balls under Luna’s jaw, his German Shepherd. It was difficult to notice them until now because Luna had long hair and showed no signs of pain, loss of appetite, or illness. Upon examination at the clinic, Luna was found to have lost over 15 pounds over three months. Dr. Stone, the veterinarian, thoroughly examined her body and identified additional lumps on her shoulders, groin, and hind legs. Samples from those lumps confirmed that Luna was indeed suffering from multicentric lymphoma. She underwent blood tests, abdominal ultrasound, and X-rays. Then started chemotherapy treatment once a week for two weeks. Today, 10 months after the diagnosis, Luna looks and feels great.
Causes of Lymphoma: Uncovering Triggers
As with most cases of cancer, in humans as well as in animals, we don’t truly know why one animal gets the disease and the other doesn’t. There may indeed be various genetic and environmental factors contributing to it, but as of today, these factors have not been clearly identified as responsible for the disease.
Recognizing Lymphoma: Signs and Symptoms
- Appearance of lumps: Enlarged lymph nodes in different body areas - the "classic" presentation of the disease. These lumps may appear without accompanying pain or sensitivity to touch. It's important to remember that not every lump indicates cancer, as there are other reasons that can cause the enlargement of these nodes.
- Fever
- Fatigue: General decrease in energy levels, appearing tired.
- Unexplained weight loss: Despite maintaining their regular appetite or even an increased appetite.
- Loss of appetite: Decreased interest in food or reluctance to eat.
- Chronic vomiting and diarrhea: In cases of lymphoma of the digestive system.
- Breathing difficulties and coughing: When there is growth affecting the respiratory system.
- Increased thirst and frequent urination: In cases of renal (kidney) lymphoma or high calcium levels.
- Skin changes: Cutaneous lymphoma may manifest as lumps, red patches, or nodules on the skin.
- Neurological changes: Cases of growth in the central nervous system.
Lymphoma Diagnosis: How it's Identified
In the vast majority of cases, suspicion arises upon examination due to the enlargement of several external lymph nodes. In the initial stage, a simple procedure is performed that does not require anesthesia and involves needle aspiration (FNA) of fluid from the lymph nodes. Most types of lymphoma can be almost definitively diagnosed at this stage. Additional tests that are important to assess the stage of the tumor or in cases of non-multicentric lymphoma that does not appear as lymph node enlargement: complete blood count, blood chemistry, and urine tests. The veterinarian will also perform X-rays and/or ultrasound scans to examine internal organ involvement and may take biopsies in cases where a more specific diagnosis of lymphoma is needed. In more challenging cases, such as lymphoma in the spinal cord, there may also be a need for advanced imaging such as CT or MRI.
Treating Lymphoma: Options and Approaches
The goal of treatment here is to achieve remission for as long as possible while maintaining a good quality of life and treating the accompanying conditions. It’s important to note that lymphoma in dogs generally is not curable, but many dogs respond well to treatment, enjoy prolonged remission, and experience improved quality of life:
- Chemotherapy – is considered the most common and effective treatment. There are several treatment protocols, and unlike humans, they usually involve fewer side effects. In some protocols, 50% of dogs will experience remission for more than a year.
- Surgery – Usually, there is no benefit in removing lymph nodes because it is a systemic disease affecting multiple areas of the body. However, in certain cases, surgery may be necessary to obtain a biopsy for a definitive diagnosis, to treat a very localized growth, or to alleviate local obstruction or discomfort caused by enlarged lymph nodes.
- Palliative care – In end-stage cases, aggressive treatment attempts are not beneficial, and the well-being of the dog is crucial. This treatment includes giving medications to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, stimulate appetite, prevent nausea, and more.
- Euthanasia – In very severe cases, or those where there is no response to medical treatment, euthanasia may relieve the suffering of the sick animal.
Lymphoma: Surprising Facts
Lymphoma can affect dogs at any age, but it's more common in middle-aged or older dogs.
Over 80% of lymphoma cases in dogs are multicentric lymphoma (affecting multiple lymph nodes), with certain types of lymphoma being more common in male or female dogs.
Some studies have shown a significantly higher incidence of lymphoma in dogs that have been spayed or neutered, possibly due to the protective effect of sex hormones.
Vet's Tip: Dealing with Lymphoma
Many of us fear, and rightly so, the word “chemotherapy.” We immediately think of aggressive treatment in humans that weakens the body so much and try to avoid this for our dogs. It’s important to know that in dogs, these treatments are less aggressive, involve fewer side effects, and can lead to a significant improvement in the dog’s quality of life, along with an extended lifespan.
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Latest in Research and Treatments
Immunotherapy is a relatively new approach to cancer treatment. It is currently in use for certain tumors in humans and is now being experimented with in dogs. The treatment involves stimulating the dog’s immune system and removing the inhibitions acting on it by cancer cells, allowing it to identify and eliminate cancer cells more effectively. Immunotherapy currently sounds like a promising treatment option for lymphoma and other types of cancer, mainly because it involves almost no side effects and is effective in achieving long-term remissions.
Breeds Prone to Lymphoma
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