Canine Lymphoma (Lymphosarcoma)
Lymphoma in dogs originates from a type of white blood cell called the lymphocyte. Most commonly, this starts in the lymph nodes, which are found throughout the body, and spreads to other organs, notably the spleen, pancreas, and liver. It can also start in the spleen and bone marrow, or in the skin, GI tract or thymus gland, which is located in the chest. Depending on where the disease is located, varied symptoms will occur including anorexia, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Skin lymphoma can begin as a skin infection that will not heal, and chest lymphoma can cause fluid buildup in the chest that results in difficulty breathing.
The most common symptom associated with lymphoma is enlargement of the lymph nodes in the groin, armpit, and under the jaw. Biopsy of the lymph node usually results in the diagnosis and then the disease can be more definitively classified as to type and stage.
Treatment consists of chemotherapy that is administered through an IV catheter for a series of weeks. Steroids are also used in addition to careful pain management.
The prognosis for lymphoma is not good however many dogs achieve partial to complete remission for an average of 1 year when chemotherapy is used. The use of only steroids will probably extend life expectancy for 1 -2 months but will improve the quality of life. If your dog has a diagnosis of T cell lymphoma, is older, or is ill when diagnosed, the prognosis is not as favorable.
Please be mindful of your dog’s condition and seek end of life care when they experience pain that cannot be managed well or overall decreased quality of life.
