Canine Lymphoma

Dog lymphoma is a type of cancer in dogs that can affect the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and other organs. Canine lymphoma most often affects middle age and senior dogs.

Cancer is a legitimate concern for dog owners. One fourth of the deaths of dogs are cancer related. Cancer in dogs claims the lives of fifty percent of dogs over the age of ten.

The cause of dog lymphoma has not been determined. The symptoms of dog lymphoma vary depending on what parts of the dog's body are being affected by the cancer.

Canine lymphoma affecting the lymph nodes may cause a hardening of the lymph nodes and a formation of lumps in the area of the lymph nodes. The dog may not experience other symptoms of cancer.

Other tumors from lymphoma may cause diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Other types of canine lymphoma may cause shortness of breath, lumps on the skin, or bumps in or near the mouth.

A veterinarian may do blood tests or biopsies to diagnose lymphoma. Ultrasound or x-rays may also be used to diagnose dog lymphoma. The severity of the lymphoma may be classified by how many lymph nodes have been affected by the cancer.

Canine lymphoma is classified in five different stages. In this classification system, stage I canine lymphoma is the least severe. Stage one describes canine lymphoma that is only affecting a single lymph node. If the dog lymphoma has spread to the bone marrow, multiple lymph nodes, and at least one organ, it is referred to as stage V dog lymphoma.

Chemotherapy is the most common treatment for lymphoma in dogs. During chemotherapy treatment, the dog may receive weekly injections of chemotherapy drugs such as doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide.

Dog lymphoma is a serious type of cancer that often causes the dog's death. On average, the dog lives four to six weeks after diagnosis if the dog does not receive chemotherapy treatment.

The dog life may be extended up to a year after diagnosis with chemotherapy treatment. Rarely, a dog may live over a year after diagnosis if it receives chemotherapy for dog lymphoma.

The dog owner should not feel guilty about the dog's medical condition. Some dog owners may be concerned that they may have done something to cause dog lymphoma. Though the causes of canine lymphoma are not well understood, dog lymphoma is not caused by the actions of dog owners.

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