Lymphoma is a cancer (neoplasia) that affects lymph nodes and other organs containing lymphoid tissue. In domestic dogs, the term typically is used to refer to malignant multicentric lymphoma, also called lymphosarcoma, which is a progressive, multisystemic disease caused by overgrowth of certain cells in the bone marrow, thymus, lymph nodes, liver, spleen and/or other tissues. Multicentric lymphoma is the most common lymphoma in domestic dogs. However, localized forms of lymphoma can also occur in
There have been case controlled studies of the risk of canine malignant lymphoma (a cancer of the lymph system), and exposure to 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) herbicides. Though some early studies found a link, other more recent analyses do not confirm the connection. It is clear only that dogs on recently sprayed lawns do pick up the chemical because they excrete 2,4-D in their urine.A study (May 2001) from Italy suggests that canine malignant lymphoma
Noticeable signs of lymphoma in dogs are typically nonspecific and highly variable, depending upon which form of lymphoma is involved (multicentric, central nervous system, cutaneous, gastrointestinal).The symptoms of lymphoma usually commonly mimic the symptoms of many other diseases or disorders. Most owners of dogs with multicentric or disseminated lymphoma first find pronounced enlargement of the lymph nodes on the underside of their dog’s neck, beneath and slightly behind the chin. These are the submandibular lymph
Lymphoma typically causes very general clinical signs in domestic dogs, which can mimic symptoms of viral or bacterial infection and a number of other diseases. However, canine lymphoma is not particularly difficult to diagnose, as long as the dog’s owner is able to proceed with and complete the diagnostic process.The initial data base for a dog presenting with nonspecific symptoms of illness first involves a thorough physical examination and a complete history. Routine blood work
Chemotherapy is the go-to treatment for canine lymphoma. In most cases, the cancerous lymphatic cells are distributed throughout the dog’s body, as are the chemotherapeutic drugs used to destroy them. The objective therapeutic goal is to achieve complete remission of the cancer. Subjectively, the goal of treatment is to restore the patient’s pain-free quality of life for as long as possible. Chemotherapy protocols are complicated and rapidly evolving. A veterinary oncologist (cancer specialist) is the