What Are the Treatment Options for Dogs That Have Cancer of the Lymph Glands?

Lymphoma is the most common cancer in dogs, but luckily it is treatable. The most common symptom of lymphoma is swollen lymph glands in the neck, but many dogs that have lymphoma never show any signs or have any symptoms. Some dog breeds, like Labrador Retrievers, are more susceptible to lymphoma than other breeds. Lymphoma is also more common in younger dogs. Once a diagnosis of lymphoma has been established, a treatment plan should be the next step.

  1. Chemotherapy

    • Chemotherapy is a toxic drug that is used to destroy cancer. It is usually the first step in treating a dog with lymphoma. It is a combination of oral and intravenous drugs. Weekly chemotherapy treatments are given weekly for eight weeks. After eight weeks, treatments slow down to every two weeks for six months. Chemotherapy gives a dog an 80 percent chance of survival.

    Corticosteroids

    • Corticosteroids are also known as steroids. It is a natural hormone produced in the adrenal cortex. It is used to treat lymphoma and cancers in the blood. Corticosteroid can also be used with chemotherapy to increase the chance of killing cancer in the lymph glands. When corticosteroid is used for treating cancer, it also helps relieve some cancer symptoms such as fatigue, nausea and loss of appetite.

    K-9 Immunity

    • K-9 Immunity is also known as immune-modulator compounds. It is used to regulate the dog's immune system. It contains the most widely used anticancer compounds in the world. You can purchase it without a prescription. K-9 Immunity is a daily non-toxic supplement made from all natural 100 percent certified organic sources. It can be purchased from your veterinarian or ordered online.

    Radiation Therapy

    • Radiation therapy uses gamma rays to shrink tumors that surgeons can not remove. It is often used after surgery to kill any cancer in the lymph glands that was left behind. Dogs can be treated in certain areas with radiation rather than treating their whole body, which will help to prevent damage to the dog's bone marrow. Radiation may be needed several times in one week, but depends on the amount and location of cancer.

    No Treatment

    • Some dog owners do not want to put their pets through treatment. If a dog it left untreated for canine lymphoma, it can be fatal in as few as 4 to 6 weeks as it will attack the dog's vital organs. A vet can give a dog oral prednisone, which can reduce the swelling in the glands and relieve discomfort, but it will not prolonge the life of the dog.