Lymphoma in Animals

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymph nodes. It is one of the most common forms of cancer in both cats dogs. Although lymphoma cannot be cured, early treatment can prolong the animal's life.

  1. Symptoms

    • Dogs and cats with lymphoma have vague symptoms that can mimic other diseases. They may experience vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, a lack of energy and a lack of appetite. Dogs often have swollen glands in the neck. They may also have ulceration around the mouth or lumps in the skin.

    Diagnosis and Treatment

    • Lymphoma is diagnosed in dogs and cats through the use of x-rays and ultrasound, which are non-invasive methods of looking inside the body. The veterinarian may also biopsy the tumor or take a sample of the animal's bone marrow. The disease is treated with chemotherapy.

    Prognosis

    • According to the Canine Cancer website, dogs with untreated lymphoma have a life expectancy of 4 to 6 weeks. Treatment can extend the dog's life for as long as two years before the tumor begins to resist treatment.

      As many as 75 percent of cats that are treated with chemotherapy experience a remission. Many cats survive for as long as 79 months.