Lymphoma, also called lymphomic cancer, in dogs can cause debilitating symptoms. If the symptoms are ignored and not treated, the cancer can spread rapidly and cause death. Although there is no cure for lymphoma, early detection and treatment can prolong a dog's life.
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Description
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Lymphomic cancer affects the liver, spleen and lymph nodes. Genetic disposition and environmental factors, such as exposure to pesticides, are speculated causes of lymphoma in dogs. Still, not enough research is available to verify the exact causes of the disease.
Symptoms
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The location of the tumors on a dog's body determines what symptoms are present. When tumors are found in the lymph nodes, swollen nodes are the only symptom. Tumors inside the gastrointestinal tract cause vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea and loss of appetite. The cutaneous (skin) form is represented by tumors on the skin and mouth that are red and ulcerated. Muted heart sounds and shortness of breath are symptoms of the mediastinal (chest) form.
Diagnosis
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There are several tests that veterinarians use to diagnose lymphomic cancer. The test method depends on the location of the tumor. Some of the tests used for diagnosis are blood tests, ultrasounds and x-rays. A veterinarian can determine the best diagnosing method for the type of tumors present.
Treatment
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Because lymphoma is considered a systemic disease that involves many organs or the entire body, surgery and radiation are not effective treatments. Chemotherapy, which combines oral medication and drug injections, is the most commonly used treatment. It includes drugs, such as predinisone and doxorubicin.
Prognosis
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Dogs with untreated lymphomic cancer live an average of four to six weeks. Although chemotherapy will not cure lymphoma, it increases life expectancy up to a year or longer in some cases. Oral prednisone treatments may reduce pain and swelling but will not significantly increase a dog's life span.
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