Lymphoma is a cancer that affects the lymph nodes, liver and spleen. According to PetEducation.com, lymphoma is a fairly common cancer in dogs.
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Identification
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The first step in treating lymphoma in dogs is identifying the symptoms. According to PetEducation.com, it most often affects older dogs.
Types
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If the cancer is in the lymph nodes, they will be swollen but there will be no other symptoms. If the cancer is in the chest, the dog will have trouble breathing. Vomiting and diarrhea are common if the cancer is in the intestines.
Diagnosis
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Your veterinarian will do a battery of tests to determine if your dog has lymphoma. These tests include biopsies, X-rays and blood tests.
Prevention/Solution
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According to PetEducation.com, chemotherapy is the only recourse for lymphoma in dogs. Most protocols include a combination of oral drugs and injections. Drugs will vary from veterinarian to veterinarian.
Expert Insight
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Most veterinarians use the University of Wisconsin protocol when treating lymphoma with chemotherapy. This is a 25-week protocol that uses a variety of drugs. If it is left untreated, most dogs with lymphoma will die within two months.
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