Terminal Lymphoma in Dogs

Terminal lymphoma in dogs is the end stage of a dog's fight with this cancer. Usually it has taken months to get to this point. Lymphoma becomes difficult to manage at the terminal stage. At this point, treatment becomes more about quality of the remaining portion of a dog's life rather than treating the cancer itself. Knowing what to look for, and when you have reached this point in your dog's battle, are important for both you and your dog.

  1. Identification

    • Terminal lymphoma in dogs is also the last of five stages in progression for this cancer. Lymphoma begins in one lymph node. When the cancer has spread to several lymph nodes in a common area, such as the throat, this is the onset of Stage 2 lymphoma. When Stage 3 starts, all of the lymph nodes near the surface of the skin are affected. By Stage 4, the cancer has spread into the spleen, liver and lymph nodes of the chest. When a dog reaches Stage 5, or terminal lymphoma, the cancer has spread to the bone marrow and all remaining lymph nodes.

    Significance

    • By the time lymphoma has reached the final stage, the condition has become unmanageable and death is certain. There is more of a concern for the quality of life for the remaining time of the dog rather than the results from further treatment. Chemotherapy has become a short-term cure by this stage, and remission is very short, usually counted in days or weeks instead of months. Most dogs at this stage will only live for a few months beyond discovery of this stage.

    Treatment

    • Dogs can handle chemotherapy better than humans, and there are many options available. Dexamethasone is a hormone therapy used in treating lymphoma in dogs. Asparaganise is used to destroy specific amino acids that help cancer cells adapt to the immune system. Complementary drugs that help include deracoxib (for pain), phenobarbital (anti-seizure) and prednisone (a steroid). Holistic treatment can include diets, anti-oxidants and noni juice. Even with aggressive treatment, though, a dog will not live past one year after diagnosis.

    Clinical Appearance

    • While there are four stages of progression before terminal lymphoma in dogs sets in, it is not until the fourth stage that the cancer becomes aggressive and noticeable to the eye under a microscope. At the terminal stage, the affected cells resemble sponges with huge cavities and have nearly complete devastation. No resemblance to normal cells is apparent at this point.

    Health

    • Once at this stage, if you are still treating your dog, the dog will seem healthy and happy one day and tired or listless the next. There will be little appetite, and you may need a special diet to keep your dog nourished as best possible. Weight loss will be apparent and steady at this point, and it may seem to increase in speed. Seizures may occur but can be controlled. Pain will be apparent when your dog tries to stand or walk. Your dog will still be able to control bodily functions, although diarrhea will be common, along with vomiting because of the chemotherapy. Your dog will want to be still and lay down as much as possible.