End stage lymphoma is, as the name implies, the final stage of a long fight between your dog and cancer. Management of the illness has become difficult, and the signs and treatment have taken new directions. Knowing what to look for, and what to prepare for is important for you and your dog.
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Identification
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End stage lymphoma is also known as Stage 5 lymphoma. This is the stage where all peripheral lymph nodes, spleen, liver and bone have been infected by the cancer.
Significance
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This is the most serious stage of lymphoma and usually signals the cancer's progression to an unmanageable state. At this stage in cancer development, there is more concern for the quality of remaining time than the amount of time that can be gained from further treatment.
Appearance
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At this stage affected tissue and cells are almost completely devastated and resemble sponges with huge holes and cavities. Affected cells have no resemblance to normal cells of their type by this stage.
Treatment
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At this stage chemotherapy has become a short-term cure and remissions are extremely short. Most veterinarians will focus mainly on maintaining the dog's comfort and quality of remaining days.
Previous Stages
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There are four stages of progression before End Stage lymphoma. Lymphoma progresses through the first three stages with little notice or spread; it is at the fourth and final stages where lymphoma becomes aggressive and noticeable.
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