Much like in humans, canine lymphoma is serious, and learning that your dog has this condition can be overwhelming.
Canine lymphoma is a cancer that impacts the lymphocytes, a kind of white blood cell crucial to the immune system. Much like in humans, canine lymphoma is serious, and learning that your dog has this condition can be overwhelming. Understanding what canine lymphoma entails and the types, symptoms, and treatments can create a substantial difference in preparing for life after the diagnosis and offering the best care for your beloved pet.
Types of Canine Lymphoma
There are 30+ types of canine lymphoma, but four are the most common: multicentric, alimentary, mediastinal, and extranodal. Each type has distinct characteristics and may require different approaches to treatment and management.
Multicentric Lymphoma
- This is the most common type, accounting for 80-85% of cases. Multicentric lymphoma generally starts in the lymph nodes and can spread to other organs.
- Symptoms: One of the first signs is often enlarged, non-painful lymph nodes around the neck, armpits, and groin area. Dogs may also show signs of lethargy, weight loss, and decreased appetite.
- Prognosis: With treatment, such as chemotherapy, dogs with multicentric lymphoma can live anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, though outcomes vary.
Alimentary Lymphoma
- This type affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and it’s the second most common form of lymphoma in dogs. Less than 10% of canine lymphoma diagnoses are alimentary, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).
- Symptoms: Common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and abdominal pain. Some dogs may also experience a decreased appetite or difficulty digesting food.
- Prognosis: Alimentary lymphoma generally has a less favorable prognosis, as it often progresses quickly. Survival times with treatment can vary, with most cases having a few months to a year.
Mediastinal Lymphoma
- Mediastinal lymphoma involves the lymph nodes and thymus located in the chest. This type of lymphoma can put pressure on the respiratory system, leading to breathing difficulties. It is scarce.
- Symptoms: Dogs with mediastinal lymphoma may exhibit shortness of breath, coughing, and swelling in the face or legs. In some cases, dogs may also experience excessive thirst and urination.
- Prognosis: The prognosis for mediastinal lymphoma is usually guarded, but chemotherapy can sometimes provide relief and extend life expectancy.
Extranodal Lymphoma
- Extranodal lymphoma can affect specific organs such as the skin, eyes, kidneys, and nervous system.
- Symptoms: Symptoms depend on the organ involved. For instance, skin lymphoma may present as lesions or ulcers, while lymphoma in the central nervous system could cause seizures or mobility issues.
- Prognosis: Extranodal lymphoma varies widely in prognosis due to its many possible locations. Some cases respond well to treatment, while others may progress more quickly.
Support Your Pet’s Wellness at Alexander Animal Hospital
Alexander Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital located in Severna Park, Maryland, serving the Severna Park, Pasadena, and Arnold Areas. Our goal is educating clients on the needs of their pets and understanding the importance of individualized veterinary care in order to strengthen the human-animal bond between owners and their pets.
We understand you have a choice when deciding on the care for your pets, and we strive to provide you with unparalleled services including wellness exams, vaccines, lost pet microchip ID, dental care, surgical services, digital radiography, and in-hospital laboratory services and diagnostics. Other highlights of Alexander Animal Hospital are the separate cat and dog waiting and exam rooms, as well as after-hours on-call emergency services.
Please take a look around our website and then give us a call at 410-777-8678 to set up an appointment. We’re social! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for all the latest updates!