Lymphoma

What is lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system that can affect the lymph nodes, gastrointestinal tract, chest, skin, and multiple organs. Up to 85% of dogs with lymphoma have the “multicentric” form, which originates in lymph nodes and spreads to other organs. The majority of lymphoma cases in dogs are similar to intermediate or high-grade non-Hodgkins lymphoma in humans. Early lymphoma signs in dogs can mimic infectious or immune-mediated diseases. 

What are common lymphoma signs in dogs?

Early signs include:

• Swollen lymph nodes
• Depression

Intermediate to advanced signs include: 

• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Weakness
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Swollen face or leg
• Difficulty swallowing
• Coughing or shortness of breath

How is lymphoma managed in dogs? 

Lymphoma management is not curative, but designed to improve your dog’s quality and length of life. Chemotherapy is the most effective treatment for multicentric canine lymphoma, and less than 5% of dogs experience serious side effects. Dogs undergoing chemotherapy need regular veterinary visits and diagnostic tests to monitor their status and prognosis. If chemotherapy is not an option, steroids can temporarily reduce clinical signs. Discussing a personalized management plan with your veterinarian, and a veterinary oncologist, is important for the best outcome for your dog.

What is the prognosis for dogs with lymphoma?

Dogs with untreated lymphoma, or those on steroids for palliative care, have a life expectancy of approximately two months. With chemotherapy, the median survival time is eight months to one year, but some dogs can survive two years or more. Unfortunately, most dogs in remission from lymphoma eventually relapse into a more drug-resistant form.

Management tips for dogs with lymphoma    

At-home needs include:

• Easy access to food and water, and a comfortable location
• Consistency with medications
• Modified surfaces to increase traction
• Ramps and safety gates 
• Close monitoring of breathing, appetite, urination, and bowel movements
• Watching for signs of worsening disease or relapse

For end-of-life care:

• Try to keep dog your safe and comfortable
• Ensure adequate nutrition and hydration
• Monitor for pain or discomfort
• Evaluate your dog’s quality of life with our scoring tool
• Track progression of their health with our calendar

In a crisis situation:

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog has difficulty swallowing or breathing, has uncontrollable vomiting or diarrhea, collapses, or vocalizes in pain. 

Before your dog‘s condition becomes unmanageable, or they begin losing their quality of life, beginning end-of-life care discussions is vital. Learn more about pet hospice, in-home euthanasia, and our teleadvice service, or contact a Lap of Love veterinarian in your area, so you can feel fully prepared for this progressive disease.