🐾 Canine Lymphoma: Comprehensive Veterinary Guide for 2025 🐾

Welcome to our detailed guide on canine lymphoma, authored by Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc. This article aims to provide pet owners with a thorough understanding of lymphoma in dogs, including its types, symptoms, diagnostic procedures, treatment options, and care strategies to ensure the best possible quality of life for your furry companion.

📘 Understanding Canine Lymphoma

Lymphoma, also known as lymphosarcoma, is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, which is a crucial part of a dog's immune system. It involves the uncontrolled proliferation of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, leading to the formation of tumors in various parts of the body.

🔍 Types of Canine Lymphoma

• Multicentric Lymphoma: The most common form, accounting for approximately 84% of cases. It typically presents with enlarged lymph nodes.
• Alimentary Lymphoma: Affects the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.
• Mediastinal Lymphoma: Involves the lymph nodes in the chest, potentially causing breathing difficulties.
• Extranodal Lymphoma: Occurs in organs outside the lymphatic system, such as the skin, eyes, or central nervous system.

🩺 Symptoms and Diagnosis

Early detection of lymphoma is crucial for effective treatment. Common symptoms include:

• Swollen lymph nodes
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Vomiting or diarrhea (especially in alimentary lymphoma)
• Difficulty breathing (in mediastinal lymphoma)
• Skin lesions or ulcers (in cutaneous lymphoma)

Diagnosis typically involves:

• Physical examination
• Blood tests
• Urinalysis
• Fine-needle aspiration or biopsy of affected lymph nodes
• Imaging studies like X-rays or ultrasounds

🧪 Staging and Substaging

Staging helps determine the extent of the disease:

1. Stage I: Involvement of a single lymph node.
2. Stage II: Multiple lymph nodes in a specific region.
3. Stage III: Generalized lymph node involvement.
4. Stage IV: Liver and/or spleen involvement.
5. Stage V: Bone marrow, central nervous system, or other organ involvement.

Substaging assesses the dog's clinical signs:

• Substage A: No clinical signs of illness.
• Substage B: Presence of clinical signs like lethargy or weight loss.

💊 Treatment Options

Treatment aims to achieve remission and maintain a good quality of life. Options include:

1. Chemotherapy

The most effective treatment for lymphoma. Protocols vary:

• CHOP Protocol: Combines cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone. Achieves remission in approximately 80-90% of cases, with median survival times of 12 months.
• Single-Agent Protocols: Use of drugs like doxorubicin or lomustine (CCNU) alone. May be considered for dogs that cannot tolerate multi-agent protocols.
• Tanovea® (Rabacfosadine): A newer FDA-approved drug specifically for canine lymphoma. Administered every three weeks for up to five treatments. Shows promise in achieving remission with manageable side effects.

2. Prednisone Therapy

Used alone when chemotherapy isn't an option. It can temporarily reduce symptoms but may lead to resistance to other treatments.

3. Radiation Therapy

Effective for localized lymphoma, especially in the nasal cavity or central nervous system.

4. Surgical Intervention

Rarely used, but may be considered for solitary tumors in accessible locations.

🧬 Cutaneous Lymphoma

A rare form affecting the skin, often presenting as itchy, red, or ulcerated lesions. Diagnosis requires a skin biopsy. Treatment options include:

• Lomustine (CCNU): Often the first-line treatment.
• Retinoids: Synthetic vitamin A derivatives showing some efficacy.
• Tanovea®: Has demonstrated effectiveness in some cases.
• Supportive Care: Managing infections and providing anti-inflammatory medications.

Prognosis is generally poor, with median survival times ranging from 6 to 10 months.

📈 Prognosis and Quality of Life

Prognosis depends on various factors:

• Type of lymphoma: B-cell lymphomas generally have a better prognosis than T-cell lymphomas.
• Stage and substage: Early-stage and substage A have better outcomes.
• Response to treatment: Achieving remission improves survival times.

With appropriate treatment, many dogs enjoy a good quality of life during remission. Regular monitoring and follow-up care are essential.

📱 Support and Resources

For personalized advice and support, consider using the Ask A Vet app. It connects you with veterinary professionals who can guide you through your pet's health journey.

Download the Ask A Vet app today to access expert veterinary advice, schedule consultations, and find resources tailored to your dog's needs.

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