🐶 Lymphoma in Dogs: A Comprehensive Veterinary Guide for 2025 🩺

Author: Dr. Duncan Houston, BVSc

Lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in dogs, affecting the lymphatic system and potentially any organ in the body. Understanding its types, diagnosis, treatment options, and supportive care is crucial for pet owners navigating this challenging diagnosis.

🔬 Understanding Canine Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell integral to the immune system. It can manifest in various forms:

• Multicentric Lymphoma: The most common form, characterized by enlarged lymph nodes.
• Alimentary Lymphoma: Affects the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.
• Mediastinal Lymphoma: Involves the chest cavity, potentially causing breathing difficulties.
• Extranodal Lymphoma: Occurs in organs like the skin, eyes, or central nervous system.

🧪 Diagnosis and Staging

Diagnosis typically involves:

• Physical Examination: Identifying enlarged lymph nodes or other abnormalities.
• Fine Needle Aspiration or Biopsy: Collecting cells for cytological or histopathological analysis.
• Blood Tests and Urinalysis: Assessing overall health and organ function.
• Imaging: X-rays or ultrasounds to evaluate internal organ involvement.

Staging helps determine the extent of the disease:

• Stage I: Involvement of a single lymph node.
• Stage II: Multiple lymph nodes in a regional area.
• Stage III: Generalized lymph node involvement.
• Stage IV: Liver and/or spleen involvement.
• Stage V: Bone marrow, central nervous system, or other organ involvement.

💊 Treatment Options

The primary treatment for lymphoma is chemotherapy. The most effective protocols include:

• CHOP Protocol: Combines cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone. Achieves remission in approximately 80-90% of cases with a median survival time of 12 months. [Source]
• Tanovea® (Rabacfosadine): FDA-approved treatment with a 73% overall response rate and a median progression-free survival of 151 days. [Source]

Other protocols and medications may be considered based on the specific type and stage of lymphoma, as well as the dog's overall health.

🍽️ Nutritional Support

Nutrition plays a supportive role in managing lymphoma:

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oils, they have anti-inflammatory properties and may help inhibit cancer growth. [Source]
• Low-Carbohydrate Diets: May help by reducing the energy supply to cancer cells, which preferentially utilize carbohydrates.
• High-Quality Proteins: Essential for maintaining muscle mass and overall health.

Consult with a veterinary nutritionist to develop a diet plan tailored to your dog's needs.

🧴 Alternative and Supportive Therapies

Additional therapies may include:

• Retinoids: Synthetic vitamin A derivatives that may help in certain skin lymphomas.
• Safflower Oil: Contains linoleic acid, which has shown potential benefits in some cases of cutaneous lymphoma.

These treatments should be discussed with your veterinarian to assess their suitability and efficacy.

📈 Prognosis

The prognosis for dogs with lymphoma varies:

• B-cell Lymphoma: Generally responds better to treatment, with longer remission times.
• T-cell Lymphoma: Often has a more aggressive course and shorter survival times.
• Cutaneous Lymphoma: Median survival times range from a few months to over a year, depending on the treatment and disease progression. [Source]

Early detection and treatment are key to improving outcomes.

📱 Need More Support?

For personalized advice and support, visit AskAVet.com and download the Ask A Vet app. Our team is here to help you navigate your dog's health journey with expert guidance and compassionate care.