Veterinary Guide to Canine Leukemia 2025 🩺🐶

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

🧬 What Is Leukemia?

Leukemia in dogs is a type of blood cancer originating in the bone marrow, causing excessive proliferation of white blood cells (WBCs) that crowd out healthy cells. It can be classified by onset—acute (rapid, aggressive) or chronic (slower, often insidious)—and by cell type: lymphocytic (most common) or myelogenous.

⚠️ Who's at Risk?

• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) often affects middle-aged to senior dogs—common breeds include German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers.
• Acute leukemia can occur in younger or older dogs; risk factors may include radiation, chemical exposure, or viral triggers.
• Lymphocytic forms are more frequent; myelogenous variants are rarer but aggressive.

👀 Clinical Signs

Clinical signs vary based on the type and progression:

• Acute leukemia: sudden onset of lethargy, pale gums, fever, weight loss, vomiting, bleeding (nose, petechiae), infections, exercise intolerance, lameness.
• Chronic leukemia: often subtle or none at initial stages. May progress to lethargy, inappetence, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, bruising, polyuria/polydipsia.

🔍 Diagnosis

1. History & physical: Evaluate systemic signs, lymph nodes, and mucous membranes.
2. Blood tests: CBC often shows leukocytosis (elevated WBCs), anemia, and thrombocytopenia.
3. Flow cytometry / PARR: Confirms cell lineage—distinguishes leukemia vs lymphoma, identifies cell type.
4. Bone marrow aspirate: Reserved for unclear cases or low cell counts.
5. Imaging: Chest/abdominal x-rays or ultrasound to evaluate organ involvement (liver, spleen).
6. Urinalysis/chem panels: Monitor organ function, infection, and bleeding risk.

🛠 Treatment Options

• Acute Leukemia

• Hospitalization with IV fluids, antibiotics, and blood transfusions as needed.
• Aggressive chemotherapy protocols include vincristine, prednisone, cyclophosphamide, L-asparaginase, and doxorubicin.
• Nutrition support—feeding tubes if the appetite is reduced.

• Chronic Leukemia (CLL)

• Often starts with active monitoring until symptoms emerge.
• Chemotherapy with chlorambucil and prednisone when needed; possibly cyclophosphamide.
• Regular CBCs to monitor lymphocyte counts and initiate treatment appropriately.

• Supportive & Adjunctive Care

• Supplemental nutrition, GI protectants, and antibiotics for infections.
• Pain management as needed.
• Consider targeted therapies (stem cell transplant) in referral settings.

📈 Prognosis

• Acute leukemia: aggressive—about 30% respond to CHOP-like protocols; median survival often <2–6 months.
• Chronic leukemia (CLL): slower progression; median survival 1–3 years post-treatment.
• Even in chronic cases, progression to aggressive lymphoma (Richter’s syndrome) may occur and worsen prognosis.
• Quality of life is crucial—owners may choose less aggressive or palliative care.

🏡 Ask A Vet Telehealth Support

• 📸 Upload CBC results, imaging, flow cytometry reports—get expert review remotely.
• 🔔 Receive chemo scheduling reminders, transfusion alerts, and medication prompts.
• 🩺 Video rechecks to monitor mucous membranes, lymph nodes, weight, and appetite.

🎓 Case Spotlight: “Max” the Golden Retriever

Max, an 11-year-old Golden, presented with lethargy, pale gums, and mild fever. CBC showed marked lymphocytosis and thrombocytopenia. Flow cytometry confirmed chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Treatment started with chlorambucil and prednisone alongside monthly CBC monitoring. Over 18 months, Max maintained quality of life and remained active. Ask A Vet facilitated lab review, chemo reminders, and symptom tracking—Max enjoyed gentle hikes through the end. 🐕⚕️

🔚 Key Takeaways

1. Canine leukemia includes acute (rapid) and chronic (slow) forms, with lymphocytic types being most common.
2. Clinical signs range from acute malaise and bleeding to subtle long-term changes.
3. Diagnosis relies on CBC, flow cytometry/PARR, imaging, and possibly bone marrow evaluation.
4. Treatment for acute cases is aggressive chemo and supportive care; chronic cases may start with watchful waiting and low-dose therapy.
5. Prognosis is guarded for acute leukemia; chronic leukemia often allows extended survival with good quality of life.
6. Ask A Vet telehealth enhances care with remote diagnostics, medication management, symptom tracking, and specialist input 🐾📲

Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, founder of Ask A Vet. Download the Ask A Vet app to guide your dog through leukemia diagnosis, treatment, and life-through—enjoying the best quality care with telehealth support every step 🐶📲