An Intro To Lymphoma In Dogs
Lymphoma in dogs is a very serious disease. It occurs when lymph tissue is affected by cancer cells. Any area of the body can be affected since lymphoid tissue is found virtually everywhere. This type of cancer is more common in middle-aged dogs. Here’s a brief introduction to lymphoma in dogs.
Signs
The appearance of swollen lymph nodes is one of the most prominent symptoms of lymphoma. This cancer can affect almost any area of the body, as stated earlier. Dogs with lymphoma exhibit symptoms based on the particular area that’s affected by the cancer cells.
For example, two common areas that are affected by this disease include the gastrointestinal tract and chest. Dogs with damage to the gastrointestinal tract will have loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Dogs with cancer affecting the chest will likely develop shortness of breath.
Diagnosis
Lymphoma may be suspected if the lymph nodes are swollen. A physical exam is followed by urine and blood tests. A biopsy can also be taken of one of the swollen lymph nodes. This will also gives clues as to the severity of the cancer.
Treatment
If your dog has lymphoma, he will need to undergo chemotherapy. In most cases, this is enough to bring about remission. These chemotherapy drugs can be given as an injection in your vet’s office or at home orally. However, if the disease is advanced, chemotherapy is much less successful.
Prognosis
Treatment of dog lymphoma can be effective in bringing about a remission. However, the disease will likely recur sometime in the future. At this point, a second round of chemotherapy can be given, but remission will only last half as long. It can become quite costly to treat a dog that has lymphoma. Most dogs don’t survive more than two years after diagnosis.
All owners should know a little something about various diseases that can affect their dog like hot spots in canines. Fortunately, dog-illnesses.com provides a wealth of information on a range of these conditions. So, come by right now to become informed.
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