Lymphoma, also known as lymphosarcoma, is one of the most common types of cancers found in cats and dogs. It is a cancer of the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that plays an important role in your pet’s immune system.
Lymphocytes are found throughout the body and are particularly numerous in the bone marrow, lymph nodes, liver, and spleen. Lymphoma occurs when these cells reproduce uncontrollably, resulting in the development of cancerous tumors.
Causes of Lymphoma
The cause of lymphoma is unknown, but it is thought that genetic and environmental factors may contribute to the disease. In dogs, certain breeds including boxers and retrievers are more prone to developing lymphoma. The disease can affect any area of the body but is most often found in organs and tissues with high numbers of lymphocyte cells.
Symptoms of Lymphoma
The symptoms of lymphoma can vary widely, depending on the stage of the disease and the area of the body affected. One of the most common symptoms is enlargement of the lymph nodes. This is often noticeable as swelling around a pet’s neck or shoulders. Lymph nodes are also present in other locations including the groin and behind the knees. The following symptoms may also indicate lymphoma in pets.
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Breathing difficulties
- Growths on the skin
Since it is such a serious and life-threatening disease, it is very important to visit your veterinarian as soon as your pet displays any potential symptoms of lymphoma.
Diagnosis of Lymphoma
Your veterinarian will look at your pet’s medical history and perform a physical examination to check for clinical signs of lymphoma. Additional diagnostic tests will also be performed to confirm or rule out lymphoma and assess your pet’s overall condition. These may include blood tests, biopsies, X-rays, ultrasound, and urinalysis.
Treatment of Lymphoma
Treatment will depend on the area of the body affected and the stage of the disease. Since there is no known cure for lymphoma in pets, the objectives of treatment are to achieve remission of the cancer and alleviate its symptoms.
Chemotherapy is typically recommended, although surgery or radiation therapy may be appropriate in some cases. Your veterinarian may also prescribe steroids or other medications to relieve your pet’s symptoms and minimize the side effects of chemotherapy.
Unfortunately, lymphoma is usually progressive and most pets die from the disease. However, treatment can successfully extend a pet’s lifespan and improve their quality of life.
Prevention of Lymphoma
There is no known way to prevent lymphoma in pets, since the underlying cause of the disease is not fully understood. The best way to protect your pet against serious diseases such as lymphoma is to feed a healthy, balanced diet and provide plenty of exercises to support their overall health.
It’s also important to visit your veterinarian as soon as you notice symptoms of lymphoma, as early treatment can vastly improve your pet’s quality of life.
