is lymphoma curable | Lymphoma in dogs

Lymphoma in dogs

Lymphoma or Lymphosarcoma is one of the most common forms of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is an indispensable element of the immune system. The disease is caused by the multiplication of malignant lymphocytes in the lymph nodes. It can also affect the lymphoid tissues of the liver, the bone marrow, the skin and the digestive tract. The disease is usually found in middle-aged and old dogs. Dog breeds, which are more susceptible to lymphoma include Scottish terriers, Golden retrievers, Boxers, Bassets, German Shepherds, Beagles, Bulldogs and Rottweilers.

Classification

The disease is classified into several types, based on the localization of cancerous tumors. The multicentric tumor is the most common type of lymphoma and is usually found in the lymph nodes. On the other hand, the gastrointestinal lymphoma originates in the stomach ganglia, intestine, liver and lymph nodes. Mediastinal is another form of lymphoma, which affects the lymph nodes of the thorax and thymus. The cutaneous form of lymphoma develops in the skin, while the Extranodal form of lymphosarcoma affects the nervous system, the heart, the eyes and the kidneys. Lymphoblastic leukemia occurs when the disease develops in the bone marrow.

Causes

The exact causes of the onset of lymphoma in dogs are not known so far, although genetics seems to play an important role. On the other hand, environmental factors such as exposure to certain chemicals or substances such as pesticides, herbicides and powerful magnetic fields are suspected of increasing the risk of developing this disease.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of lymphoma is the lymph nodes that can be identified as a lump under the jaw, armpits, groin or behind the knees. In addition, the gastrointestinal form can cause symptoms such as vomiting, weight loss, loss of appetite, diarrhea, etc. Shortness of breath, sounds of the heart, accumulation of fluid around the lungs, cough and hypercalcemia (high level of calcium in the blood) are associated with the mediastinal form of lymphoma. The cutaneous form of lymphoma can cause lumps in the skin and mouth, while seizures and paralysis can occur if the central nervous system is affected. In addition to this, the disease can cause anemia and a low count of white blood cells, if the bone marrow is affected.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Lymphoma can be confirmed using a biopsy of the lymph nodes or organs of the affected body. Other than that, the bone marrow or the liver and the suction spleen are also carried out, in order to gather more information about the disease. X-rays, ultrasounds, blood tests and bone marrow biopsy are performed to detect the location of cancer.

The diagnosis is also intended to detect the stages of the disease, which is usually categorized in five steps. If only one lymphatic or lymphoid tissue in an organ is affected, it is classified as stage I, whereas if the lymph nodes of a single domain are affected, it is defined as phase II. Floor III is characterized by the involvement of all peripheral lymph nodes, while stage IV is identified by the involvement of the liver and spleen, in addition to one of the first three stages. In phase V, the blood or bone marrow is affected, in addition to one of the four steps mentioned above.

Treatment usually aims to relieve symptoms and prolong the life of afflicted dogs, as a complete cure is impossible. The usual treatment for this cancer is chemotherapy. The medications that are commonly used in the treatment of lymphoma are cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone, L-asparaginase, and doxorubicin. In addition, nutrients such as arginine, vitamin A, D and B12 are also given to relieve the symptoms of the disease.

Although lymphoma is not permanently curable, early detection and proper treatment can prolong the life of sick dogs. If the disease is left untreated, it can lead to death within 2 months. Sometimes, with the help of treatments like chemotherapy, a long remission period can be realized that can significantly prolong the life of lymphoma-affected dogs.