Lymphoma in Dogs: Pros and Cons of Lymphoma Treatment

Canine lymphoma is a cancer of lymphocytes or white blood cells. It is a common type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system in dogs.

Symptoms of lymphoma in dogs

The specific symptoms are determined by the type of lymphoma in dogs. The most common type develops as lumps or swollen lymph nodes in the neck, legs, and shoulders. There is no pain or discomfort in the early stages. Enlarged lymph nodes are usually discovered by accident.

Other, less common types of canine lymphoma affect the digestive tract, thymus glands, or skin. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness, shortness of breath, skin lesions, and loss of appetite.

In the advanced stages of lymphoma, general symptoms include weight loss, anemia, loss of appetite, and weakness. As the lymph circulates throughout the body, other organs such as the spleen, liver, and bone marrow may be affected. If left untreated, dogs with lymphoma have a life expectancy of 4 to 6 weeks after diagnosis.

canine lymphoma treatment

Lymphoma in dogs can be treated with chemotherapy, prednisone therapy, and blood stem cell transplantation.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the main treatment for lymphoma in dogs. With this treatment, more than 80% of dogs will go into remission for at least 12 months. The many chemotherapy protocols are multiagent or monoagent.

Multi-agent chemotherapy involves a combination of drugs given by mouth or by injection. It is more effective than single-agent chemotherapy and produces a longer remission. However, toxicity and the risk of unwanted side effects are greater as more drugs are used. This type of chemotherapy requires a greater time commitment and greater expense.

The single agent chemotherapy protocol uses a chemotherapy drug. It is less toxic and expensive than multiagent chemotherapy. Any adverse side effects are attributed to the single drug, so a different drug may be used instead. Because it is less effective than multiagent chemotherapy, the first period of remission is shorter, about 7 months.

The duration of remission and the choice of chemotherapy protocols depend on the primary location of the tumor, the stage of the lymphoma, the general health of the dog at the start of treatment, and any changes in organ function. Most dogs respond to chemotherapy with minimal (if any) side effects. Common side effects are nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, tiredness, hair loss, and slow hair growth. Serious side effects are rare and only seen in 5-10% of dogs.

prednisone therapy

Lymphoma in dogs can be treated with prednisone (corticosteroid) where chemotherapy is not recommended. Chemotherapy can be expensive, which is why some pet owners choose prednisone therapy. Dogs given prednisone experience significant short-term improvement and can lead more comfortable lives. Even though they are sick, they eat, move and feel better while undergoing prednisone therapy.

Although prednisone therapy is inexpensive, it is not as effective as chemotherapy. The remission is short, around 2-3 months with possible side effects. Prednisone therapy should not be given before chemotherapy, as it reduces the effectiveness of the latter.

blood stem cell transplant

Stem cells are taken from the bone marrow. Only stem cells that are free of cancer are reintroduced into the dog after it has undergone total body radiation to kill any remaining cancer cells in the body.

Although this treatment significantly increases the survival rate, it is very expensive.

Your vet can advise you on the most appropriate lymphoma treatment for your dog. You want to consider costs, time commitment, life span, and your dog’s comfort when deciding whether to proceed with treatment.