An Introduction to Canine Lymphosarcoma
Canine lymphosarcoma is a deadly cancer in dogs. The disease can occur in various parts of the body, but commonly affects the lymph nodes. It can also invade the liver, spleen, and other organs.
Symptoms
Dogs display different symptoms based on where the tumor is located. If the disease only affects the lymph nodes, then they will simply swell up. The dog will likely show no other symptoms. If the lymphosarcoma occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, your dog will experience vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. He will probably lose weight also. Canine lymphosarcoma can also affect the skin. This will cause lumps to form that may be red and itchy. If the disease affects your dog’s chest cavity, he may start having trouble breathing.
Diagnosis
Your dog will have to undergo a battery of tests if the veterinarian suspects this disease. The bone marrow may have to be analyzed to ensure that cancerous cells haven’t invaded. The veterinarian may also perform blood tests, an ultrasound, and an x-ray.
Treatment
Canine lymphosarcoma can affect many parts of the body at the same time. Therefore, radiation therapy and surgery are not effective treatment methods. The best method of treatment for this disease is chemotherapy. The chemotherapy medication is given orally and via injection once a week.
Prognosis
With successful treatment, your dog may survive for months or even years. If the condition is left untreated, then your dog probably won’t survive for two months. Since the disease is almost always fatal, you will have to make the decision on whether or not to treat your dog.
