Lymphoma

Cancer Series: November is Cancer Awareness Month for Pets

Lymphoma

                Lymphoma is a form of cancer that can affect pets of any age and can be found in nearly any organ in the body.  Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph nodes or the cells within known as lymphocytes.  A lymphocyte is a type of white blood cell in our immune system that produces antibodies to protect the body.  This type of cancer is one of the most common forms in both dogs and cats. 

                Dogs with lymphoma may have few symptoms other than swollen lymph nodes, but some dogs may be lethargic, losing weight or not eating well.   Typically, we will find that all of the lymph nodes in the body are enlarged and firm, but not painful.  Taking a sample of cells from one or more lymph nodes and having a pathologist examine the cells can usual give us a diagnosis of lymphoma.  In some cases, lymphoma will be found within an organ.  Lymphoma can be found in the kidneys, spleen, intestines, spinal cord:  just about anywhere.  Middle aged or older Golden Retrievers and Boxers seem to have a higher incidence of lymphoma, but any breed and any age dog may be affected.

                Cats also get lymphoma and the intestinal form accounts for 50-70% of all cases of feline lymphoma.  As with dogs, lymphoma in cats can also affect other organs like the sinuses, kidneys and eyes.  Since intestinal lymphoma is the most common form in cats, most cats will show symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Symptoms can look similar to inflammatory bowel disease which is another common illness in older cats.   The best way to diagnose lymphoma is by taking a small piece of intestine for biopsy.  If lymphoma is suspected in some other organ, a needle aspirate may provide a diagnosis. 

                Other tests that may be performed when trying to diagnose lymphoma may include abdominal ultrasound, x-rays of the chest, and routine blood tests.

                If a pet is diagnosed with lymphoma, there are treatments available.  Without any treatment, patients typically die within one to two months.  Lymphoma responds reasonably well to several types of chemotherapy.  In some cases, prednisone alone is used but remission time is often very short.  If properly treated, patients with lymphoma can live one to two years beyond diagnosis, but a six month survival time is average.  Nutritional therapy has also shown to be helpful in controlling some cases of lymphoma.   A diet low in carbohydrates and high in omega 3 fatty acids (fish oil) may be beneficial to patients with lymphoma.  There is also a relatively new vaccine that looks promising in treating (NOT preventing) one form of canine lymphoma.  The vaccine would be given to dogs whose lymphoma is in remission to hopefully extend survival time. 

                  This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities. 

Source: www.veterinarypartner.com