Understanding Lymphoma, One of the More Common Cancers in Dogs

In this guide

Lymphoma is among the more frequently diagnosed cancers in dogs and involves the uncontrolled growth of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that is part of the immune system. Because lymphocytes circulate through lymph nodes, the spleen, liver and bone marrow, lymphoma can show up in several different forms.

The most common form and its signs

Multicentric lymphoma, which affects the lymph nodes, is the most common presentation.

• Firm, painless, enlarged lymph nodes, often noticed first under the jaw, in front of the shoulders, or behind the knees
• Reduced appetite and weight loss
• Lethargy
• Occasionally fever, increased thirst, or vomiting and diarrhoea, depending on which organs are involved

Diagnosis

A vet will usually start with a fine needle aspiration of an enlarged lymph node, followed by bloodwork and, if lymphoma is confirmed, staging tests such as chest X-rays, abdominal ultrasound, and sometimes bone marrow sampling to understand how far it has spread.

Treatment options

Chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment and, encouragingly, dogs generally tolerate it far better than people do, with most maintaining a good quality of life through treatment. The most widely used combination protocol, often referred to by the shorthand CHOP after its component drugs, can achieve remission in a large proportion of dogs, though lymphoma is rarely considered curable and often returns eventually. For owners for whom chemotherapy is not feasible, palliative treatment with steroids can improve comfort and extend time, though generally for a shorter period.

A small proportion of dogs with lymphoma develop raised blood calcium as a side effect of the cancer itself, which can cause increased thirst and urination. If your dog with enlarged lymph nodes is also drinking and urinating more, mention this to your vet, since it is a useful diagnostic clue rather than a separate problem.

Cost and access to veterinary oncology are real considerations in India, where specialist oncology services are concentrated in larger cities. Discussing realistic goals, whether that is remission, comfort, or time, with your vet early helps in making a decision that fits your circumstances.

Common Questions

Q: Is lymphoma contagious to other pets in the household? A: No, lymphoma is not an infectious disease and cannot spread from one dog to another, or to other pets.

Q: Can lymphoma be caught on a routine annual blood test? A: Not directly, but unusual changes in white blood cell counts can prompt a vet to investigate further, which is one more reason annual bloodwork has real value from middle age onward.

Article content © Ravi Teja. All rights reserved.