November 7th is National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day, founded in 2015 by Terry Simons. Terry's beloved furry friend was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2011. When Terry decided to let Reveille go, it inspired him to form a foundation. Terry created CLEAR (Canine Lymphoma Education Awareness & Research). CLEAR is dedicated to providing information, resources, and research into this terrible disease.
We want to take this opportunity to talk about canine lymphoma. This disease is a type of cancer that affects dogs, and it can be severe. In this blog post, we will discuss what canine lymphoma is, the symptoms of the disease, and how it is treated. We hope this information will help raise awareness about canine lymphoma and help save lives!
What is canine lymphoma?
Canine lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. The lymphocytes are part of the immune system, and their primary function is to fight infection. When canine lymphoma develops, the lymphocytes become cancerous and grow out of control.
How common is lymphoma?
Unfortunately, lymphoma is the most common canine cancer, accounting for 7 - 24% of all canine tumors and 85% of all blood-based tumors.
There are four main types of lymphoma found in dogs: extranodal, mediastinal, nourishing, and multicentric. The most common form is multicentric in approximately 80% of all cases. Each type has its characteristics, including aggressiveness and expected survival rate. Lymphoma usually progresses quickly, and the average survival rate for untreated dogs after diagnosis is around a month or so.
What Causes Canine Lymphoma?
Canine lymphoma is currently diagnosed in about six million dogs each year worldwide, with approximately three hundred thousand new cases annually in the United States alone. Despite its frequency, the cause of this cancer remains unknown. Many experts believe that genetic and environmental factors likely play a role in its development. Exposure to chemicals or toxic substances like herbicides is one area that is being explored.
Several factors have been identified as predisposing a dog to develop lymphoma. The disease is more common in dogs six years or older but can strike younger dogs too.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptom of lymphoma in dogs is the enlargement of one or more lymph nodes. The lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands that act as filters for the lymphatic system and are found throughout the body. They may be felt just under the skin in various locations, such as along the back of the jaw, in front of the shoulder blades, or the groin area.
Other symptoms that may be seen include:
-Weight loss
-Loss of appetite
-Depression
-Lethargy
-Fever
-Diarrhea
-Vomiting
-Coughing
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it is essential to take them to the veterinarian right away.
What can be done to treat it?
While lymphoma in dogs is not currently curable, it has a higher success rate than most other forms of cancer and usually responds well to treatment. For decades the traditional method of treating canine lymphoma has been human-based chemotherapy that has been slightly adapted for veterinary use. Depending on the type of lymphoma, doctors will use different therapies. For example, multicentric lymphoma was treated with a multiple chemotherapy drug regimen from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-CHOP), whereas cutaneous lymphoma is typically treated with the drug lomustine.
Several ingredients, including omega-3 fatty acids, arginine, and turmeric, may be beneficial for pets suffering from lymphoma. Salmon oil for dogs contain omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA that can benefit a pet with cancer.
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in the cells of the lymph system, which is part of the body's immune system. It is relatively common in dogs, accounting for 7-24% of all canine cancers. There are many possible causes of lymphoma in dogs, including exposure to certain viruses and chemicals, but the exact cause is often unknown. Symptoms of lymphoma in dogs include loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, enlarged lymph nodes, and difficulty breathing. If you think your furry friend may have any of these symptoms, please get in touch with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Several treatments are available for canine lymphoma, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The best treatment option for your dog will depend on factors such as the stage and type of tumor, your dog's overall health and age, and your personal preferences. You should discuss all available treatment options with your veterinarian to make the best decision for your beloved pet.
