Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day

November 7th is National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day, founded in 2015 by Terry Simons. Terry’s dog, Reveille, was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2011. After losing Reveille, Terry started CLEAR (Canine Lymphoma Education, Awareness and Research), an organization dedicated to providing information, resources, and research on this disease.

Today, we want to take the opportunity to talk about canine lymphoma. In this post, we cover what it is, the signs to watch for, and how it is typically treated. We hope this information helps raise awareness among dog owners.

What Is Canine Lymphoma?

Canine lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that is part of the immune system. When lymphoma develops, these cells become abnormal and grow out of control.

How Common Is Lymphoma in Dogs?

Lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in dogs, accounting for roughly 7 to 24 percent of all canine tumors and about 85 percent of blood-based tumors.

There are four main types of lymphoma found in dogs: extranodal, mediastinal, alimentary, and multicentric. Multicentric is the most common form, making up approximately 80 percent of all cases. Each type has its own characteristics, including how aggressive it is and the expected survival time. Lymphoma often progresses quickly, and without treatment the average survival after diagnosis is around a month or so.

What Causes Canine Lymphoma?

The exact cause of canine lymphoma is not known. Many experts believe genetic and environmental factors play a role, and exposure to chemicals such as herbicides is one area being explored. The disease is more common in dogs six years or older, but it can affect younger dogs too.

Signs of Lymphoma in Dogs

The most common sign is enlargement of one or more lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands found throughout the body that act as filters for the lymphatic system. They can often be felt just under the skin, such as along the back of the jaw, in front of the shoulder blades, or in the groin area.

Other signs that may be seen include:

• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy or low energy
• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Coughing or difficulty breathing

If you notice any of these signs in your dog, take them to your veterinarian right away.

How Is Lymphoma in Dogs Treated?

Lymphoma in dogs is not currently curable, but many dogs respond well to treatment. For decades, the traditional approach has been chemotherapy adapted from human protocols for veterinary use. The therapy depends on the type of lymphoma. For example, multicentric lymphoma has been treated with a multi-drug chemotherapy protocol developed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-CHOP), while cutaneous lymphoma is typically treated with the drug lomustine.

Other treatment options may include surgery and radiation therapy. The best choice for your dog depends on the stage and type of lymphoma, your dog’s overall health and age, and your personal preferences. Talk through all available options with your veterinarian to make the best decision for your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is canine lymphoma?
Canine lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that is part of the immune system. It is one of the most common cancers seen in dogs.

What are the signs of lymphoma in dogs?
The most common sign is enlargement of one or more lymph nodes, which can often be felt under the skin. Other signs may include weight loss, loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and coughing or difficulty breathing. Contact your veterinarian right away if you notice any of these.

What causes lymphoma in dogs?
The exact cause is not known. Genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a role, and exposure to chemicals such as herbicides is being studied. Lymphoma is more common in dogs six years or older but can affect younger dogs too.

Can lymphoma in dogs be cured?
Lymphoma in dogs is not currently curable, but many dogs respond well to treatment. Chemotherapy is the traditional approach, and surgery or radiation therapy may also be options depending on the type and stage. Your veterinarian can help you decide on the best plan.

When should I take my dog to the vet for lymph node swelling?
If you notice swollen lymph nodes or any other changes such as weight loss, loss of appetite, or lethargy, schedule a veterinary visit right away. Early evaluation helps you and your veterinarian understand your options sooner.