Canine lymphoma is a common cancer and usually occurs in older and middle age dogs but can affect dogs of any age (even puppies that are only a few weeks old). This cancer comes in several forms, but is a treatable illness with a relatively high rate of remission. Though canine lymphoma is more likely to be seen in older dogs, owners should be able to recognize the symptoms of this cancer in younger dogs as well so an early diagnosis can be made.
Diagnosing Lymphoma
Canine lymphoma is a cancer affecting the lymphatic system, a central part of the immune system to fight off diseases, bacteria and viruses. In order to diagnose the cancer, your veterinarian will most likely take a biopsy of the lumps that appear with canine lymphoma, do some blood work and urinalysis, use an ultrasound, perform an endoscopy if the gastrointestinal tract is affected, or take x-rays.
Lyme's disease and infections from ticks, allergies and any other infection can also cause lymph nodes to become enlarged and may be more common in younger dogs than cancer is, so be sure to check with your vet to rule out any other diagnoses.
Lymphoma Symptoms
Signs of canine lymphoma vary and depend on where the cancer is located on the body. Tumors can occur on any organ but are often felt or even seen on the dog's body. Sometimes the lumps can affect or block airways, the digestive tract or the flow of blood, but other times they do not appear to affect a dog at all. Some tumors are only found after a vet performs a regular check-up on a seemingly healthy dog.
Physical symptoms to look out for include:
- growing lumps on the neck, the armpits, the back of knees, the groin area or at the shoulders below the skin
- fever
- lethargy
- loss of appetite and weight loss
- swelling in the face
- problems with breathing
- vomiting
- excess water drinking
- increased urination
- diarrhea
- blood in stool (melena)
- seizures
Breeds Most Susceptible to Lymphoma
Canine lymphoma can affect any dog, but certain breeds are more susceptible to this disease, which seems to be caused by genes. Breeds with a high risk of developing this cancer include:
- Golden Retrievers
- Scottish Terriers
- Basset Hounds
- German Shepherds
- Bulldogs
- Boxers
- Rottweilers
- Saint Bernards
- Beagles