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Canine lymphoma

Lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in dogs. It is born from lymphocytes, white blood cells which circulate in the blood and populate the lymph nodes, spleen, liver and bone marrow. Because these cells are present throughout the body...

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Definition Signs Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Complications When to see a vet Prognosis FAQ Sources Affected species

What is it?

Lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in dogs. It is born from lymphocytes, white blood cells which circulate in the blood and populate the lymph nodes, spleen, liver and bone marrow.

Because these cells are present throughout the body, the disease is generalized from the start, even when a single lymph node is visibly large.

The most common form manifests itself as swollen, firm and painless lymph nodes, which the owner often discovers by chance while stroking his dog, under the jaw or in front of the shoulders.

Key point

A swollen lymph node is not always cancer: a common infection of the mouth, skin or ears also causes the lymph nodes to swell. Only an examination of the cells allows us to decide.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Related signs — each one links to its page:

Swollen lymph nodes Weight loss Loss of appetite Reduction Fatigue Drinks a lot Urine a lot Difficulty breathing Vomiting Diarrhea

Lymph nodes enlarged, firm, mobile and not painful: under the jaw, in front of the shoulders, in the armpits, behind the knees.

The dog often remains in apparently good shape at first, which explains a late diagnosis.

With progression: loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, less enthusiasm for walks.

Thirst and urine volume increased in some forms.

When the digestive tract is affected: vomiting, persistent diarrhea, rapid weight loss.

When the thorax is affected: difficult breathing, coughing, fatigue upon exertion.

When the skin is affected: red patches, scabs, shaved areas that resist usual dermatological treatments.

When to consult without delay

This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.

Causes and risk factors

Lymphoma results from the uncontrolled multiplication of a lymphocyte that has become abnormal.

The exact mechanisms that trigger this transformation are not elucidated. Genetic, immune and environmental factors are mentioned without any being established as the sole cause.

This cancer is neither contagious nor the consequence of a fault of those around you: there is nothing to reproach yourself for.

Middle to advanced age: the disease mainly affects adult and elderly dogs, although young dogs can be affected.

Certain breeds are more represented, notably the Boxer, the Golden Retriever, the Rottweiler, the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Cocker Spaniel.

A permanently weakened immune system is considered a favorable situation.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

The veterinarian systematically palpates all accessible lymph nodes and the abdomen.

The diagnosis is made by a fine needle puncture of the lymph node (cytology), a rapid procedure which is most often carried out with a watchful dog.

A biopsy is sometimes necessary to clarify the type of lymphoma, information which guides treatment.

An additional assessment is proposed: blood test, ultrasound of the abdomen, chest x-rays. It is used to assess the extent of the disease and the general condition before any decision is made.

More in-depth analyzes of cells can be carried out in specialized laboratories.

Treatment

Lymphoma is a cancer that usually responds well to chemotherapy: it is the standard treatment, carried out by the veterinarian according to established protocols.

Contrary to popular belief, chemotherapy in dogs aims above all for comfort: the doses are adapted so that the animal continues to live normally, and significant side effects remain in the minority.

Corticosteroid therapy alone can be chosen when chemotherapy is not an option, to improve comfort for a time.

Supportive care accompanies the treatment: adapted diet, management of nausea, monitoring of blood tests.

The choice is discussed carefully with the veterinarian, taking into account the age of the dog, its condition, the frequency of visits and what the family can cope with. Not treating is an option that can also be discussed, without guilt.

Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent lymphoma.

The most useful action is simple: regularly palpate your dog, particularly under the jaw and in front of the shoulders, to identify an enlarging lymph node.

An annual, biannual visit to the elderly dog allows the veterinarian to carry out this check methodically.

Possible complications

Bone marrow damage can lead to anemia, bleeding, or increased susceptibility to infections.

A high blood calcium level is observed in certain forms and can affect the kidneys.

Large lymph nodes in the chest can interfere with breathing.

A relapse after a remission phase is common; it does not mean that the treatment has failed, and therapeutic resumption is often possible.

When to see a veterinarian

You feel one or more firm lumps under your dog's jaw, in front of the shoulders, or behind the knees.

These lumps grow in size over a few days or weeks.

Your dog loses weight, eats less or gets tired more quickly than before.

He has difficulty breathing, coughs or gets tired at the slightest effort: consult without delay.

He has skin lesions that do not heal despite treatment.

Prognosis

Lymphoma is a serious disease that is generally not permanently cured.

On the other hand, it is one of the cancers that respond best to treatment: many dogs return to a normal life, with lymph nodes that have become discreet again, for an appreciable period.

The prognosis varies greatly depending on the type of lymphoma, the extension at the time of diagnosis and the general condition of the dog. Only the veterinarian who follows the animal can give a realistic idea of the situation.

Frequently asked questions

A lump under the jaw, is it necessarily cancer?

No. A lymph node also swells during dental, skin or ear infections, and it returns to normal once the infection is treated. What should alert you is a firm, painless lymph node that is growing or persists: a fine needle puncture provides the answer within a few days.

Will chemotherapy hurt my dog?

In dogs, chemotherapy is conducted primarily to preserve quality of life. Most animals tolerate it well, continue to eat, play and go outside. A loss of appetite or temporary loose stools are possible; Hair loss, spectacular in humans, remains rare and limited to certain breeds.

Can my dog pass his lymphoma to me?

No. This cancer is not contagious to humans or other animals in the house. You can continue to cuddle him and live normally with him.

Can I refuse treatment?

Yes, and this choice is respected. The veterinarian can then offer comfort care that limits pain, supports appetite and preserves well-being for as long as possible. The important thing is to make the decision with full knowledge of the facts, as a team with him.