Pet Health Library

Risk Factors

Although possible causes such as viruses, bacteria, and chemical exposure have been studied, the cause of lymphoma remains unknown. Genetics are believed to play a role since the disease is most often seen in the following breeds:

• Airedale terriers
• Basset hounds
• Boxers
• Bulldogs
• Golden retrievers
• Saint Bernards
• Scottish terriers

Signs

Signs vary depending on which organ is affected, but may include:

• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Increased thirst

Diagnosis

The clinical signs of lymphoma are vague. Bloodwork and a urinalysis help to exclude other diseases from the list of possibilities. X-rays and/or an ultrasound may also be performed to evaluate the internal organs.  In some dogs, a highly specialized test called PARR (PCR for antigen receptor rearrangement) is performed on a biopsy sample to confirm a diagnosis of lymphoma.

A highly specialized test called flow cytometry is often performed on samples of lymph node or other organs to more completely characterize the type of lymphoma in the dog.

Treatment

If your dog is diagnosed with lymphoma, your veterinarian will refer you to a board certified cancer specialist called an oncologist who will recommend a treatment plan. Treatment depends on the organs involved, but most cases require chemotherapy since the disease is widespread throughout the body.

Veterinary oncologists treat lymphoma using a variety of chemotherapy drugs. Most commonly used is the CHOP protocol. CHOP is an acronym representing the first letter of each chemotherapy drug in the protocol and is repurposed from human oncology. Despite the bad reputation chemotherapy has, most dog owners report a good quality of life in dogs receiving chemotherapy.

Surgery and/or radiation may be appropriate for certain types of lymphoma, but most cases cannot be effectively treated with surgery or radiation alone. Although lymphoma cannot be cured, the disease can often be put into remission, extending the dog’s life for a year or more. Without treatment, the survival time is about two months unless your dog has a slowly progressive form of lymphoma. In those dogs, survival may be prolonged without treatment.

Prevention

Several studies have found an association between environmental exposure to chemicals such as herbicides and the development of lymphoma. Further study is necessary but keeping your dog away from these environmental factors when possible is a sensible move.