The purpose of this article is to provide basic information about lymphoma in dogs, including clinical signs, diagnostic examinations, and prognosis.
Clinical Signs of Lymphoma in dogs:
Early diagnosis is crucial, so it’s important to observe your dog and consult with a veterinarian if you notice any deviations from their normal behavior. The most common form of lymphoma in dogs is multicentric lymphoma, characterized by enlarged lymph nodes that can be felt as small bumps in various areas of the body, most commonly under the ear, near the jaw, in the shoulder region, or behind the knee joint. In addition to lymph node enlargement, other nonspecific signs may include fatigue, decreased appetite, and decreased physical activity. Since lymphocytes are a type of immune cells distributed throughout the body, lymphoma can manifest in various ways depending on the affected tissues (digestive tract, eyes, liver, skin, etc.).
Diagnosis of Lymphoma in dogs:
A visit to the veterinarian is necessary, and a complete examination of the animal should be performed. To obtain the most comprehensive information about any changes in the body, blood tests (hematology and biochemistry) and urine analysis should also be conducted. Visual diagnostics such as ultrasound may be necessary. In cases of multicentric lymphoma, the most common diagnosis is obtained through cytological examination. Cytology is minimally invasive and does not require anesthesia. VetCyto provides cytology results within 48 hours of receiving the sample. The sample is obtained by disinfecting the skin above the enlarged lymph node and using a regular injection needle to collect cells from the growth. These cells are then spread onto a glass slide, dried, stained, and later examined under a microscope. In almost 100% of cases, this method is specific and sensitive, but in some cases (early stage lymphoma, specific lymphoma types), histological examination may also be necessary. Histological sampling requires anesthesia and a longer examination time (weeks to months), but the advantage of this method is the ability to evaluate tissues rather than just individual cells. There is also the option to perform a more detailed differentiation of lymphoma by assessing tumor spread (stages I-V), the malignant cell phenotype (T or B lymphocytes), and their structural characteristics – additional diagnostic tests such as immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and PARR.
Prognosis of Lymphoma in dogs
The prognosis depends on several factors:
Overall health of the animal
Extent of lymphoma spread (stages I-V)
Lymphoma type (liver lymphoma has a poor prognosis with a median survival of around 60 days, while in cases of T-zone lymphomas, a dog can live for several years)
Whether the neoplasm is composed of T or B lymphocytes
Choice of therapy and other factors
Lymphoma is a complex diagnosis, but early detection and quality veterinary care significantly aid in combating this disease. It is the responsibility of the owner to recognize changes in the dog’s health, bring the animal to the veterinarian, and collaborate with the veterinarian to ensure the best quality of life for their pet.
