Lymphoma

Body function:

Immune & Autoimmune

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Lymphoma is a common cancer in dogs that comes from lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell involved in the immune system. There are over 30 types of lymphoma that affect dogs; some progress rapidly, and others are more manageable as chronic conditions. The most common type of lymphoma is multicentric lymphoma, which affects the lymph nodes but can spread. While some breeds appear predisposed to this type of cancer, suggesting a genetic component, it can affect any dog breed.

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List of affected breeds:

Genetic research has linked this gene and condition in the following breeds:

Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Bearded Collie, Belgian Sheepdog, Belgian Tervuren, Berger Picard, Boerboel, Border Terrier, Bouvier Des Flandres, Briard, American Bulldog, French Bulldog, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Catahoula Leopard Dog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, Shar Pei, Chow Chow, Coton De Tulear, Miniature Dachshund, Dalmatian, Dogue De Bordeaux, English Setter, English Toy Spaniel, Wire Fox Terrier, German Shorthaired Pointer, German Wirehaired Pointer, Giant Schnauzer, Gordon Setter, Great Dane, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Havanese, Icelandic Sheepdog, Irish Setter, Keeshond, Komondor, Leonberger, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff, Miniature Pinscher, Large Munsterlander, Small Munsterlander, Newfoundland, Norfolk Terrier, Norwich Terrier, Otterhound, Papillon, Pekingese, Small Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, Pug, Puli, Pyrenean Shepherd, Rat Terrier, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Samoyed, Shiba Inu, Spinone Italiano, Stabyhoun, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel, Tibetan Terrier, Weimaraner, Whippet, Yorkshire Terrier

A brown dog with floppy ears is looking up at the camera with its mouth open and tongue out. The dog is standing in a field of tall grass.

What does this mean for a dog with this trait?

Chemotherapy is the primary treatment for most forms of lymphoma. Dogs undergoing chemotherapy often experience remission, though side effects may occur. For multicentric lymphoma, vets will likely use a combination of chemotherapy drugs over 25 weeks. Other types of lymphoma may be treated with different medications.

Symptoms

The symptoms of lymphoma in dogs depend on the type of lymphoma. The most common symptom of multicentric lymphoma is the presence of firm, enlarged, and non-painful lymph nodes. Additional signs may include loss of appetite, lethargy, weight loss, facial or leg swelling, and increased thirst and urination. Other types of lymphoma may come with additional symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and dry, flaky skin.

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