Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma is a malignant tumor that relatively frequently affects dogs, especially those of middle and old age. Depending on the location in which it grows, the affected dog will present different symptoms, as we will see in this article on our site.
In addition to putting ourselves in the hands of the veterinarian to find the most appropriate treatment, at home we can follow recommendations to improve their quality of life. Therefore, next, we will see how to care for a dog with lymphoma.
What is lymphoma in dogs?
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that occurs relatively frequently in dogs. It is characterized by growing in the lymph nodes or in organs with lymphatic tissue, such as the spleen, liver or bone marrow, although it can appear in both locations at time. Despite being more common in middle-aged and older dogs, a certain genetic predisposition has been detected, so it is more common in some dog breeds, such as;
- German shepherd.
- Boxer.
- Saint Bernard.
- Basset hound.
- Great Dane.
- Golden retriever.
Lymphoma can grow more or less slowly and reproduce by metastases, most common in the lungs and liver. Lymphomas can be seen on the outside of the dog's body, but they can also grow on the inside. In these cases, they manage to reach large sizes before being detected. For the diagnosis, X-rays, ultrasounds, computed tomography or biopsy are used.
According to their characteristics, they are classified into different phases that will be more or less serious. In addition to determining the treatment, the type of lymphoma is the data that will guide us if we wonder how to care for a dog with lymphoma.
Is there a cure for lymphoma in dogs?
Lymphoma must be treated on a case-by-case basis and according to its characteristics and extent. Possible treatments for lymphoma in dogs are:
- Surgery: sometimes it is possible to remove it, especially when it is well defined in a single node, always leaving a margin of tissue around you.
- Radiation therapy and chemotherapy: Radiotherapy and chemotherapy may also be used, sometimes in combination. The latter is the one that seems to offer better results.
- Hyperthermia: Another technique is hyperthermia, which consists of using electromagnetic radiation or ultrasound to heat the tumor.
- Immunotherapy: depending on the case, the veterinarian may also advise us to carry out an immunotherapy treatment to strengthen our pet's immune system, in order to help her cope with the disease.
The prognosis will depend on multiple factors. But the problem is that lymphoma tends to spread In those cases, cure, unfortunately, is unlikely. The option then will be to focus on quality of life, for which it is essential to know how to care for a dog with lymphoma.
Caring for a dog with lymphoma
We must adjust our care to the stage of canine lymphoma, since the clinical picture of these dogs will be very different. Thus, we can find enlarged lymph nodes in different areas, such as the inguinal, axillary, neck or chest. It is common for dogs with lymphoma to be lethargic, lose appetite and consequently lose weight and decrease their muscle mass. Anemia in dogs is also common.
Types of lymphomas in dogs
Although dogs can present tumors in various areas of the body due to lymphoma, due to the symptoms, some of the most important for the subsequent care of your pet are:
- Canine chest tumor: Lymphoma located in the chest is related to the appearance of pleural effusion, which is the presence of fluid in the chest cavity. This makes breathing difficult.
- Dog skin tumor: Lymphoma on the skin causes plaque-like lesions or nodules that cause itching. When the gastrointestinal system is involved, the symptoms will be vomiting and diarrhea.
How to care for a dog with lymphoma?
Given the multiplicity of situations in which the patient can find himself, there is no single answer on how to care for a dog with lymphoma. In short, our care should focus on the following aspects:
- Stress: A non-stressful environment helps keep the dog's immune system strong, improving its general condition. With a dog sick with cancer is not the time for change. You need a stable home, comforts, attention and care to achieve the best possible quality of life.
- Food: it is essential to stimulate the appetite with palatable foods with high energy density. It is a good idea to offer warm, moist food in small amounts several times a day. In advanced cases, tube feeding may be used. Gastrointestinal discomfort, also due to side effects of chemotherapy, may require pharmacological treatment. We also explain how to change the dog's food step by step.
- Symptomology: varies from one dog to another, but what they have in common is the need to tackle any sign quickly. Since serious respiratory complications can occur, any difficulty in this aspect is a reason for veterinary consultation, since a pleural effusion is an emergency. Avoid intense exercise and exposure to the sun and high temperatures. When lymphoma affects the skin, an Elizabethan collar may be needed to prevent the dog from aggravating the lesions by biting, licking, or scratching.
In addition to following your vet's recommendations, you can also ask about other Alternative Therapies for dogs with cancer.
How long can a dog with lymphoma last?
We have seen how to care for a dog with lymphoma, but even with the best care, not all cases improve the dog's life expectancy. Of course, if we leave the dog without any treatment, the lymphoma is usually so aggressive as to cause her deathin a matter of weeks
That is why it is essential to go to the vet. With treatment, an average life expectancy is estimated at between one and three years It may not seem like a long time, but you have to remember that dogs perceive it differently than ours and that they care more about quality than quantity, as we explain in this other article about The age of the dog in human years.
