Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the dog's bloodstream, mainly related to the number of white blood cells.
It is a serious disease, which if not diagnosed in time can be fatal for our dog.
In this article on our site we will detail everything about leukemia in dogs, explaining the possible causes that cause it, the most frequent symptoms and the treatment to apply.
What is canine leukemia?
Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects leukocytes (white blood cells). The bone marrow of dogs with leukemia produces a large number of defective white blood cells. These defective white blood cells flood the bloodstream and the bone marrow itself, but due to their defects they are unable to protect the body.
Consequently, the immune system is adversely affected and dogs become susceptible to various diseases. As the leukemia progresses, it also affects the production of other blood cells such as red blood cells and platelets, thus causing additional problems of great magnitude. Canine leukemia can be acute when it occurs quickly and abruptly, or chronic when it occurs slowly and gradually.
Causes and risk factors
Different possible causes have been proposed for leukemia, including genetic factors, radiation exposure, exposure to to chemicals and virus infection. However, the actual causes of this disease are still unknown and it remains to be seen if any of the proposed causes are correct.
Symptoms of leukemia in dogs
Dogs suffering from leukemia present a series of non-specific symptoms, since the disease affects the immune system and, consequently, has impact on various organs. Symptoms are usually:
- Fatigue
- Weightloss
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Inappetence
- General discomfort
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Pale mucous membranes
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Enlarged liver
- Hemorrhages
- Dehydration
- Difficulty breathing and fast breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- Increased frequency and/or volume of urine
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made on the basis of physical examination, symptoms, and a bone marrow biopsy and must always be done by a veterinarian.
To carry out the biopsy it is necessary to anesthetize the dog, since it is a complicated and painful procedure. The marrow sample is usually taken from the hip. The sample is then sent to the laboratory, where a cytology study is done to determine if leukemia is present.
Treatment
Unfortunately there is no cure for this disease. However, there are treatments that can help dogs in some cases.
Treatments are generally based on chemotherapy, giving the dog anti-cancer drugs In general, these treatments have to be repeated from time to time. In addition, antibiotics or other medications are often needed to combat opportunistic infections, and pain relievers may be needed to reduce aches and pains.
The prognosis for dogs with chronic leukemia can be favorable if the disease is detected and treated early. In such cases, dogs may gain a few years of life thanks to timely treatment, but the disease is still fatal.
Dogs with acute leukemia usually have a prognosis very guarded, since in these cases the disease is very aggressive and progresses very quickly. speed.
In either case, sick dogs have very little chance of surviving for long, so their owners often prefer euthanasia to expensive treatment that can be difficult for both dogs and animals. humans and your dog.
