Lymphoma in dogs: which breeds are more likely to develop the problem?

 Lymphoma in dogs: which breeds are more likely to develop the problem?

Tracy Wilkins

When it comes to dog health, lymphoma is one of the most feared diseases. And no wonder: lymphoma is the most common type of cancer in dogs. In addition, veterinary medicine is aware of more than 30,000 variations of lymphoma. It is a curable disease, but it requires thorough treatment and can, yes, take the animal's life. Want to know more about the disease and know the breeds of lymphoma?dogs that can develop lymphoma more easily? Read on!

Lymphoma: large dogs are more prone to the disease

It is difficult to determine a cause for the onset of lymphoma in dogs. Contact with chemicals, improper diet and autoimmune deficiencies are examples of causes. Unfortunately, when it comes to lymphoma, large dogs and certain breeds can develop the disease more easily. These are:

    • American Staffordshire Terrier
    • Basset Hound
  • Boxer
    • Bullmastiff
    • Doberman
    • Golden Retriever
    • German Shepherd
  • American Pitbull Terrier
  • Rottweiler
  • São Bernardo
  • Irish Setter

Lymphoma in dogs: how does the disease manifest itself?

Depending on where in the dog's body the lymphoma affects, the disease gets a different classification. The most common type of lymphoma in dogs is multicentric which, as the name implies, affects different organs: bone marrow, liver and spleen, as well as tonsils, superficial and deep lymph nodes, in the dog's throat area. It is the most common type of lymphoma in dogs.

Alimentary lymphoma is more common in cats, but it also affects dogs, compromising the digestive system: intestines and stomach are the organs most affected by the disease. There is also cutaneous lymphoma (which occurs on the dog's skin), thymic or mediastinal lymphoma (which affects the anterior part of the chest, the thymus and mediastinal lymph nodes) and extranodal lymphoma, which develops in various parts of the body.body of the doggy.

See_also: How to help the cat vomit hairball?

Lymphoma in dogs: symptoms can be confused with other diseases

One of the factors that makes it most difficult to diagnose early lymphoma is the symptoms, as they are common to many other dog health problems that are simpler to treat. Therefore, it is important never to medicate the pet on your own and to seek a veterinarian at any sign of malaise. Have you noticed that the dog is showing a lack of energy to do the things thatIf your dog has a bad appetite and refuses even the dog food you like best, turn on the alert. Here are the symptoms of lymphoma in dogs that appear in the early stages of the disease:

Depending on the type of canine lymphoma, or the level of maturity of the disease, some specific symptoms may appear:

  • Swollen paws or face

  • Wounds that won't heal

  • Increased urination and fluid intake

  • Swollen lymph nodes, firm to the touch, which may or may not cause pain

Chemotherapy in dogs with lymphoma: treatment is the only one capable of reversing the condition

Chemotherapy in dogs is the treatment indicated in cases of lymphoma. Dogs that take pills more easily will do better with this treatment, which basically consists of a set of drugs that fight cancer cells. And no: for lymphoma in dogs, there is no natural treatment! Do not bet on miraculous recipes from the internet: follow the recommendations of a specialist.trusted vet!

Tracy Wilkins

Jeremy Cruz is a passionate animal lover and dedicated pet parent. With a background in veterinary medicine, Jeremy has spent years working alongside veterinarians, gaining invaluable knowledge and experience in caring for dogs and cats. His genuine love for animals and commitment to their well-being led him to create the blog Everything you need to know about dogs and cats, where he shares expert advice from veterinarians, owners, and respected experts in the field, including Tracy Wilkins. By combining his expertise in veterinary medicine with insights from other respected professionals, Jeremy aims to provide a comprehensive resource for pet owners, helping them understand and address their beloved pets' needs. Whether it's training tips, health advice, or simply spreading awareness about animal welfare, Jeremy's blog has become a go-to source for pet enthusiasts seeking reliable and compassionate information. Through his writing, Jeremy hopes to inspire others to become more responsible pet owners and create a world where all animals receive the love, care, and respect they deserve.