Small Cell Lymphoma in Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide

Small cell lymphoma is a serious and aggressive form of cancer that affects dogs. It's a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that originates in the immune system.

This type of cancer is characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. These cells can accumulate in various parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow.

Small cell lymphoma can cause a range of symptoms, including weight loss, lethargy, and swollen lymph nodes. In some cases, dogs may also experience vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing.

Prompt veterinary care is essential for diagnosing and treating small cell lymphoma.

On a similar theme: Lifespan of Dog with Mast Cell Tumor

Small cell lymphoma in dogs can manifest in various ways, depending on the severity and location of the cancer.

The most common symptom of small cell lymphoma is enlarged lymph nodes, which can be felt under the skin, particularly in areas like the neck, shoulders, or behind the knees.

These lymph nodes are usually firm but not painful, and they can be a giveaway that something is amiss.

Some dogs may also exhibit non-specific symptoms like weight loss, poor appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or coughing, but these can be indicative of many other health issues as well.

If you notice any unusual lumps or suspect your dog isn't feeling well, it's essential to bring them to the vet for a thorough examination.

Some common locations where lymph nodes can be felt include:

Diagnosis of small cell lymphoma typically involves a combination of physical exams, bloodwork, fine needle aspirate (FNA) and cytology, and biopsy.

The signs and symptoms of canine lymphoma can be subtle and may not always be immediately noticeable. One of the most common symptoms is the presence of swollen lymph nodes that can be felt under the neck, near the shoulders, or behind the knees.

You may notice these swollen lymph nodes while petting your dog, and they are usually firm but not painful to the touch. The lymph nodes that are easiest to evaluate are located on the outside of the body, including the submandibular, popliteal, pre-scapular, axillary, and inguinal lymph nodes.

As the disease progresses, you may notice changes in your dog's behavior, such as lethargy or a decrease in appetite. Your dog may also experience weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or coughing, depending on the location and severity of the lymphoma.

Here are some specific symptoms associated with lymphoma in different parts of the body:

It's essential to keep in mind that these symptoms can be non-specific and may occur with many different diseases, so if you notice any unusual lumps or changes in your dog's behavior, it's always best to consult with your veterinarian for an examination.

Diagnosing lymphoma in dogs involves a combination of physical exams, blood tests, and tissue sampling. A physical exam helps veterinarians check a dog's lymph nodes and vital signs.

Bloodwork is often normal in dogs with lymphoma, but it's still important to get blood tests done to understand a dog's general health. Increased calcium levels may show up on bloodwork in cases of mediastinal lymphoma.

A fine needle aspirate (FNA) and cytology can be done quickly and easily during a vet appointment. This involves inserting a tiny needle into an enlarged lymph node to draw out a sample of the inside, which can then be examined under a microscope.

A biopsy involves surgically removing a piece of an enlarged lymph node and sending it to a lab for testing. This is a more expensive option, but it can provide more detailed information than cytology.

To determine the extent of cancer involvement, staging tests may be pursued. These can include blood work, urine analysis, chest radiographs (X-rays), and abdominal imaging (X-rays or ultrasound).

Here are some tests that may be used to diagnose and stage lymphoma in dogs:

Immunophenotyping is a specific laboratory test to determine if your dog's lymphoma is in the B- or T-cells.

Dogs with B-cell lymphoma typically respond better to chemotherapy and have longer remissions, and longer survival times, than dogs with T-cell lymphoma.

This information can be crucial in understanding your dog's prognosis and treatment options.

Knowing whether your dog has B-cell or T-cell lymphoma can help you and your veterinarian make informed decisions about their care.

Treatment options for small cell lymphoma in dogs often involve chemotherapy, which is the primary treatment for this type of cancer. Chemotherapy can be an intimidating prospect, but dogs tend to tolerate it better than humans do, and they typically don't lose their hair during treatment.

The goal of chemotherapy is to achieve remission, which means the cancer is no longer growing or spreading, and the dog's quality of life improves. Remission can mean extended survival with regression of the cancer for months or even years.

There are various chemotherapy protocols available, and your dog's oncologist will determine the best course of treatment based on their specific case. Some common first-line chemotherapy protocols include the CHOP protocol, which combines doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone, and Tanovea, a recently approved treatment that involves injecting a medication called rabacfosadine into a vein.

Some dogs may also benefit from rescue protocols, which are used when the first-line treatment options fail and the cancer relapses. Rescue protocols can involve repeating the first-line treatment or using different medications. It's essential to work closely with your dog's oncologist to determine the best treatment plan for their individual needs.

Here are some common chemotherapy protocols for canine lymphoma:

Treatment for canine lymphoma typically involves chemotherapy, which is the primary treatment for this systemic disease. Chemotherapy can be intimidating, but dogs tolerate it much better than humans, and they usually don't lose their hair.

Many different chemotherapy protocols are available, and the best one for your dog will depend on their specific case and the latest research in the field. The most common first-line chemotherapy protocols include the CHOP protocol, which combines doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone.

The goal of chemotherapy is to induce remission, which means the lymph nodes return to normal size and the dog feels better. Remission can last for months or even years, and it's a great quality of life for your dog. Unfortunately, most dogs with lymphoma cannot be cured, but with the right treatment, they can live a long and happy life.

Some chemotherapy protocols are more effective than others, and the response rate can vary depending on the specific drugs used. For example, the CHOP protocol has a response rate of up to 96% with prolonged remission. Other protocols, such as Tanovea, have shown promising results with a remission rate of 70% and a median survival time of 4-6 months.

If the first-line treatment options fail, your dog's oncologist may recommend a rescue protocol, which can be a repeat of the first-line treatment or a new combination of drugs. These protocols are typically used until they stop working, and they may be less popular but can be successful in some cases.

Chemotherapy can be given in various forms, including as an infusion or orally, and the frequency and duration of treatment will depend on the specific protocol and your dog's response. Some dogs may experience side effects, such as hair loss, but this is less common in dogs than in humans.

Here are some common chemotherapy drugs used to treat canine lymphoma:

It's essential to work closely with your dog's oncologist to determine the best treatment plan for their specific case and to monitor their response to treatment. With the right treatment, many dogs with lymphoma can live a long and happy life, and their quality of life can be excellent during remission.

Integrative Therapies can play a role in lymphoma treatment.

Acupuncture can be useful to help improve quality of life, even though it doesn't directly target cancer. It's been shown to reduce nausea from chemotherapy in humans, and veterinarians use it to relieve pain and nausea in dogs.

Homeopathy may be supportive and not interfere with other treatments. A 2010 retrospective study found that 40% of dogs with lymphoma showed improvement according to their owners, while 6.7% got worse.

A fresh viewpoint: Pictures of Lymphoma in Dogs

Staging is a crucial step in determining the severity of small cell lymphoma in dogs and can impact treatment decisions. The prognosis, or likely outcome, varies based on factors such as the type of lymphoma, its location, and how far it has progressed.

Without treatment, the median survival time for dogs with the most common types of lymphoma is about one month. However, with aggressive chemotherapy, dogs with multicentric lymphoma can have an average survival time of 1 year, with up to 20% of dogs living more than two years.

Dogs who feel sick at the time of diagnosis generally have a worse prognosis than those who still feel normal. Your veterinarian or veterinary oncologist may recommend additional tests to determine the stage of lymphoma, including bloodwork, urinalysis, chest radiographs, ultrasound, and bone marrow biopsy or aspirate.

Here's a breakdown of the stages of lymphoma:

Overall, the prognosis for dogs with lymphoma is generally good, with many pet owners reporting high-quality, disease-free time with their pets.

Staging is a crucial step in determining the prognosis for dogs with lymphoma, and it's essential to understand the process. The prognosis varies based on many factors, including what kind of lymphoma it is, where it is located, and how far it has already progressed.

Without any treatment, the median survival time for dogs with the most common types of lymphoma is about one month. This is a sobering fact, but it's essential to remember that every dog is unique, and some may live longer than others.

The most common type of multicentric lymphoma, with aggressive chemotherapy, has an average survival time of 1 year. However, up to 20% of dogs with this type of lymphoma and the same type of chemotherapy get more than two years of survival time.

To stage lymphoma, your veterinarian and/or oncologist will use various tests, including bloodwork, urinalysis, chest radiographs (x-rays), ultrasound, and bone marrow biopsy or aspirate.

Here's a breakdown of the staging system:

The stage and substage of lymphoma can significantly impact treatment decisions and prognosis. Dogs who feel sick at the time of diagnosis generally have a worse prognosis than dogs who still feel normal.

The prognosis for dogs with lymphoma varies based on several factors, including the type of lymphoma, its location, and how far it has progressed.

Without treatment, the median survival time for dogs with the most common types of lymphoma is about one month.

Dogs with multicentric lymphoma can live up to a year with aggressive chemotherapy, but each dog is unique, and some may live more than two years.

Staging your dog's lymphoma is crucial in determining the severity of the cancer and can impact treatment decisions.

The prognosis for dogs with lymphoma is generally good, with most pet parents being happy with the clinical outcome and response to therapy.

Here's a breakdown of the stages of lymphoma and their corresponding prognoses:

Dogs who feel sick at the time of diagnosis generally have a worse prognosis than those who still feel normal.

Remission is quick for many dogs with lymphoma, but eventual relapse is probable.