Splenic Lymphoma in Dogs: Diagnosis, Care, and Prevention

Splenic lymphoma in dogs is a serious condition that requires prompt attention.

Symptoms can appear suddenly, often with a rapid decline in health, and may include vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and lethargy.

These symptoms can be caused by the spleen becoming enlarged due to cancer cells, which can lead to a range of complications.

The spleen plays a crucial role in filtering the blood and storing red blood cells, so when it's affected by lymphoma, the entire body can be impacted.

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examination, imaging tests, and biopsy to confirm the presence of lymphoma.

A diagnosis of splenic lymphoma in dogs is often made when a biopsy of the spleen shows a high percentage of cancer cells.

Treatment options vary depending on the dog's overall health and the stage of the disease, but may include chemotherapy, surgery, or a combination of both.

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Chemotherapy is often the first line of treatment, as it can help reduce the size of the spleen and control the spread of cancer cells.

Surgery may be necessary to remove the spleen if it's severely enlarged or if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Preventing splenic lymphoma in dogs is difficult, as the exact cause is still unknown.

However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can help reduce the risk of developing this condition.

Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can also help identify any potential issues early on, allowing for prompt treatment and a better prognosis.

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Lymphoma is a cancerous proliferation of lymphocytes, or white blood cells that normally function in the immune system. It's one of the most common tumors seen in dogs.

Dogs of any breed and age can develop lymphoma, although most are middle-aged or older when diagnosed. Golden retrievers are considered a breed at increased risk of developing a lymphosarcoma.

The most common form of lymphoma causes a non-painful enlargement of one or more lymph nodes that can be seen or felt on the surface of the body.

A lymph node can become large enough to impair function, such as obstructing blood flow or the airway.

If you notice your dog is lethargic or weak, it could be a sign of cancer, including splenic lymphoma.

Dogs with gastrointestinal forms of lymphoma may vomit or have diarrhea.

Lumps growing quickly near major joints, such as the neck, shoulders, armpits, or groin, should be examined by a veterinarian, even if your dog seems healthy.

Symptoms of splenic tumors in dogs can be challenging to detect and may include sudden collapse or fainting.

Pale gums, abdominal enlargement, and cold limbs are other possible symptoms of splenic cancer in dogs.

Decreased appetite and heart arrhythmia are also potential signs of splenic cancer.

These symptoms can often be detected during diagnostic tests for other conditions, making it essential to have your dog checked regularly by a veterinarian.

Consider reading: What Are the Symptoms of Lymphoma in Dogs

Chemotherapy is often the first line of treatment for splenic lymphoma in dogs, and it's usually well-tolerated with minimal impact on their quality of life.

Lymphosarcoma, a type of lymphoma, responds particularly well to chemotherapy, with most dogs showing a good response to treatment.

Chemotherapy drugs commonly used to treat splenic lymphoma include doxorubicin, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, prednisone, and L-Aspariginase.

In some cases, surgery or radiation therapy may also be used to treat localized disease.

Surgical removal of the spleen, known as a splenectomy, is a primary treatment option for dogs with localized disease.

Chemotherapy may follow surgery to target any remaining cancer cells and improve survival rates.

Treatment for splenic lymphoma can be ongoing, with some dogs requiring years or even a lifetime of treatment.

Low-grade lymphoma, including splenic lymphoma, can be treated with oral medications, including prednisone and chlorambucil, which are given at home.

These medications are generally well-tolerated, but the biggest challenge for owners is often administering them to their dogs.

Take a look at this: Lymphoma in Dogs and Prednisone

Diagnosis of splenic lymphoma in dogs can be a complex process, but veterinarians often start by suspecting a bleeding splenic tumor based on clinical signs and physical examination.

A definitive diagnosis typically requires a biopsy of the tumor tissue, which can be confirmed through diagnostic imaging techniques such as ultrasound and X-rays, along with blood tests to assess internal bleeding and blood cell counts.

The prognosis for dogs with lymphoma, including splenic lymphoma, is highly variable and depends on the clinical stage of the disease.

Veterinarians may suspect a bleeding splenic tumor in dogs based on clinical signs and physical examination.

Diagnostic imaging techniques such as ultrasound and X-rays are commonly used to assess internal bleeding.

Blood tests are used to assess blood cell counts.

A biopsy of the tumor tissue is often required for a definitive diagnosis.

If you're concerned about your dog's health, don't hesitate to reach out to a veterinary oncologist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

The prognosis for a dog with lymphoma is highly variable and depends on the clinical stage. Dogs in lower stages of the disease will do better with treatment than those that are ill and have more advanced disease.

Lymphoma is not generally viewed as curable in dogs, although some will experience what seems to be a cure with appropriate treatment. A dog can start with one stage of the disease and progress over time to another, usually more advanced stage.

Most dogs treated with chemotherapy will experience a remission, a period in which there is no detectable cancer, and the dog feels well. Remission times are variable, but most dogs with lymph node forms of lymphoma will have initial remissions lasting around 6-9 months.

Survival times for most dogs treated with combination chemotherapy protocols are approximately 1 year.

Dogs aged between 6 and 13 years old are at higher risk of developing spleen tumors.

Older dogs are more prone to spleen tumors, and some breeds are more susceptible than others.

Some of the breeds that are at higher risk include German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers.

Dogs like Boxers, Standard Poodles, Bernese Mountain dogs, and Flat-Coated Retrievers are also more likely to develop spleen tumors.

These breeds are not doomed to develop spleen tumors, but they do need to be monitored closely as they age.

If you have one of these breeds, be sure to work closely with your veterinarian to stay on top of their health.

Here are some breeds that are at higher risk of developing spleen tumors: