Canine lymphoma, also known as lymphosarcoma, is a type of cancer that affects the spleen, lymph nodes, liver, and other organs. Dog lymphoma most commonly affects dogs that are middle aged and older.

Many dog owners are concerned about dog cancer since cancer poses a serious health risk to dogs. About fifty percent of the deaths of dogs are caused by cancer. Approximately twenty-five percent of all dog deaths are cancer related.

The causes of canine lymphoma are not well understood. Canine lymphoma causes different symptoms depending on which parts of the body are being affected by this cancer.

Dog lymphoma affecting the lymph nodes may cause a hardening of the lymph nodes and a formation of lumps in the area of the lymph nodes. The dog may not experience other symptoms of cancer.

Other tumors from lymphoma may cause diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Other types of lymphoma in dogs may cause shortness of breath, lumps on the skin, or bumps in or near the mouth.

A veterinarian may do blood tests or biopsies to diagnose lymphoma. Ultrasound or x-rays may also be used to diagnose canine lymphoma. The severity of the lymphoma may be classified by how many lymph nodes have been affected by the cancer.

There are five stages of dog lymphoma with stage I being the least severe. If the cancer is only affecting one lymph node, this is typical of stage I dog lymphoma. If the dog lymphoma has spread to multiple lymph nodes, bone marrow, and at least one organ, this is classified as stage IV canine lymphoma.

Chemotherapy is the most common treatment for lymphoma in dogs. During chemotherapy treatment, the dog may receive weekly injections of chemotherapy drugs such as doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide.

Dog lymphoma is a life-threatening type of dog cancer. A dog that has been diagnosed with dog lymphoma and is not receive treatment typically lifts four to six weeks after diagnosis.

If the dog receives chemotherapy treatment for the dog lymphoma, the dog may live up to a year after diagnosis. Sometimes, the dog may respond exceptionally well to the chemotherapy and live more than a year after diagnosis.

Dog owners who own dogs with canine lymphoma should not feel guilty about the dog’s cancer. Though the cause for dog lymphoma is not known, it is not caused by any actions or neglect of the dog owner.