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Lymphoma A Prevalent Cancer In Dogs
by: Jeff Kahler, D.V.M., McClathy Newspapers, Califonia
Teri and John have received bad news about their 7-year-old golden retriever.
Harlo has been diagnosed with lymphoma, and they are wrestling with treatment options.
Harlo was diagnosed by his regular veterinarian and referred to a veterinary cancer specialist, an oncologist.
Lymphoma is the most common form of cancer veterinarians deal with in canine patients.
It involves the lymph system, a part of the circulatory system, and is specifically part of the immune system. It is made up of many feet of lymph vessels and structures connected to them, called lymph nodes.
Lymphoma occurs when lymph cells reproduce in an uncontrolled fashion. It results in an increased number of lymph cells — lymphocytes — in the bloodstream or as masses in the lymph nodes. It is this nodular form that is most common. This disease is almost always fatal.
In cases of nodular lymphoma, caretakers will feel lumps in various locations on their dog's body. Common areas include under the neck, in the armpits, in front of the shoulders, in the groin region and behind the knees. These are normal locations for lymph nodes but, with this cancer, these nodes become enlarged.
Early on, there may be no signs, but any dog with enlarged lymph nodes should be seen immediately by a veterinarian.
There are other possible causes for enlarged lymph nodes, but do not wait to find out.
For Teri and John, the news was devastating, but
treatment options provide some hope. They weretold by the veterinary oncologist that with medical therapy, they could expect remission of Harlo's cancer and survival times in excess of six months. A long-term cure is unlikely.
Teri and John are concerned about Harlo's quality of life and are considering alternative therapies because of the potential side effects of chemotherapy.
Alternative therapies can be beneficial as part of a therapeutic approach in the treatment of lymphoma. I encourage Teri and John to seek out an expert in this area. I do not recommend alternative therapy over conventional treatment.
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