Lymphoma in Dogs

Category: Cancer
Inheritance: Multifactorial
Breeds documented: 6
Published sources: 7

Overview

Cancerous changes in lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, cause lymphoma. It often appears as enlarged lymph nodes, the small glands found in several areas of the body. The cancer can also affect organs such as the spleen, liver, intestines and skin. Signs and the pace of illness vary with the type and location of the cancer. Some dogs initially seem well despite enlarged glands.

Signs to watch for

Swollen glands around the jaw, shoulders or backs of the knees
Lower energy or a reduced appetite
Weight loss
Vomiting or diarrhea when the digestive tract is involved
Drinking and urinating more than usual in some cases

Lymphoma most often develops in middle-aged or older dogs.

When to get help Book a vet visit soon if you notice new, painless lumps around your dog's glands.

Diagnosis and tests

A vet often starts by collecting cells from an enlarged lymph node with a fine needle. A laboratory examines those cells for cancerous changes, and a tissue biopsy may be needed to clarify the diagnosis. Additional tests can identify the lymphoma type. Blood and urine tests, chest X-rays and abdominal ultrasound help assess how far the disease has spread.

Breeds with documented risk

6 breeds

By breed size

1 Small
3 Medium
2 Giant

Australian ShepherdMedium · Herding Group
Saint BernardGiant · Working Group
BullmastiffGiant · Working Group
Dandie Dinmont TerrierSmall · Terrier Group
Finnish HoundMedium · FCI Group 6 (Scent Hounds)
GoberianMedium

Inheritance

Multifactorial
Several genes and the environment together set the risk. Diet, growth rate, weight and exercise can all play a part. There is no single DNA test. Screening the parents (for example hip or elbow scores) and choosing from lines with good results lowers the risk, but does not remove it.
As stated by OMIA

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.