What is lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer of white blood cells. These white blood cells help a dog’s immune system effectively fight infection. Lymphocytes are found in large numbers in areas of the body such as lymph nodes, spleen and bone marrow. . Importantly, lymphoma can be present anywhere in the body. Together they account for approximately 7-14% of all cancers diagnosed in dogs. There are more than 30 types of canine lymphoma, and the behavior of these cancers varies widely. Some progress rapidly and become severely life-threatening without treatment, while others progress slowly and are managed as chronic, painless conditions. Lymphoma can affect any organ in the body, but it most commonly affects the lymph nodes and then spreads to other organs such as the spleen, liver, and bone marrow.

Lymphoma Types and Symptoms

There are more than 30 different types of lymphoma in dogs. The type of lymphoma will determine how quickly it progresses, likely survival rates, and what clinical signs and symptoms to look for. . Of the 30 different types of disease, the four most common types are:

Multicentric Lymphoma:

Of the four types of lymphomas we will cover, multicentric lymphoma is by far the most common.

In fact, multicentricity accounts for 80-85% of lymphomas in dogs. Multicentric lymphoma affects the dog's lymph nodes. In many cases, the main physical symptom is significant enlargement of the lymph nodes, sometimes up to ten times their normal size. The enlargement usually doesn't cause your dog any pain, so early diagnosis is very difficult.

Symptoms: Dogs with multicentric lymphoma usually present with enlarged lymph nodes as the first symptom. Dogs with lymphoma typically have lymph nodes that are 3 to 10 times the normal size. These swellings are not painful and feel like a hard, rubbery bump that moves freely under the skin. As the disease progresses, dogs with multicentric lymphoma may also develop lethargy, fever, anorexia, weakness, and dehydration.

Gastrointestinal lymphoma:

Gastrointestinal lymphoma is the second most common lymphoma in dogs, although it accounts for less than 10% of diagnoses. Canine gastrointestinal lymphoma primarily affects the dog's intestines. Therefore, the symptoms of gastrointestinal lymphoma in dogs are gastrointestinal related, as the disease causes intestinal lesions

Symptoms: Dogs with gastrointestinal lymphoma that affects the intestines may experience vomiting, abdominal pain, anorexia, diarrhea, and weight loss.

Mediastinal Lymphoma is a rare condition in which mediastinal lymphoma will be diagnosed in dogs. This form of lymphoma causes enlargement of the thymus and/or mediastinal lymph nodes in the dog's chest.

Expansion indicates the advanced stage of malignant T lymphocytes.

Symptoms: Dogs with mediastinal lymphoma often have trouble breathing. This may be due to the presence of a large mass in the chest or the accumulation of fluid in the chest (pleural effusion). Affected dogs may also show swelling of the face or front legs and increased thirst and urination.

Extranodal lymphoma:

Extranodal lymphoma (cutaneous lymphoma) is the final, fourth most common form of lymphoma. This type of disease affects specific organs (i.e. eyes, kidneys, lungs, skin, central nervous system, etc.).

The most common organ affected by extranodal lymphoma is the skin. This form of the disease is also called cutaneous lymphoma. The symptoms of extranodal lymphoma will vary greatly depending on which organ is affected.

Symptoms: Symptoms associated with extranodal lymphoma depend on the organs affected. Cutaneous lymphomas are the most common type and they manifest as ulcers, nodules, plaques, sores and erythema or exfoliative dermatitis. In the early stages, hair loss, alopecia (alopecia), and pruritus (itching) are seen. As the disease progresses, the skin becomes more erythematous, thickened, ulcerated, and oozing (associated with leakage of fluid). Oral involvement may also be present, which may appear as multicentric erythematous macules, plaque-like lesions, or nodules on the gingiva and lips.

Causes of Lymphoma

Unfortunately, the cause of lymphoma in dogs is unknown. The cause of this cancer remains obscure, although several possible causes have been studied, such as viruses, bacteria, chemical exposure, and physical factors such as strong magnetic fields. Suppression of the immune system is a known risk factor for the development of lymphoma in humans. Evidence for this includes increased incidence of lymphoma in people infected with HIV or the use of immunosuppressive drugs after organ transplant surgery. However, the link between immunosuppression and lymphoma in dogs has not yet been established. Furthermore, when genetics do not play a role in lymphoma diagnosis, we must assume that an environmental component is involved.

Environmental Factors

When dogs outside of breeds prone to lymphoma become ill, experts must consider other possibilities for the underlying cause. What do all these dogs have in common besides lymphoma? In many cases, the answer is their environment.

Pet owners may not be fully aware that their dog's daily environment contains numerous toxins that can greatly affect their dog.

The toxicity of substances such as paints or solvents, insecticides, herbicides and insecticides can all play a role (damage) in your dog's immune system health. In many cases, experts have linked these toxins to diseases such as cancer.

There is growing evidence that exposure to pesticides can lead to malignant tumors. A study published in 2012 found that using chemicals, specifically 24-D herbicide, to achieve a lusher lawn may cause lymphoma. Compared to a control group, the study found that dogs with malignant lymphoma were 70 percent more likely to live in homes where professionally applied lawn pesticides were used.

Other possible environmental factors include homes that use other chemicals, such as paints and solvents. Dogs living in industrial areas are thought to be at increased risk of developing lymphoma. There are even peopleIt is speculated that strong magnetic fields may increase the incidence of lymphoma in dogs, but there is no absolute evidence yet.

Alternations in the normal structure of chromosomes have also been reported in canine lymphoma. A group of viruses has not been demonstrated to be involved in the development of lymphoma tumors, but some viral cells with properties similar to those of retroviruses have been detected in short-term cultures of canine lymphoma tissue.

Other factors

Viruses or bacteria

Heredity

Immune system destruction

In addition, studies have found that certain breeds, including Dachshunds and Pomeranians, have a lower risk of developing canine lymphoma.

Canine lymphoma is also most common in middle-aged dogs, approximately 6-9 years old.

That being said, dog owners must understand that any dog, regardless of breed, can develop lymphoma.