Canine Lymphoma

New Joint Venture Launches Canine Lymphoma Test

2011-11-25T18:11:00.000-08:00

A new canine lymphoma diagnostic kit can differentiate patients with lymphadenopathy due to lymphoma from ones with lymphadenopathy due to other ailments, such as lymphoid hyperplasia.

The Tri-Screen Canine Lymphoma Assay Kit is the first product to be offered by Tri-Screen—a new joint venture between Ireland-based animal diagnostic technology firm Tridelta Development Ltd. and animal cancer test developer Petscreen Ltd. of the U.K.

Petscreen developed the Advanced Lymphoma Blood Test on which the kit is based. The test combines relative values of the acute phase proteins haptoglobin and C-reactive protein in a patient’s blood serum into an analytical algorithm to determine if a patient’s lymphadenopathy is due to lymphoma or another ailment.

Canine Lymphoma Test

Petscreen enlisted support from veterinarians in the U.S. and the U.K. to test the method on samples from 194 canine patients with lymphoma, diseases with similar presentation to lymphoma, and healthy dogs.

Petscreen said it partnered with Tridelta because of the company’s reputation and experience with the international pharmaceutical industry in the niche sector of manufacturing and marketing acute phase protein diagnostic kits.

Dealing with Canine Lymphoma

2011-07-23T23:12:00.000-07:00

Chemotherapy is extremely efficient in treating canine lymphoma. Most efficient are multi-agent chemotherapy regimens that utilize a mixture of drugs. There have been much more accomplishment with this program than with therapy utilizing only just one drug.

Eighty % of canines that obtain multi-agent chemotherapy regimens go right into a year-long remission. although it is feasible for them to expertise a 2nd remission, it is normally not as prolonged since the primary one. As some from the cancer tissue will produce a resistance towards the primary circular of prescription drugs used, there are heading to be a have to discover the proper program of prescription drugs for that 2nd remission to work. this can be accomplished by easy trial and error. It ought to be noted that even although the multi-agent program raises the dog’s existence span, they are much more high-priced and toxic than solo medicine regimens.

How profitable the chemotherapy therapy is is dependent upon exactly where the tumor is located, what phase the cancer is in, and how wholesome the puppy is once the cancer is diagnosed. Lymphoma from the bone marrow or even the thymus lower probabilities for any remission. canines that aren’t exhibiting any indications that include diarrhea and vomiting and appear to really feel properly in the preliminary diagnosis appear to respond far better to chemotherapy. part outcomes of chemotherapy in canines are typically minimal and mild. These might consist of deprivation of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting and lower blood vessels mobile count.

Prednisone, a sort of corticosteroid, can offer as very much as two to three weeks remission. This technique is utilized once the puppy is not a superb applicant for chemotherapy or even the proprietor cannot afford the cost of it. This essentially tends to make the dog’s remaining time much more comfortable.

When The Diagnosis is Canine Cancer … (Canine Lymphoma)

2011-07-10T18:33:00.000-07:00

Canine lymphoma is the most common form of cancer in dogs. It can initally be limited to one organ or can spread throughout the body. Many parts of the body contain lymphatic tissue, and the disease can appear in different forms.

The most common target organs are primarily the lymph nodes, followed by the liver and spleen. The disease can also affect the gastrointestinal tract and, rarely, the eyes or skin.

Middle-aged dogs are most at risk, often after the age of 7 or 8.

Some breeds are more commonly affected, with the golden retriever, pit bull, Rottweiler, beagle and boxer often victims of lymphoma. In the golden retriever, there appears to be a specific inheritance pattern, although it is not yet completely clear.

In the common form, a dog has a poor appetite, feels “off,” and often has swellings that feel large and firm, especially in the neck, hind legs, groin and under the arms. These are large lymph nodes, and the doctor will usually take samples of these to send to the laboratory. In the gastrointestinal form, the patient can present with diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss or loss of appetite.

This disease is often very quick to spread and cause organ failure. The typical course from diagnosis to severe illness and death is often measured in months. In years past, we were unable to offer much more than cortisone tablets in an effort to make the patient comfortable for a short period of time. With the advent of chemotherapy, many owners choose to consult with a cancer specialist, or veterinary oncologist, to discuss options. Chemotherapy can be very effective at putting the disease into remission, sometimes for a long period of time, often without severe side effects.

If you should ever suspect that your dog might be affected by this disease, be sure to consult with your veterinarian. Often there is much we can do to be of help to you and your pet.

A New Treatment for Canine Lymphoma? (Canine Lymphoma)

2010-11-16T07:22:00.000-08:00

Canine Lymphoma

Researchers at the University of Illinois are testing a new lymphoma treatment for dogs. This new drug acts on a specific enzyme called procaspase-3 that causes cancer cells to die. Many cancers in humans and animals contain high levels of procaspase-3, which means this drug could be a target for cancers in both animals and humans.

While testing this new compound, called PAC-1, in dogs, researchers discovered it made their brain cells more excitable by binding to zinc. To offset this undesirable effect, they modified PAC-1 so that this is no longer a problem. This new lymphoma treatment for seems to have few risks or side effects.

Unfortunately, this treatment for dog lymphoma needs further testing and may not be approved by the FDA for several years. In the meantime, chemotherapy, using already approved cancer drugs, remains the standard treatment approach. Not all dogs respond to chemotherapy for canine lymphoma – especially if the diagnosis is made too late.

Canine Lymphoma

Homeopathic Remedies For Canine Lymphoma

2010-10-26T08:24:00.000-07:00

Canine Lymphoma

Although the primary treatment for Canine Lymphoma is chemotherapy, natural remedies can be quite beneficial and are recommended to help boost your dog's immune system.

Herbs
EchinaceaRed clover, burdock root, milk thistle, dandelion, astragalus and echinacea are immune boosting herbs, and many of them promote the removal of wastes from the kidneys and liver, which increases immune function and keeps your dog healthy while undergoing more conventional treatments like chemotherapy. These herbs should be dried and given orally to your dog.

Diet

Diet is another important factor in aiding your dog's battle with Lymphoma. Dogs diagnosed with Lymphoma should eat an organic raw diet or a specific cancer diet that consists of low carbohydrates and high fat intake. A small intake of complex carbohydrates and rapidly absorbed sugars along with moderate amounts of high quality proteins and high intake of unsaturated fats is recommended. The unsaturated fats should be Omega-3 fatty acids like those contained in flax seed oil and not Omega-6 fatty acids, which increase cancer growth. The only risk associated with the high fat diet is pancreatitis, which can develop in some breeds. Monitor your dog for any problems or ask your veterinarian beforehand if she knows whether your dog is susceptible to pancreatitis.

Canine Lymphoma

Prednisone For Canine Cancer (Canine Lymphoma)

2010-09-03T11:41:00.000-07:00

Canine Lymphoma

Dogs develop some cancers at very high rates, according to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M. Although sometimes used for other types of cancer, lymphoma and mast cell tumors are the cancers most likely to include prednisone as part of treatment.

Prednisone
Prednisone is part of glucocorticoids class of hormones. It is used for its anti-inflammatory ability, according to Wendy C. Brooks, D.V.M.

Side Effects
Prednisone side effects include excessive thirst and urination, latent bladder infection, gastro-intestinal problems and increased blood sugar levels and appetite. If prednisone is stopped abruptly, it can cause problems related to shutting off of your dog's natural corticosteroid production, according to Brooks.

Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a malignant cancer resulting in tumors that grow in your dog's organs. Prednisone use for lymphoma is usually in conjunction with chemotherapy drugs depending on the protocol used, according to Vetinfo. Prednisone may be used alone to control symptoms and short-term remission.

MCTs
Mast cell tumors is cancer that affects the mast cells. The tumors cause the cells to release chemicals that damage the body, according to the Canine Cancer Website. Surgery to remove the tumor is preferred. Prednisone is the preferred treatment for high-grade tumors, with or without chemotherapy.

Purpose
Prednisone does not cure cancer. It may help your dog go into remission, decrease cancer symptoms and improve chemotherapy drug response.

Warning
Do not use with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to avoid gastro-intestinal bleeding.

Source: eHow.com

Canine Lymphoma

Bone Marrow Transplant Now Offered as a Cure for Canine Lymphoma at the Veterinary Specialty Center of the Hudson Valley

2010-07-26T00:43:00.000-07:00

Canine Lymphoma
Wappingers Falls, New York (PRWEB) April 24, 2010

The Veterinary Specialty Center of the Hudson Valley (VSCHV) announces Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) as treatment for Canine Lymphosarcoma (Lymphoma). VSCHV is one of only 5 centers in the world, and the only facility in the north-eastern region of the United States where Bone Marrow Transplants are offered for your pet.

Lymphoma is a type of cancer of the white blood cells. The Bone Marrow Transplant procedure requires that the patient be put into molecular remission. At that time, cancer-free stem cells are removed from the patient. Radiation therapy is then used to eradicate any remaining cancer cells anywhere else in the body. The patient is supported in a state-of-the-art ICU facility during which the stem cells are placed back into the patient to re-grow the bone marrow and the immune system-- without the cancer cells. A successful treatment allows the patient to live a cancer-free life.

“Our dog was just too important to us; we had to try everything,” said Bob Akmens owner of Flopsy, an 11-year-old German Short-Haired Pointer, suffering from lymphoma. “He is part of our family and the BMT procedure gave us hope that otherwise would be impossible. I am so happy we found Dr. Impellizeri so we could give Flopsy a real chance at being cured.”

“Lymphoma is one of the most common cancers we see. A bone marrow transplant can be an actual 'cure for cancer' in 50-75% of the cases,” announced Dr. Joseph Impellizeri, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology)-Medical Director. “As a veterinary oncologist, the chance to offer a cure for an otherwise fatal cancer is a dream come true.”

About the Veterinary Specialty Center of the Hudson Valley

The Veterinary Specialty Center of the Hudson Valley is a comprehensive multi-specialty practice with 24-7 emergency and critical care and services from board-certified specialists in Internal Medicine, Surgery, Oncology, Cardiology and Radiology. VSCHV has the most advanced imaging center in the Hudson Valley region with a 1.5T MRI, Computed Tomography, Digital Radiography, Ultrasound, Arthroscopy and Endoscopy. VSCHV is a leader in cancer therapies and offers a host of progressive treatments and minimally invasive procedures that give pet owners peace, comfort and hope. www.vschv.com # # #

Source : www.prweb.com

Canine Lymphoma

Soy May Aid In Treating Canine Cancers (Canine Lymphoma)

2010-07-16T23:19:00.000-07:00

Canine Lymphoma

Researchers at North Carolina State University are looking to soy as a way to make traditional canine cancer therapy more effective, less stressful for the dog and less costly for the owners.

Dr. Steven Suter, assistant professor of oncology, and NC State colleagues studied genistein - a molecule found in soy that has been shown to be toxic to a wide variety of cancer cells in humans - to determine whether it would also inhibit the growth of canine lymphoma cells.

The researchers found that a commercially available form of genistein called GCP was effective in killing canine lymphoid cells in a laboratory setting, and that GCP is "bioavailable" in canines - meaning it is absorbed into the bloodstream where it can affect cancer cells in the body. The researchers hope that their findings will lead to the use of GCP for their canine patients in conjunction with traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy.

The researchers' findings were published in Clinical Cancer Research.

"Humans have been using soy in conjunction with traditional chemotherapy for some time as a chemo potentiator," Suter says. "This means that the GCP makes the chemotherapy work more efficiently and faster, which translates to less stress on the patient and less money spent on chemotherapy."

Since dogs absorb GCP in much the same way that humans do, Suter hopes that veterinarians will be able to offer this therapy to canine patients in the near future.

"Since GCP is a dietary supplement, it is harmless to patients," he adds. "Plus it's inexpensive and easy to administer in a pill form. There's really no downside here."

Source: www.sciencedaily.com

Canine Lymphoma

Scientific Breakthrough In The Screening & Treatment Of Canine Lymphoma Cancer Is A World First

2010-07-16T23:14:00.000-07:00

Canine Lymphoma

Canine lymphoma is one of the most prolific cancers in the dog population. It accounts for more than 20 percent of all cancers and in certain high risk breeds this figure could be considerably higher. Now a pioneering British bioscience company, PetScreen Limited (http://www.pet-screen.com) has announced an innovative screening and treatment optimisation programme which is the first of its kind to be made commercially available.

The screen is inexpensive, minimally invasive and relies on a small blood sample which can be taken by any vet, and then conveniently shipped directly to PetScreen's laboratories in Nottingham from anywhere in the world using a global logistics partnership with FedEx.

PetScreen has developed the screen based on proteomic technology which has emerged from the sequencing of both the human and canine genomes. It facilitates regular, routine screening which enables cancer to be detected at a much earlier stage when, as in humans, treatment has the best chance of success. The problems associated with the late detection of cancer are well understood, and whilst proteomic screening is at a comparatively early stage in humans, an ovarian cancer screen is expected to be announced in the United States next year... the work that PetScreen is undertaking in the canine world will have a significant impact for both four and two legs.

The scientific team, led by Dr Shahid Mian, has uniquely developed advanced biomarker technology for companion animals, specifically canine at the moment, but a feline lymphoma screen is planned for next year. Additional cancer screens for other major canine tumours will also be announced in 2007.

By looking for a "protein fingerprint" in the blood sample, the PetScreen proteomic screen enables very accurate and sensitive detection of the tumour, but just as importantly, indicates that the dog is free of lymphoma. The screen should therefore be regarded as part of an overall wellness programme for all breeds and provides owners with peace of mind ... particularly high risk breeds, which include both golden and flat-coated retrievers, boxers, rottweilers, German shepherds, spaniels and many breeds of mountain dogs. Ideally a mature pup should be screened at twelve months and then annually. For high risk breeds and dogs from middle age onwards, bi-annual screening should be considered, since six months in the life of a dog is equivalent to approximately three years in human terms. Any dog which may have been treated for lymphoma should be screened bi-annually to monitor for recurrence.

One in four dogs will develop cancer in their lifetime. Therefore, to complement the screening technology, PetScreen has developed a novel treatment optimisation programme which helps vets select the most appropriate chemotherapy treatment for each patient.

PetScreen recognise the impact of this devastating disease on dogs and owners alike. The company was co-founded by business partners who share a passion for dogs. The company's Chairman Professor Graeme Radcliffe, had lost three young dogs to cancer over a five year period. His determination to do something positive led to a chance meeting with Chief Executive, Dr Kevin Slater, an entrepreneurial bioscientist who had worked on human biomarker programmes. The meeting led to the partnership which founded Petscreen ... and the development of this innovative screening and treatment programme.

Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com

Canine Lymphoma

Does Your Dog Have Canine Lymphoma? (Canine Lymphoma)

2010-07-01T07:56:00.000-07:00

Canine Lymphoma

Dogs are touted as being man's best friend, and you will be hard-pressed to find a more loyal and lovable animal to call your pet than a dog. With this love and loyalty, there are a few things that you have to do to show your dog how much you care about them as well. Feeding, watering, and taking out for walks are but a few things that you need to do to show your dog this love and companionship. Another thing is making sure they are healthy by taking them to the vet.

One thing that a dog owner never wants to hear is that their dog is suffering from canine lymphoma. This cancer was first reported in the 1980's and was initially thought to affect only a certain amount of cross bred canines. While most cases have been attributed to the genetic mistakes in some breeds, just about any dog can contract canine lymphoma, and making sure they stay healthy is the best thing you can do to prevent this from happening. The life expectancy of a dog with lymphoma is between 9 and 12 months.

While the life expectancy isn't that great, there are ways that you can put the cancer into remission and your dog can then enjoy many more years of life. Using a combination of chemotherapy, immune boosting, and radiation with a healthy high protein diet can help boost your dog's ability to have its cancer go into remission. While making these changes are still fairly difficult on your dog, if the cancer does go into remission you will both feel much better about making these changes. Remission for canine lymphoma is fairly high, so taking steps as soon as possible will help you the most.

If you start to notice that your dog is losing its appetite, vomiting, and is getting lumps on its abdomen neck or armpits, you should take it to the vet as soon as possible. These are the places that lymphoma is going to hit first, and if you don't take action the cancerous tumors will start to spread through its vital organs. Once they hit the vital organs, there is only a few months left before your dog will go through organ failure and pass away. Take the time to visit your vet every year and have tests performed to see if your dog might have, or could contract canine lymphoma.

Source: ezinearticles.com by Anne Ming

Canine Lymphoma

Canine Osteosarcoma

2009-11-01T07:36:00.000-08:00

Canine osteosarcoma

Canine osteosarcoma usually appears in large dogs, often in the legs. Sometimes the tumor originates in a place where an earlier injury occurred. Warning signs include limping, especially progressive lameness, and swelling. The cancer weakens and destroys the bone as it progresses, which can sometimes result in fractures.

This is a primary tumor, which means that the cancer originates in the bone and then moves elsewhere in the body. It is extremely aggressive. The cancerous cells tend to metastasize first to blood-rich cells, such as those present in the lungs. Frequently, by the time the dog manifests visible symptoms, such as limping or swelling, the cancer has already spread. Repeated coughing is a sign that it may have invaded the dog's lungs. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The traditional surgical option is amputation, but recently a few universities have been performing limb-sparing procedures. This usually involves removing the tumor and strengthening the limb with a bone graft. Whatever surgical option is chosen, it must be combined with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy in order to be effective. This is because surgery removes the main tumor, but if the cancer has metastasized to the lungs or spread elsewhere in the bones, it will only continue to advance.

Source: www.handicappedpets.com

Canine osteosarcoma

Canine Lymphoma Symptoms (Canine Lymphoma)

2009-09-06T08:55:00.000-07:00

Canine Lymphoma

The symptoms vary according to the type of canine lymphoma. There are several types of lymphoma, depending on which part of the body that the tumor develops.

1. Multicentric - Tumor develops in lymph nodes as painless lumps on the neck, behind the knees, under the front legs and in the groin. This is the most common type, accounting for at least 80% of all canine lymphoma. It can spread to other internal organs such as the spleen, liver and bone marrow. In the later stage of the disease, the tumor causes obstruction in the affected organ and symptoms such as weakness, tiredness, loss of appetite and fever can arise.

2. Alimentary - Tumor in the gastrointestinal tract that results in vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea and weight loss.

3. Mediastinal - Tumor of the thymus. In the advanced stage of the disease, dogs develop breathing difficulty, fluid accumulation in lungs and hypercalcemia.

4. Cutaneous - This affects the skin, causing lesions, itchiness, redness, nodules, plaques and hair loss.

Source : ezinearticles.com

Canine Lymphoma

Canine Lymphoma: Madison Wisconsin Protocol

2009-08-15T22:30:00.000-07:00

Canine Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a very serious and all-to-common disease in dogs. Some breeds are more prone to this type of cancer than others. Golden Retreivers seem to be especially susceptable to this type of canine cancer. Cancer is first and foremost an immune dysfunction disease. Lymphoma form when the body fails to recognize the altered lymph cells as invaders. These are the cells that have multiplied improperly. In the last few years specialized compounds have become available for use in cancer patients to try and correct this error. These are called immune modulators. These immune modulator compounds often trigger the patient's "immune recognition response" allowing the body to recognize and destroy the aberrant cells. When this recognition response is triggered, the body re-learns how to deal with the tumor cells as it would with any other wound, and destroys those aberrant cells, producing healthy scar tissue in their place. These immune modulators are different than the class of drugs called Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy drugs are toxic, and work by destroying the cancer cells directly. Chemotherapy drugs are very useful in combating canine lymphoma cancer, in that they reduce the number of cancer cells present, but they do not address the underlying cause that allowed the cancer in the first place. Immune modulator compounds on the other hand are not toxic. They are a class of compounds called heteropolysaccharides, which are naturally occurring in our foods and are required in all mammals for triggering normal immune function. For some reason, in cancer patients large amounts of these immune modulators are required to trigger that normal rejection response, which in turn kills off the cancer cells.

Canine Lymphoma

Chemotherapy and Immune Modulators For Canine Lymphoma

2009-08-15T22:28:00.000-07:00

Canine Lymphoma

There are many sites detailing the reasons why canine lymph cancer forms, and different technical information about lymphomas. These links can be found at the bottom of this page for those who wish to go into greater detail on the technical aspects. But for our purpose on this page, let's look at what can be done to treat your dog and overcome this terrible disease.

Chemotherapy is the first line treatment for dog lymphoma. This is a type of cancer that usually effects young to middle aged dogs that are usually healthy in other respects. This means they are often good candidates for aggressive chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is usually a good option, depending on how extensivethe cancer, whether it has spread and whether any major organs are involved. Sometimes the effected lymph glands are surgically removed, but this is of questionable value. After surgery, some type of chemotherapy drug is usually recommended to clean up any remaining cancer cell not removed by the surgery. Chemotherapy and surgery are both effective in removing the bulk of the tumors, but should always be seen as only one arm of a multi-pronged approach. This is because we all know that surgery and chemotherapy do not cure cancer. The underlying cause of the cancer is still there, which is the immune dysfunction that allowed the tumor to form in the first place. Chemo and surgery do not deal with this underlying immune dysfunction. However, when chemo and surgery are used along with immune modulation therapy, the chances of a dog overcoming lymphoma and surviving a normal life span are excellent. Ultimately, it is only the patient's own immune system which can overcome the cancer. Until and unless the immune recognition response is triggered, the patient cannot overcome the cancer. That is why many Vets will tell you that the dog's life can only be extended, but that the cancer is still present. While this was certainly true in the past, modern research into immune modulation therapy as an adjunct to conventional therapy has proven this to be no longer true. Cancer can be cured. K-9 Immunity is a veterinary grade formula specifically intended for use in dogs fighting cancer, to trigger the proper immune response.

Article source: www.dogcancer.ca

Canine Lymphoma

Canine Lymphoma (Dog's Cancer)

2009-07-07T22:34:00.000-07:00

Canine Lymphoma

This article will discuss generally about dog’s cancer that also known as Canine Lymphoma. This dog’s cancer (also called lymphosarcoma) is the most common type of cancer to affect dogs. It is a condition in which cancer cells can grow anywhere there is lymph tissue. Therefore, the cancer cells can grow in almost any organ in your dog’s body and will eventually cause one of them to fail.

Canine Lymphoma represents a common neoplasia of dogs affecting the entire lymphatic system including the spleen, thymus and liver. Its may occur in dogs of any age but is seen more frequently in dogs over 5 years of age. One in four dogs will get cancer at some time in their lives. This statistic appears to be conservative compared to the cancer incidence in ferrets and cats.

This dog’s cancer mostly infected in American dogs, and fortunately, it is very treatable. It is about 50% of dogs with canine lymphoma can be put into remission. Most lymphomas respond very well to modern therapy, by using a combination of chemotherapy (sometimes radiation, although not very often).

Treatment for canine lymphoma is relatively effective, but can also get expensive. Chemotherapy is a preferred method of treatment for canine lymphoma. Most dogs that undergo this treatment go into remission. Dogs that have one remission can usually go into remission a second time. However, the second remission usually lasts half as long as the first. Most dogs undergoing treatment for canine lymphoma can survive one to two more years after diagnosis. The chemotherapy drugs can be given orally at home or as an injection at the vet’s office. Dogs that are in stage 5 of canine lymphoma, the stage where bone marrow is affected, don’t respond well to chemotherapy drugs.

Canine Lymphoma

Free Credit Score online

Rescue Protocols For Canine Lymphoma (Canine Lymphoma)

2009-07-07T21:53:00.000-07:00

Canine Lymphoma

There are several CHOP-L protocols for Canine Lymphoma published for use, including the Wisconsin-Madison protocol, AMC protocol and VELCAP (Moore 2001). Although there are some differences among them in terms of scheduling, dosages and addition of other chemotherapeutics, the differences are minor and the protocols are considered to be equally effective.

When deciding on what protocol to use for initial treatment, it is important to take into account prognostic factors, including anatomic location, stage, grade, substage, immunophenotype and presence of hypercalcemia or a mediastinal mass. Most "average" dogs (Stage II-IVa B-cell intermediate to high-grade lymphoma) will benefit from a CHOP-L type of protocol.

It has not been documented whether dogs with negative prognostic factors (i.e., substage b) will have the same remission duration with a short-term protocol compared to "average" dogs with lymphoma. These dogs may be more effectively treated with protocols that include a maintenance phase. Those with T-cell lymphoma or certain anatomic locations (cutaneous or gastrointestinal) may benefit from the use of protocols such as MOPP as a first-line treatment.

The length of treatment with a rescue protocol is not standard. In our clinic, most rescue protocols are administered for no less than six months but no more than a year, providing that the patient continues to respond.

Canine Lymphoma

Chemotherapy For Canine Lymphoma (Canine Lymphoma)

2009-07-03T17:49:00.000-07:00

Canine Lymphoma

Lymphoma is usually discovered when a lump is found in one of the lymph nodes. A biopsy will be performed and, if the diagnosis is lymphoma, the condition will then be staged. A level of one through five is assigned to the progress of the disease. Additional tests may be required to accurately stage the cancer, and these tests will determine the course of treatment. Its most advanced stage (five) is considered end-stage and does not usually respond to chemotherapy.

Because they receive smaller doses, dogs do not suffer the same degree of chemotherapy side effects that humans do. Additionally, chemotherapy treatments have become more targeted and advanced, allowing for better results with fewer side effects.

Nausea, lethargy and infections are the most common side effects of chemotherapy treatments. Your veterinarian can prescribe antibiotics and anti-nausea medications if these symptoms appear. Some breeds--poodles, lhasa apsos and shih tzus in particular--may lose hair. After treatment, the coat will grow back.

Canine Lymphoma

Treatment Options For Canine Lymphoma (Canine Lymphoma)

2009-06-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

Canine Lymphoma

Canine Lymphoma has a very high remission rate, however, there is a much lower chance of survival without proper treatment. Without any form of treatment, the average survival rate for a dog after diagnosis is about two months.

With a combination of anti-cancer medication, as well as intensive chemotherapy, the survival rate for a dog suffering from lymphoma can be increased to 60-90%.

There are many treatment options available, each with its own risks and benefits. The most effective treatment is a combination of all or several of these treatment types.

1. Chemotherapy
This is the most common, and most effective treatment for canine lymphoma.
Chemotherapy generally refers to the treatment of cancer with powerful drugs that kill cells. These drugs are used to kill the cancer cells, but can harm healthy cells as well (which causes the side effects associated with this treatment). Combination chemotherapy usually involves chemotherapy drugs in addition to radiation treatment, which is usually the most effective against canine lymphoma.

The chemotherapy process for dogs is slightly less intensive than chemotherapy in humans, since the dosage ratio of the cell-killing drugs is much lower.

The veterinarian responsible for selecting chemotherapy drugs that will best help your dog is called an oncologist. Certain chemotherapy drugs are used for each type of cancer, and an oncologist is responsible for choosing the drugs that will have the lowest toxicity rate for your dog's healthy cells.

2. Immune System Booster
Treating your dog with an immune booster in addition to chemotherapy treatments is a good way to further increase your dog's survival rate. Most immune boosters include glyconutrients, which are required for healthy immune system function in canines.

3. Proper Nutrition
With a systemic cancer like lymphoma, proper nutrition is extremely important in increasing your dog's odds of survival. According to veterinary studies, dog foods that are high in carbohydrates “feed” the cancer, causing visible acceleration of the tumor's progression.

Dog foods that are high in protein are said to "starve" the cancer, while providing good support for your dog's healthy systems.
Dog food that is enriched in Omega 3 fatty acids has proven especially effective against canine lymphoma.

4. Surgery
In some cases, surgery to remove the malignant lymphoma tumor is suggested for a treatment option. Surgery is usually used in combination with chemotherapy, and is generally only suggested if the tumor is extremely large or is endangering vital organs. Fatal complications can arise with a surgical removal of a tumor, especially if a portion of the endangered organ is also removed.

Canine Lymphoma

How Is Canine Lymphoma Diagnosed? (Canine Lymphoma)

2009-06-27T07:32:00.000-07:00

Canine Lymphoma

Once you bring your dog to your veterinarian, there are several tests that will give a positive lymphoma diagnosis. The first of these is a visual examination by your veterinarian. Once it is positively identified that one or all of your dog's lymph nodes are enlarged, further tests are needed.

Typically, a urinalysis(diagnostic test of your dog's urine) as well as a blood panel test are used to assess your dog's state of health. After this, one of the enlarged lymph nodes needs to be biopsied to positively identify the condition to be Lymphoma. Once a biopsy is taken, a pathologist will usually examine the cells under a high-powered microscope to confirm the diagnosis. Further examination of the biopsy will give an approximation of the progression of the cancerous tissue.

Canine Lymphoma

Symptoms And Diagnosis Of Canine Lymphoma (Canine Lymphoma)

2009-06-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

Canine Lymphoma

Canine Lymphoma is a condition that will cause your dog to display several key symptoms. Especially if your dog is one of the breeds commonly affected by lymphoma, it is essential to identify these symptoms as soon as possible.

What Are The Symptoms Of Lymphoma?

1.Lumps

This is one of the more obvious signs of possible lymphoma, though may be harder to detect in dogs with thick fur. Abnormal lumps may appear in the abdomen, back, armpits, or neck. These lumps will be characteristically round and hard (not soft, like the fat deposits that develop in some older dogs).

2. Lack Of Appetite, Vomiting

Your dog will be feeling unwell, and may begin to show a lack of enthusiasm for mealtime. More food will remain in the dish after eating, or your dog may lose interest in food altogether. In addition to this, your dog may constantly be “hacking”, or vomit on a regular basis. All of these are signs that your dog is suffering from a serious health problem, and should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.

3. Fever

Detecting a fever in your dog as a stand-alone symptom can be difficult, though usually in cases of Lymphoma, a fever will be accompanied by several other symptoms. A fever that is steady, reoccurring, or lasts for longer than 3 days is a cause for concern.

4. Weight Loss

May dogs suffering from Lymphoma will appear to be depressed, and may cease to be excited about daily activities. Rapid weight loss in your dog is always a good reason to worry, as is one of the key symptoms of lymphoma (as well as several other serious health conditions).

Canine Lymphoma

General Overview Of Canine Lymphoma (Canine Lymphoma)

2009-06-27T07:27:00.000-07:00

Canine lymphoma

Canine lymphoma (also called lymphosarcoma) is the most common type of cancer to affect dogs. Canine lymphoma is defined as the occurrence of malignant tumors in a dog's organs, usually in the lymph nodes, liver, or spleen. Canine lymphoma can also be present in the digestive tract, as well as in the eyes and skin.

The first documented case of canine lymphoma was in a nine-year old crossbred dog, in the late 1980's. It was identified in the dog's prostate, and treatment was attempted with cytotoxic drugs. Since not much was known about this condition, the dog did not survive. With today's technology and veterinary medicine, there is a fairly high remission rate with Canine Lymphoma.

Canine Lymphoma can affect any type of dog, but there are several breeds that are more prone to develop this type of cancer. The most commonly affected breeds include Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, Poodles, German Shepherds, Boxers, Scottish Terriers, Beagles and Basset Hounds.

Some of these breeds have an incredibly high rate of lymphoma, which is usually documented as an inherited breed-based trait.
For example, one in every eight Golden Retrievers will develop this condition.

The life expectancy of a dog diagnosed with lymphoma is between 9 and 12 months. While this may seem discouraging, it is possible to send a dog's lymphoma into remission with constant medical care, and regular chemotherapy.
With proper care, the survival rate of a dog diagnosed with lymphoma can be raised to 50%. With intensive chemotherapy, the average chance of remission is from 60-90%. Without treatment, most dogs will only survive for an average of two months.

Canine Lymphoma can be present wherever there is lymph tissue in your dog's body. It can travel quickly, especially if your dog is under significant stress. Lymphoma causes death in the same way that many other cancers do: by inducing organ failure.

The cancerous tumors begin to infiltrate important organs in your dog's system, and the damaged organ eventually fails. Some types of lymphoma that occur in the digestive tract, will prevent a dog from digesting food. This can cause death by starvation, since it is difficult to treat gastrointestinal canine lymphoma.

Though canine lymphoma may sound like a fatal condition, it actually has a much higher remission rate than some other cancers that can affect dogs. With a prompt diagnosis, as well as an intensive treatment plan, the chances of survival are moderately good.

Canine lymphoma