Symptoms And Diagnosis Of 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).
How Is Lymphoma Diagnosed?
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.
Next Article: Types Of Lymphoma In Dogs