If your beloved dog has lymphoma, you may have more questions than answers. A cancer diagnosis can be scary and overwhelming. Integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby is here to help, sharing the types, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for lymphoma in dogs.
Joshua, a 10-year-old Basset Hound mix, seemed like the picture of good health. When he visited me for his annual exam, he was acting like his normal silly, slobbery self. His parents had no concerns and expected a routine visit. However, their world soon came crashing down around them.
On his physical exam, I discovered significant enlargement of most of Joshua’s external lymph nodes. Unfortunately, cells from those lymph nodes confirmed my suspicion. Their beloved dog had lymphoma.
What is lymphoma in dogs?
Lymphoma in dogs is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers veterinarians encounter. Although it often affects the external lymph nodes (known as multicentric lymphoma), it can also affect multiple organs and body systems.
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes (a type of white blood cells), and can be known as malignant lymphoma, lymphosarcoma, or LSA. It is responsible for up to 24% of canine cancer cases in the U.S. and affects 13 to 24 dogs per 100,000 each year.
To understand lymphoma a little better, it helps to understand lymphocytes themselves. In a normal dog, lymphocytes are an important part of the immune system’s defense against infections. Like other types of white blood cells, they circulate in the blood.
Lymphocytes are also a very important part of the lymphatic system. This system is comprised of tiny vessels that collect fluid that has leaked out of blood vessels (known as lymph). Lymph helps with the body’s fluid balance, and also helps remove foreign substances such as viruses and bacteria from the body.
Along the path of the lymphatic vessels are lymphocyte-rich lymph nodes. Think about lymph nodes as the inspection checkpoints along the lymphatic road. As lymph flows through the lymph node, the immune system cells come in contact with the foreign substances. This allows the body to detect then mount a response against anything it sees as potentially dangerous.
In addition to lymph nodes, the spleen and bone marrow also contain large amounts of lymphatic tissue (i.e. lymphocytes and other immune system cells). However, lymphatic tissue is present to some extent in almost every organ. Thus, lymphoma can develop almost anywhere in the body.
Canine lymphoma is generally grouped into three different categories.
What are the three forms of lymphoma?
Each of the three forms of lymphoma in dogs is defined based on its primary location in the dog’s body:
- Multicentric or nodal lymphoma—Most commonly found in the peripheral lymph nodes, but can also occur in other regions such as bone marrow, liver, or as a cause of splenic masses in dogs
- Gastrointestinal (GI) lymphoma—Affecting the small intestines and/or stomach
- Extranodal lymphoma—Found in a location other than the lymph nodes or GI tract. Extranodal lymphoma is further classified into different subtypes based on location:
- Mediastinal lymphoma—occurs in the chest
- Cutaneous lymphoma—occurs in the skin
- Renal lymphoma—occurs in the kidneys
- Central nervous system lymphoma—occurs in the brain or spinal cord
- Ocular lymphoma—occurs in the eye
Multicentric lymphoma is by far the most common form of lymphoma in dogs, accounting for approximately 80% of cases. GI lymphoma is responsible for about 5 to 7% of lymphoma cases. The remainder fall in the extranodular category.
Because it is the most common, this article will focus primarily on multicentric lymphoma.
What are the signs of lymphoma in dogs?
Clinical signs of lymphoma in dogs may vary based on the form of lymphoma. First, I will touch on the signs of GI lymphoma and extranodal lymphoma before moving on the signs of multicentric lymphoma.
Signs of GI lymphoma in dogs
In dogs with gastrointestinal lymphoma the signs are generally decreased appetite, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
Signs of extranodal lymphoma in dogs
Dogs with extranodal lymphoma may have signs related to the body system that is affected. For example, sometimes cutaneous lymphoma can cause bumps or masses in the skin. Renal lymphoma may cause increased thirst and urination as the first sign.
In addition, any form of lymphoma may initially present with nonspecific symptoms such as lethargy in dogs,, inappetence, diarrhea, and weight loss.
Next, let’s look at signs of multicentric lymphoma in dogs.
Signs of multicentric lymphoma in dogs
In dogs with multicentric lymphoma, the first sign is usually palpably enlarged lymph nodes. When I say “enlarged,” I don’t mean just slightly bigger than normal. Often these lymph nodes are much larger, potentially the size of a golf ball or bigger, depending on the size of the dog. The lymph nodes are firm and usually not painful when palpated.
Although there are lymph nodes throughout the body, some are more noticeable than others. The most prominent and easy to feel lymph nodes are:
- Submandibular lymph nodes—located under the jaw where it meets the neck
- Prescapular lymph nodes—in front of the shoulder blade
- Axillary lymph nodes—found in the armpit area
- Inguinal lymph nodes—on the lower abdomen where the legs connect to the body (groin region)
- Popliteal lymph nodes—located on the back side the dog’s knee (stifle)
In some dogs, lymph node enlargement is the only symptom initially seen. Other dogs with multicentric lymphoma have other symptoms such as lethargy, inappetence, heavy breathing, and weight loss.
Other causes of lymph node enlargement
It’s important to note that enlarged lymph nodes don’t always equal lymphoma. Due to their role in the immune response, lymph nodes can react and grow in response to an infection (viral, fungal, or bacterial) or even vaccinations. Vets usually refer to these as “reactive” lymph nodes.
The submandibular lymph nodes are the most likely lymph node to be enlarged due to non-lymphoma causes. This is in part because they filter the blood, and therefore the bacteria, from the mouth.
If your dog has dental disease or your older dog is losing teeth, this may be enough to stimulate a response in the lymph nodes and cause enlargement. Thus, finding enlarged lymph notes is suspicious, but not definitive for lymphoma.
How is lymphoma diagnosed?
If your dog has one or more enlarged lymph nodes, your vet may perform a test called a fine needle aspirate. This involves poking a needle into the lymph node multiple times to obtain a sample of cells. Your vet will then examine those cells under a microscope.
A normal lymph node contains primarily small, mature lymphocytes. However, if the vet sees a large number of lymphoblasts (larger, immature lymphocytes), he or she may suspect lymphoma. Many veterinarians will send the slides to a veterinary pathologist to confirm a diagnosis of lymphoma.
Sometimes, even when a veterinary pathologist examines the sample, it can be difficult to definitively determine if a lymph node is cancerous or reactive. In these cases, your veterinarian may want to take a biopsy, or a small piece of tissue from the lymph node, and submit it to a veterinary pathologist.
If your dog has other clinical signs like weight loss, lethargy, and decreased appetite, your vet may want to perform other tests to see what might be going on. Routine diagnostic tests may include blood tests, X-rays, and/or ultrasound, depending on what symptoms your dear dog has.
What is the treatment for lymphoma in dogs?
Treatment for lymphoma in dogs encompasses a few options. If your dog is diagnosed with lymphoma, your veterinarian will advise you about the next steps. Multicentric lymphoma is generally either treated with chemotherapy or with a steroid medication (prednisone).
You may be wondering about surgery as a potential treatment option. Unlike many other types of cancer, surgery cannot cure or treat multicentric lymphoma. The lymphatic system is widespread throughout the body, so by the time of diagnosis, lymphoma has most likely spread to multiple locations. Thus, even if only one or two lymph nodes are enlarged, removal of those lymph nodes is not an effective treatment.
Let’s look at chemotherapy and steroid medication as two medical management options for lymphoma in dogs.
Chemotherapy to treat lymphoma in dogs
Chemotherapy is generally the treatment of choice for canine lymphoma. There are multiple different chemotherapy protocols (i.e. the type of drug or combinations of drugs administered on a set schedule) to treat lymphoma. A veterinary oncologist can discuss different protocols and determine which one is best for your dog.
To learn more, check out Veterinary Partner’s article on common lymphoma chemotherapy medications for cats and dogs.
Laverdia to treat lymphoma in dogs
A new oral chemotherapy medication called Laverdia has been conditionally approved for treatment of lymphoma in dogs. This drug alters the proteins of cancer cells and prevents them from spreading. The most exciting thing about this oral medication is that owners may be able to treat their dogs at home, rather than making frequent trips to the veterinary oncologist for chemotherapy injections.
Laverdia is still new on the veterinary scene, and vets are very excited to see results as more dogs are treated with this innovative medication!
Joshua’s chemotherapy story
Remember Joshua? I referred him to a veterinary oncologist who planned and administered a chemotherapy protocol. Joshua’s lymphoma went into remission, and he had an additional two wonderful years with his family. They were so happy with the time that the chemotherapy gave them with their sweet pup.
Prednisone to treat lymphoma in dogs
If you do not pursue chemotherapy for your dog, prednisone is another treatment/management option. Most dogs will go into partial or complete remission for a time when treated appropriately with the corticosteroid prednisone for dogs (or prednisolone).
Prednisone is a tablet that is readily available at most veterinary hospitals and can be given at home. Note that prednisone does sometimes cause increased thirst and urination, excessive panting, or increased appetite.
Unfortunately, prednisone typically only causes short-lived remission. Typically, the lymphoma develops resistance to prednisone after a couple of months. Another concern with starting prednisone right away is that it makes lymphoma less responsive to chemotherapy in the future.
Before I start any of my patients on prednisone for lymphoma, I always counsel the family on the pros and cons. I also ensure they have no plans of pursuing chemotherapy down the road.
Charlie’s prednisone treatment story
Charlie is a 10-year-old Golden Retriever who came to see me because he was not eating well and seemed lethargic. I discovered his lymph nodes were enlarged. Lymph node aspirates confirmed the diagnosis of lymphoma, unfortunately. He also had high calcium (more on that in a bit).
Referral to an oncologist and chemotherapy was not an option for this family, so we started treatment with prednisolone. I informed his family that the prednisone may make him feel better for one to two months, but then he was likely to relapse. Amazingly, it has been almost five months since Charlie’s diagnosis and he is still happy and active.
I rechecked him last week. His lymph nodes are still very large; he is not in full remission but he is feeling better and is living his best life right now. His family is extremely happy about the extra time with him.
While this 10-year-old Golden Retriever’s story is not typical for dogs with lymphoma who are treated with prednisolone, I wanted to share it to demonstrate that some dogs defy the odds.
What is the life expectancy for multicentric lymphoma in dogs?
If your dog has been diagnosed with lymphoma, a first thought might be wondering how fast lymphoma spreads in dogs. Without any treatment, lymphoma often progresses quickly. Most untreated dogs will succumb to the disease within one to two months of diagnosis.
Treatment with prednisone alone can cause temporary remission and may extend survival time by a few more months.
Treatment with chemotherapy can give your dog a good quality of life for months to years. People understandably tend to worry about the side effects of chemotherapy. If you’ve seen a relative or loved one through chemo, you have probably witnessed serious unpleasant side effects. Fortunately, these side effects are much less common in dogs than they are in people.
When considering the life expectancy of dogs treated with chemotherapy, there are certain factors that affect lymphoma in dogs’ progression, prognosis, and overall outcome. Multicentric lymphoma must be further classified in order to predict prognosis.
Staging
Lymphoma is classified into stages. The lower the stage, the better the prognosis.
- Stage I—only a single lymph node is affected
- Stage II—multiple lymph nodes in the same region of the body are affected
- Stage III—lymph nodes throughout the body are affected
- Stage IV—the liver or spleen is involved
- Stage V—lymphoma is found in the blood or bone marrow
Sub-stage
Dogs with lymphoma are further classified into “Substage A” (patients who appear healthy and have a normal appetite at the time of diagnosis) and “Substage B” (patients who are sick at the time of diagnosis). Dogs who are in Substage A generally have a better prognosis.
Histological grade
The veterinary pathologist will also determine the grade of the lymphoma, based on the mitotic rate (how fast the cancerous cells are dividing). High-grade lymphoma generally behaves more aggressively and progresses more quickly than low-grade lymphoma. Interestingly, high-grade lymphoma is actually more likely to go into remission than low-grade lymphoma.
Phenotype
There are two types of lymphocytes—B-cells and T-cells. B-cells come from the bone marrow and create antibodies (immune system proteins that target specific foreign invaders). T-cells mature in the thymus (immune system tissue in the chest) and help direct the immune reaction or kill infected or abnormal cells.
Dogs with B-cell lymphoma tend to fare better than dogs with T-cell lymphoma. A veterinary pathologist can perform special testing to determine the phenotype (i.e. T-cell or B-cell) of the lymphoma.
Other factors affecting prognosis
The classification of lymphoma is not the only determinant of prognosis. Other factors can help us predict how well a dog may respond to treatment.
Hypercalcemia
Some cancerous cells, including some cancerous lymphocytes, produce a protein that mimics parathyroid hormone (PTH). Normally, PTH helps control calcium levels in the body. When cancer cells make parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) the body can abnormally retain calcium.
Elevated calcium causes kidney damage, weakness, and a loss of appetite. Dogs with hypercalcemia due to lymphoma often feel sick and have a worse prognosis than dogs with normal calcium levels.
Presence of a mediastinal mass
The thymus is a lymphatic organ located in the center of the chest (mediastinum). If a dog with lymphoma has a mass in its mediastinum (generally seen on X-rays), this indicates that the thymus is probably involved. Thus, T-cell lymphoma is more likely. As mentioned above, T-cell lymphoma does not respond as well to chemotherapy.
Gender
Female dogs tend to respond to treatment better than male dogs.
Dog size
Smaller dogs often have better prognoses than larger dogs.
Previous treatment with prednisone or prednisolone
Lymphoma that has previously been treated with prednisone alone is less likely to respond to chemotherapy.
When trying to decide the best course of action for your dog with lymphoma, I always recommend a consultation with a veterinary oncologist before making treatment decisions. He or she will evaluate your dog and look at the prognostic indicators. This will help determine your dog’s chance of achieving remission and allow the veterinary oncologist to formulate the best treatment plan for your family and your dog.
Frequently asked questions about lymphoma in dogs
Many of my clients who are managing a canine lymphoma diagnosis, have questions. You may have some of the same questions too. Next, let’s look at some commonly asked questions about lymphoma in dogs.
Which dogs are at the highest risk for multicentric lymphoma?
Although mostly diagnosed in middle-aged or older dogs, lymphoma can affect dogs of any age. Unfortunately, I have seen it in dogs as young as nine months old. Lymphoma is equally common in male and female dogs. While it can affect all breeds of dogs (and mixed breeds), some breeds have an increased risk of lymphoma, including:
- Golden Retrievers
- Scottish Terriers
- Bassett Hounds
- Cocker Spaniels
- Poodles
Is lymphoma painful?
Fortunately, multicentric lymphoma is not in itself a painful condition. In advanced cases, lymphoma can make dogs feel generally unwell—this is when we see signs like appetite loss and lethargy. In those cases, veterinarians can take steps to increase a dog’s quality of life.
How to make a dog with lymphoma more comfortable
If your dog has lymphoma and is showing clinical signs, talk with your vet about what you may be able to do. In cases where chemotherapy is not pursued, treatment with prednisone can do wonders to make patients more comfortable.
Many lymphoma patients that are treated with prednisone eat better and regain their “pep.” I’ve had many pet parents report that they wouldn’t even know their dog was sick.
What can I do if my dog with lymphoma isn’t eating?
If your dog has been diagnosed with lymphoma and you notice his or her appetite is off, discuss options with your vet. In addition to prednisone, other medications can help encourage a dog to eat.
Although it’s primarily used to prevent vomiting, Cerenia for dogs can improve appetite in some dogs, particularly if their decreased appetite is caused by mild nausea. Several other appetite stimulation medications are also available to try.
Some dogs also respond well to more palatable foods, such as wet food instead of dry. Be cautious with food changes, however, because some dogs can experience GI upset from sudden diet changes. Your vet will be your best resource for what may help improve your dog’s appetite.
What can I do if my dog with lymphoma has heavy breathing?
In some cases, lymphoma can cause fluid to build up in the chest and put pressure on a dog’s lungs. Additionally, significant swelling of the submandibular lymph nodes can impinge on the trachea. In either of these cases, clinical signs can include difficulty breathing.
If your dog has lymphoma and is breathing heavily, please seek emergency veterinary care. Your vet will assess your dear dog to determine what, if anything, should be done to help him or her.
It is important to note that one of the common side effects of prednisone is panting. If your dog is being treated for lymphoma with prednisone, he or she may pant more frequently than normal. However, panting should be distinguished from respiratory distress or increased respiratory effort. When it comes to heavy breathing, it’s always better to be safe than sorry and have your canine companion checked out by the vet ASAP.
Hope in the midst of the hard times
Even though lymphoma is often a fatal disease, it is not hopeless. Many dogs with lymphoma don’t feel sick during the earlier stages of the disease. Like Joshua, they have no idea anything is wrong with them and may wonder why their parents are so sad and worried.
Additionally, many dogs with lymphoma will respond well to chemotherapy or prednisone. They can have an excellent quality of life during their final weeks, months, or years. Treasure the time. Make a bucket list for your dog and see how many things you can check off of it. Spoil him or her like never before. Keep living and loving until it is time to say goodbye.
Saying goodbye to your dog with lymphoma
This next section might be hard to read, but I think it is worth sharing. Knowing that your dog has a disease that will most likely eventually claim his or her life gives you the chance to prepare for your dog’s euthanasia. Perhaps you want to plan in-home dog euthanasia in your dog’s favorite location, surrounded by the things and people he or she loves. That’s how my family said goodbye to our dog, Luke, who had mediastinal lymphoma.
Or maybe you will say goodbye at the vet’s office, while your dog lies on a favorite bed after just having a meal of all his or her favorite foods (even the usually forbidden ones). The plan may look a bit different for everyone, and that’s ok.
No one wants to have to face losing their beloved dog, but sometimes being able to think about how you want those last days and moments to go—whenever they come—can bring a small measure of comfort.
Has your dog been diagnosed with lymphoma?
Feel free to share his or her story below.
My handsome, talented Boxer boy turned 7 on 6/30 One week later he was hospitalized and nearly died from T cell multicentric lymphoma with CNS involvement He has significant Hypercalcemia,, wouldn’t eat , kidneys were shutting down,and he appeared to not even acknowledge me He was going to die without aggressive treatment The Good news is with Chemo he is still alive 3 months later and is his happy normal self His protocol has switched from weekly Chemo to once every three weeks for 3 more months His oncologist and team are amazed by how well he is doing His prognosis was 2-3 months with Chemo I know his cancer will return but I have had more time to love him and enjoy his enthusiasm
Hi Martha,
What a blessing your boy has responded so well to treatment and is feeling good! Thank you for sharing his story with us. Praying he continues to maintain a good quality of life for as long as possible. Bless you both. ♥
We love your writings. They are so helpful and clearly written.
We live in a rural area and do not have access to a good, let alone integrative, vet. Is there a way you could have a button to make your articles into pdf? Then I could download them for future reference and home care.
Hi Tamara,
I am glad you brought this to my attention. Currently our site is not set up to have a PDF version of the articles available. You can however copy and paste the material into a document on your computer and save it or print it from there. I passed this request along to our tech team. We may start to investigate how much of an undertaking it would be to add a PDF option to the website. Thank you for the kind words and positive feedback!
My Daisy Mae was diagnosed today with Lymphoma. Im still grasping at straws ? reaching out hoping praying it is a misdiagnosing. Daisy has a bad tooth infection and thats why we took her to vet. last week. we noticed she was having mouth pain and her glands where swollen. last week we wad given antibiotics and told to come back in a week.
She did throw up most of the antibiotics or wouldn’t allow me to give them to her. So we go back today ?glands still swollen some possibly bigger.
so we got told she most likely has Lymphoma and maybe months left. but most likely weeks.
we are very low income and limited funds. so we cant afford the chemo. And was told it probably wouldn’t be that affective for her. so she was sent home with prednisone and new antibiotics. they gave her a shot for nausea and some liquid cause of dehydration.
Im heartbroken. Im feeling like i failed her.
I would die for her if it would make her better
Dear Melissa,
My heart aches for you as you face this tragic diagnosis Daisy Mae has received. I know you would do anything to give her more time. It is clear she is dearly loved, and I am certain she knows. Don’t let these last weeks go by without making the most of them. Each day is a gift and try to enjoy every moment you are blessed with. Spoil your girl rotten and make sure she is happy and comfortable. Praying for your strength and peace for your heart. ♥
Hi, my Daisy was diagnosed w b-cell lymphoma. Before even starting treatment I put her on the 5 defenders mushrooms from REALMUSHROOM..COM
900mg per day ( like 1/4 tsp
For a 65 lb dog) and olive leaf extract 1000mg per day. Her lymph nodes reduced DRASTICALLY almost non existent in 3 weeks time. Try it
My mix Bella turned 13 in August. About 2 weeks ago I noticed that she wasn’t eating and she was breathing hard even in the house and she was moving slowly. I noticed a lump under her chin and on her groin. I took her to the vet and he said it was lymphoma. He gave me prednisone and appetite stimulants.
She improved and was eating for about 3 days. Then she got worse. She was not eating normally. I gave her cream cheese and chicken and sausages. Then over the weekend she became weak. She couldn’t stand on her own, her back legs wouldn’t get her up. I had to help her up. On Monday of this week, other than her being weak, she was normal. Then at night she was laying on the floor on her blankets in the bedroom. During the night she got up and wandered to a far room where I found her and brought her to her blankets and pillows in the livingroom. At that point it was like she was paralyzed. She could only breathe. Her heart and lungs were the only things working. She wouldn’t eat or drink. Her head wouldn’t even hold up. Twelve hours later, she she ran out of energy and breathed her last breath.
As they say, this thing happens fast and is unexpected.
Dear Steve,
My heart aches for you with your recent loss of Bella. I know it must have been terrible to watch her health decline so rapidly but what a blessing you were able to be with her in her final moments. It is clear Bella was dearly loved and I am certain your presence was a comfort to her. Thank you for being willing to share your experience with us. May Bella’s memory stay with you always and be a source of comfort and joy in your life.
My 10 yo mini poodle was diagnosed with Stage 3 multi centric lymphoma in December 2022. The vet put him on 10 msg of prednisone twice a day.. The prescription was fora six month period and after six month she extended the prescription without a vet visit. My boy is still here, but has developed Cushing, is losing his hair and has all kinds of bumps that erupt and ooze and bleed. I never was told or considered lowering his dose until now. He’s currently getting 10mg in the am and 10 in the pm every fourth day. I’m doing this on my own as my vet won’t see until November.. .What would a maintenance dose be? I’m lowering things every two weeks.
Hi Wendy,
I am sorry your senior pup is dealing with these severe side effects from the prednisone. Unfortunately, without playing a personal role in your dog’s medical care, I can’t offer advice on adjusting his medications. There is no way to know what the threshold is for this medication and when it will stop being effective at keeping the cancer at bay. It seems as though you are caught between two rocks in trying to maximize the benefits and also minimize the negative effects at the same time. Is your vet aware of the severity of your boy’s issues at this point? Even if the regularly scheduled recheck isn’t until November, there could be a chance they would fit him in earlier if his health is declining. I hope you can find the best way to maintain your dog’s quality of life for as long as possible. Wishing you all the best and praying for a positive outcome.
My 10.5 year old pitbull was diagnosed with lymphoma today. His chest X-ray showed a lymphoma in his chest, his submandibular lymph nodes are swollen as well as his hind leg. We are waiting for pathology, but initial glance from vet FNA showed cancer cells. I keep reading dogs with no treatment last 1-2 months. Oncology appointments are not easy to get by me and I want to do chemo. If we wait two weeks for an appointment will it progress beyond treatment? I do t want to start prednisone as I don’t want to interfere with chemo. I’m concerned for the timeline because I don’t know how fast it’s going to happen. He’s currently acting his normal self. First signs of this was 4 days ago when his neck swelled.
Hi Marissa,
I understand why you are concerned and the urgency to get treatment started is valid. Waiting two weeks is not ideal but I am not sure you really have an option if you want to pursue chemo. I strongly advise you or your vet to go ahead and reach out to the oncologist and see if they have any recommendations of medications or supplements that could be initiated during this waiting period that could help keep things under control. I know there is talk of things like Turkey Tail Mushroom supplements and such that help boost the immune system and increases survival time for certain cancer types. You would have to ensure that any supplement given would not interfere with the chemo just the same as we are cautious with starting prednisone. I hope your sweet boy can fight this and gain more quality time. Praying for a positive outcome and wishing you both the best. ♥
Thank you so much for all of the information you have provided. My 14-year-old mixed breed Fred was diagnosed in February of this year. I took him in because his appetite had decreased and he had started snoring loudly which was unusual. I should have taken him in sooner because the appetite changes happened several months before the snoring appeared, but hindsight is 20/20. I decided to do chemotherapy because I was not ready to let him go. He was started on the CHOP protocol along with prednisone (for the first month). He went into full remission quickly and stayed there for about 5 months. Unfortunately he came out of remission before the entire CHOP cycle was completed but the oncologist changed to a different chemotherapy drug along with prednisone. He went back into remission for another 6 weeks. Last week he started snoring again and I discovered the nodes under his jaw were once again inflamed. I contacted the oncologist and they increased his prednisone until I take him for his treatment next week. I am curious if they will want to continue the chemo, since he has come out of remission, or do another treatment and keep him on prednisone to see what happens. Thats my current anxiety. I do know this is the last chemotherapy drug we plan to do. I hope if the chemo is stopped that prednisone alone will give him (and me) a little more time. As everybody knows, it is very hard to accept, even considering he is a senior dog. Even though he did have significant side effects with the chemo at first, until they adjusted the dose, I do not regret taking that route because he has had many more good days than bad. I’m also grateful I have been able to afford it. To me it has been worth every penny. I am now starting to make plans for how I want his earthly exit to happen, as it is very important to me to do what’s right for him because he’s been so good to me. Thank you for allowing me to comment and to see what other people have shared as it helps me not feel so alone in this journey.
Hi Kathy,
What a journey you have been on with Fred’s lymphoma. I’m glad that he went into remission for 5 months but sorry to hear that he is no longer in remission. Hopefully your appointment with the oncologist was able to address your questions and you were able to come up with a plan to buy Fred some more good quality time. Thank you for sharing his story with us! It is such a help to other dog parents to read about Fred’s journey and to know that you have no regrets about choosing to pursue chemo despite the fact that it was rough at first.
Sending love as you treasure the days you have left with Fred and start thinking about how you want the end of his life to go. You are not alone, and you can get through whatever the next days or months hold. ❤️
My baby angel got her diagnosis last year at 3 years old she’s a jack Russel she has had the first round of chop and is in remission she has stage 3 type a so I’m hopefull she will be ok for a while she has been in remission since the first treatment and a month since the last
Hi Steph,
What a blessing the treatment is working well, and you have gained so much extra quality time with your pup. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. This will certainly offer hope to others in a similar situation. Wishing you and your sweet girl the best. Bless you!
Hello, Dr. Buzby –
Can you provide an update on 10 year old Charlie? My Rottie-boy Lincon is 6 and we just started prednisone – other than the forward lymph nodes swelling (which have completely gone back to normal size after just 2 days of pred), you wouldn’t know cancer was present. I know the drill, and that the likelihood is we’ve bought him a couple of months but I do hold onto Charlie-type hope that he can defy the odds. He is still active, eating, drinking, eliminating etc like nothing is up and I’ve changed his diet to high fiber, high protein, low fat to try and extend his time and keep his strength up.
How long did Charlie’s humans have him with them, please?
Thanks,
Julia from Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦
Hi Julia,
Charlie lived about seven months. He was very happy and healthy up until the last week. It was good, quality time with his family. I hope Lincon is still feeling good and finding joy in his days. Bless you both. ♥
This seem to be a treacharous disease. I so wish like you described that we also had the time to prepare, however that was never really the case. our 14 year old amstaff dog where seemingly doing fine and were considered healthy for her age (we visited the vet each couple months to monitor her health because she had mastcell tumors one year befort sucessfully removed), she was running around playing and still almost as active as a young dog, when suddenly one sad day she collapsed and became weak with fever vomited and lost her appetite from then on. it all happened during just a weeks time, no real warning, then we were forced to let her go. she never started eating again and she got more weak , she was diagnosed three days after first obvious sign with lymphoma large lymphoblasts in the spleen and also cancerous cells in her blood (no typical finding in lymphnodes). they said it was at stage 5… she also had an enlarged pancreas and spleen according to ultrasound. on her last day in life she hardly could walk straight and were showing signs of anemia so our vet believed starting with treatment (chemo) would be pointless. can’t really comprehend how it could become or develop so super fast. we feel we never got rhat precious time to neither help her nor say goodbye… the what ifs are also so very strong in our case, did we accept the right way forward or should we have tried treating her. either way totally devastating and excruciating after so many years together!! life can really be so cruel and unfair. atleast she lived a relatively long life even rhough one always hope for more…
Dear Daniel,
I am sorry for your loss of your senior girl. Cancer can be so very cruel, especially when it develops at a rapid rate with little to no warning. With what you describe, I am confident you made the best decision for your dog. Saying goodbye is the hardest thing, but it was the most loving choice and the only way to give your pup peace and relief from her suffering. I hope with time your heart will heal from her absence. May the memories of the good days be a blessing and a comfort.
Oct 3rd. my boy Max, had an appointment to get heart worm vaccine. I had noticed swelling under his chin.. My vet gave me predisone and antibiotic. follow up in 2 weeks. He had developed head tremors and leg twitching I had called the office he thought was predisone. We drew blood. He changed antibiotics and increased predisone. they called me back the same day. they needed me to come back. the blood draw was no good. Max at this time was still twitching, his eye were blood shot and was not eating like normal I called the vet requesting he check his lymph nodes. we are at 3 weeks since I noticed his swelling. He referred me to another vet in a larger town. Thurs of that same week we had an appointment. more blood work. The first set of test were elivated white cells and calcium. The next test his calcium levels were high than 16. That’s as high as the machine would go. He also informed me Max’s kidneys were failing. They have had him 4 days doing IV for his kidneys. They called me Friday (after the 1st lymph node draw was bad) The test came back with lymphoma from 3 different sites. Tomorrow will be week 4. Max will be 2 next month. I’m totally devastated. All I can do is cry. they spoke about biopsy which would take a week to get back. They are unsure if the kidneys are caused
from the lymphoma or a separate issue. All I hear is the clock getting louder with delays we can afford to have. I’m unsure what I should do. This shouldn’t be happening he is only 2!!! So far I haven’t been able to get a stage from them for the lymphoma or renal failure. I don’t know if this IV stuff is supposed to work fast or slow. They can’t tell me what cell, I am assuming it’s T cell because of his calcium levels. I don’t know what to do. Ever day they have him is a day I lose being with him. Tomorrow I think I will ask them to start treating him for T cell while they wait for a biopsy. They have him on doxy and 40 mg of Prednisone a day. He still isn’t eating. I went to visit him Saturday. I did get a butt wiggle.
Each day they call me and tell me he’s resting comfortably. They redo blood work every 48 hours..
My boy needs to be home with his momma I am sure this separation is not good for him and he needs chemo started before it’s too late. Too many delays
will the kidneys start working like the should if it was caused by the lymphoma can they handle the chemo treatments? I’m just lost. If we went with keeping him comfortable I’m guessing his kidneys would shut down. X-ray and sonogram didn’t show any tumors. His left kidney looked suspicious but said it could be calcium build up. I am so lost.
Dear Kim,
My heart is breaking for you and this tragic situation you are in with Max. I know you have seen a few different vets at this point. Have any of them been an oncologist? If not, I highly recommend you try and schedule a consult. With as many times as you mentioned wanting Max to be home with you and by your side, it makes me wonder if you would be happier with hospice/palliative care verses the chemo and in hospital treatment. I know the treatment might extend his life, but for how long? If you are leaning toward quality of time verses quantity, don’t hesitate to discuss this with your vet. There really is no right or wrong answer for your situation. Do what brings you and Max the most joy. Praying for your strength during these trying times. Bless you both.
On July 7th my 11 year old greyhound Ima suddenly stopped eating, was glassy eyed and clearly not feeling well. I took her to the Vet and a senior blood panel/urinalysis was done and she was started on Cerenia and Flagyl and my girl improved a little. The Vet is greyhound savvy and expressed concern that Ima might have Cancer. A follow up PCR urinalysis was done as preliminary analysis showed a lot of protein in the urine. The PCR confirmed the initial finding. The Vet advised that two possible causes for protein loss were Cancer or Hypertension. We started Ima on a blood pressure medication and she improved quite a bit so we held off on pursuing an ultrasound. We planned on doing another urinalysis in two weeks but I then discovered three enlarged marble sized lymph nodes in her neck at which time the Vet did a fine needle aspirate on two nodes and the pathology findings came back as High Grade, Large Cell Lymphoma.
Due to her age, we are opting for palliative care. The nodes in her neck are sometimes larger than a golf ball and accompanied by edema. Other times the edema subsides and the nodes seem smaller. I get my hopes up when the swelling goes down and Ima’s appetite improves, and she is enjoying mellow walks in the park…. but then she has another bad day or two.
Will there come a day soon when she experiences a rapid decline? What can I expect? I have already arranged for a Vet to come to our home when the time comes for us to say goodbye.
Hi Denine,
I am sorry your sweet girl has received such a poor diagnosis. I am glad to hear that she is still having some good days and able to find joy in life. When it comes to predicting how this cancer will progress, unfortunately we just never know. Each dog is different, and lymphoma can do some strange things. I think it is great that you have already arranged for a veterinarian to come to your house when the time comes to say goodbye. I hope Ima’s decline will be slow and gradual with the least amount of suffering possible. My thoughts are with you during this difficult journey. Bless you both.
Hi 15 year old schnauzer Max was doing great when I discovered the mass in the groin area, we took him to get checked out and vet did aspiration on it but 4 days later he started to decline. Monday he was diagnosed lymphoma, we started prednisone the same day and by Tuesday was better, and wed. him old self again but today he is not feeling well again. I don’t k ow if the prednisone stopped working on him. But his lymph nodes under his chin is causing some pain. We are waiting for the Laverdia to get here tomorrow so we can give him a fighting chance but I’m not sure if it’s too late for him. I am dying inside and I feel I can’t breath just thinking he is slipping from me and I feel like I did nothing for him. 😭 I feel so guilty.
Dear Adriana,
My heart aches for you during this difficult and emotional situation you are in with Max. Please know that you are doing everything you can, and you have not failed him. Lymphoma can seemingly pop up from nowhere and show up so quickly that you sometimes don’t have time to intervene. There is nothing you “missed” or should have done differently. Unfortunately, this is just how this disease happens in many dogs. I hope the medications will be able to extend Max’s life and give him some relief from the discomfort and pain. It might be a good idea to reach out to a veterinarian that practices hospice and palliative care, so you are ready with options for when that time comes. Praying for a miracle. Bless you both. ♥
Tragically we lost our beloved Pitbull girl of 14 years to awful cancer (lymphoma/leukemia stage 5). We torment and blaim ourself each day for first of all obviously going to the vet too late, and secondly because we and the oncologist most probably acted to slowly with this type of disease. Im fully aware that theres no cure, but she could’ve and should’ve be treated with chemo (it was decided and booked).
It all happened very Quickly actually, in just a week our girl was gone. We were on a regular routine senior healthcheck (before this it was 4 months since last normal CBC was Done, because of a UTI) where they did a CBC, this came back two days later as abnormal (high WBC, 50 000, about 60% cancerous). Prior to this she were very active and playful, no other symptoms other than a little red hairless patch near her mouth (looking back i suspect it could have been a demodex outbreak because of the lymphoma). That miss is my first regret, why i didnt go sooner to check it out.
Because of the CBC we were recommended to meet an oncologist next, that was 4 days after, On that next appointment they did a new CBC and ultrasound. The new CBC was the same, other than sligthly anemic now (RBC and hematocrit little under reference values) but the ultrasound revealed an enlarged spleen which they aspirated aswell, and some swollen nearby lymphnodes. All came back diagnosed as large cell Lymphoma, suspected T cell type. So because of findings in blood and spleen they staged it as 5.
That same day we got a new appointment three days later, to start chemo treatment, even if they gave us a bad prognosis (max 6 months). During this three days she obviously continued to deteriorate, and On the actual day of the appointment when the vet saw her she said she is in too bad shape now (heartfrequence 120 and pale gums) ,and even if we start the treatment they expect she wouldnt even last through the coming day or two. Of course we were completely crushed hearing this, and also so frightened by the vet to risc that she maybe dies in distress if we decide to go on. This all lead us to follow the recommendation and instead euthanize our best girl! This is off course our second and biggest regret of all , why did we not question the vet and push harder to give her a real honest chance instead? Was she really so past saving…? Would really appreciate your take On this story!
Next question i would ask you, is why she had the symptoms that she had during that week after diagnosis. If you could explain it?
Her first symptom was starting to pant from nowhere on her walk, and minutes after collapse on the side. I lifted her up immediately but she was weak and could not stand, so i carried her. however a little while later she could once again walk. The next day she got a fever, which stopped after three days. During these days she stopped eating, just sniffing and spitting the food, taking a bite here and there at best. Finally last two days she would loose balance while taking short walks in the yard to relief herself, panting on and off and during the night breath shallow and fast, also she seem to have developed an anemia. It was all in all very hard seeing all this how she deteriorated during just one week! How and why does these sort of symptoms and conditions developr?
Thank you, and once again i love your blog.
Dear Marko,
My heart aches for you as you grieve the loss of your sweet girl. I can tell this has been a very difficult process for you as I have read all the comments you have posted over the past couple of weeks. I wish I could ease your pain or take away the burden of contemplating the “what ifs”. Since I did not personally examine your pup, it is difficult to make specific conclusions. You mentioned the spleen was enlarged and there was an anemia. These issues alone can cause an elevated heart rate, difficulty breathing, weakness, and collapse. Also, cancer can do strange and unpredictable things. I agree with the assessment from the specialist that your girl’s condition was grave, and euthanasia was probably the most loving option at that point. I am sorry you had to suffer through such a devastating experience. I pray with time your heart will heal and allow the memories of the good days to be a comfort to your soul. ♥
My dog was diagnosed with TZL lymphoma last week. She was doing UW_25 protocolo but once the type of cancer was defined, the doctors decided to stop the protocolo as it doens’t improve life expentency. She has several Nodes. The biggest ones on her neck. Sometimes I notice She has difficulties to bread. Not sure if it’s a good decision to stop the protocol.
Hi Necas,
I am sorry your dog has received such a difficult diagnosis and poor prognosis. Since I have not been personally involved with your pup’s case, it is hard to make specific recommendations. If you need more information or reassurance about how to proceed with treatment, I highly recommend you talk to a veterinary oncologist in your area. It never hurts to get a second opinion, especially when dealing with cancer and quality of life issues. I hope you find the answers you need to make the best decision for you and your sweet girl. Wishing you the best as you navigate this difficult path.
My dog Daisy was 7 years old when the vet noticed enlarged submandibular lymph nodes and aspiration diagnosed lymphoma. We started the CHOP protocol of chemotherapy, which is very similar to what humans receive. She did so well with chemo, with no side effects. Chemotherapy provided an additional three years of quality life with my sweet girl, and although expensive, I’d do it all again because of the good results. Many times you can get a finance plan, and pet insurance can help if you have a policy before diagnosis.
Hi Karen,
Thank you for sharing your experience with chemotherapy for your girl Daisy. I love that you pointed out how well she tolerated chemotherapy with no side effects. I am so glad you were able to add three extra years to Daisy’s life! That is precious time I’m sure you both enjoyed. Best wishes!
Our 10.5 year old shih tzu was diagnosed 2weeks ago with lymphoma.Four lymp sites are already swollen. Not knowing what stage or B or T cell,how long approximately do you think how much time is left?Scruff has a lot of other physical problems also..Long story short we rescused him at 5 months old and pretty sure he is a result of puppy mill/back yard multi breeder.With lots of vet conversations and long hard thinking,we have decided not to pursue prednisone/or chemo. treatment.Without a whole of testing on scruff,vet wouldn’t give his thoughts on this.Does either B or T cell grow and spread faster than the other?Our plan is to keep in touch with vet as changes occur,and more hugs,carrides,kisses,pictures.and love
Hi Denise,
I am sorry you are heading down this path with your sweet boy. Lymphoma typically progresses quickly with both phenotypes B and T. Most dogs only live for a few months after diagnosis without chemotherapy. My best advice is to look for a vet that specializes in hospice care in your area. Hospice vets will come to your house so you don’t have to stress your dog by taking him into the clinic. They can examine Scruff and make suggestions on how to maintain his quality of life as you go through this process. They also have medications they can prescribe to make sure he is comfortable and pain free. My thoughts are with you and Scruff. I hope you are able to enjoy the time you have left and make memories you will cherish forever.
My Puddin (pit bull ) was diagnosed yesterday with Lymphoma, it is very hard to digest that myself . We adopted her , knowing she had an auto immune disease. She has needed treatment and vet visits so often , we are not doing the chemotherapy with her . Can you tell me because she has an auto immune disease, will she do well on prednisone? Or will lymphoma. Cause her to suffer more . She is very very lethargic. . I am beyond having dry eyes !
Hi Betty,
I’m so sorry to hear that Puddin just got diagnosed with lymphoma. It is always devastating to hear that sort of news. Unfortunately without being able to examine her and know more about which autoimmune disease she has, how it is being controlled, etc, I can’t give you a great idea of how she would tolerate the prednisone. I would suggest scheduling a follow up appointment with your vet to go over your concerns since he or she has a good working knowledge of Puddin’s history and medical concerns. You could also potentially consider doing a consultation with an oncologist. I know that you said that you wouldn’t want to do chemotherapy (which I respect and understand). The vet oncologists I have met are also very focused on helping their patients maintain a good quality of life, so they may be able to offer some good suggestions that help keep her comfortable and/or help answer your questions from the perspective of a specialist who has seen and treated many such case. I hope you are able to find some answers that help guide you during this difficult time. ❤
Our sweet Rookie, a Maltese/Shih Tuz mix who turned 15 on April 1, was just diagnosed with lymphoma today. His teeth were all pulled in March, and his lymph nodes have been very swollen since. We initially treated with antibiotics, etc. but our vet decided to do a biopsy on Friday after Rookie had 2 short seizures within an hour of waking. and the fact that his lymph nodes have gotten progressively bigger.
We have decided to not do chemo due to his age, and started on prednisone. I can’t stop crying. I think that the worst part is not knowing how much time that we have left with him. He still seems fine with a great appetite and zest for life, but I am dreading the day that this changes. He has been the best boy for his entire life, and I can’t imagine this world without him. For now, he is getting everything that his heart desires, like triple the amount of his favorite treats and an entire hotdog to hide his prednisone pill with ice cream for dessert. We do not want him to suffer and will cherish our remaining time with him.
Hi Christa,
So sorry to hear about your dog’s lymphoma diagnosis. I know how devastating that can be. It is great that Rookie is still feeling good right now and I bet he is loving every minute of getting spoiled with everything that his heart desires. (As a less fun side note, some dogs may get pancreatitis or GI upset from hotdogs or ice cream, but fingers crossed he isn’t one of them because I’m sure he loved them! I only mention it because while I definitely want you to be able to spoil him with lots of goodies, I don’t want them to inadvertently make him feel crummy and add to his woes.) It is hard not knowing what the future will hold for him, but I think you have the right idea to keep loving on him and treasuring every good day. Sending love as you navigate this difficult journey. ❤
My dog was diagnosed with stage V T-cell lymphoma almost two years ago. We started on a low dose chemotherapy pill which worked great for over a year. 5 months ago, it progressed and we tried IV chemotherapy but the side effects were more than we were willing to put her through. After stopping chemo, she did wonderful for 4 months. You would never have known she was sick. A few weeks ago, her sub-mandibular lymph nodes dramatically increased in size and she developed lesions in several places. We started prednisone and she had a good few weeks but the last couple of days she is just not herself. She is restless and can’t seem to get comfortable. She doesn’t have that gleam in her eyes anymore and doesn’t wag her tail when I come home. This may be our last weekend with her as we prepare to say “until we meet again”.
Hi Kristin,
Thanks so much for sharing your pup’s story! I am so glad you guys have had almost 2 wonderful years together after her lymphoma diagnosis, but I am also so sorry to hear that she is starting to decline. I hope you are able to have a sweet and meaningful weekend with her before you have to face that difficult goodbye.❤