Honor Your Dogs on National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day
National Canine Lymphoma Awareness day is a day of remembrance and honor for our pets who have passed due to cancer. It’s a deadly disease that accounts for 7 to 24% of all canine tumors and 85% of blood-based tumors. Join us on November 7th to spread awareness and promote further research and support for organizations looking for better treatment.
What is Canine Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that is prevalent in dogs and humans. For dogs, it actually comes in 30 different varieties that originate in the lymphocytes, which is a type of white blood cell that helps fight infections. Lymphocytes are extremely important in organs that support the immune system, such as the spleen, bone marrow, and lymph nodes.
For dogs, there are four types of lymphoma they can have – extranodal lymphoma, mediastinal lymphoma, alimentary lymphoma, and multicentric lymphoma. Each type will have their own characteristics, but all can progress fairly quickly.
What Causes Canine Lymphoma?
While the exact cause of lymphoma is unknown, pet healthcare professionals expect it is highly likely due to genetic and environmental factors. The disease is more common in dogs that are 6 years or older but can even affect younger dogs. Canine Lymphoma may even be more prevalent in certain breeds, such as Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Saint Bernards, Beagles, German Shepherds, English Bulldogs, and Poodles, to name a few.
Symptoms of Canine Lymphoma
Symptoms of lymphoma will vary depending on what organ is affected. It is not a painful disease, but pet owners may feel lumps under their dogs skin. Dogs may exhibit other signs, such as a lack of appetite, vomiting, lethargic, and weight loss. If the dog is experiencing lymphoma in the chest cavity, they may cough more than they normally would or be uninterested in exercise.
Diagnosing and Treating Canine Lymphoma
If cancer is suspected, the veterinarian will begin their diagnosis by taking a sample of the affected organ. To do this, the doctor will take a very fine-needle and extract a sample from the dog’s expected affected areas. There are some vets who may suggest “staging tests” to determine how far the disease has progressed to better understand the pet’s condition.
If the dog has been diagnosed positive for lymphoma, the most common form of treatment is chemotherapy. Depending on the type of cancer, the vet will recommend certain types of chemo. Fortunately, dogs who go through this treatment do not experience the same effects as humans. Instead of losing their hair or severe sickness They may see mild bouts of vomiting and decreased appetite, and activity levels.
How to Observe National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day
There are a number of ways to promote the treatment of Canine Lymphoma on November 7th. Spread the knowledge to other pet owners by using the hashtag #CanineLymphomaAwarenessDay on your social media accounts. With this hashtag, you are showing your commitment to research to improve treatment for cancer. To have a more personal impact, you may even directly donate to organizations working on this mission.
Exceptional Pets Is Here to Help
Whether your pet needs a check-up or you’re concerned about possible Canine Lymphoma, Exceptional Pets is here for you. We understand how important animals are in our lives, and we will personally take care of them to ensure they receive the best treatment possible. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to ensure the health of your pet.