Branwen Blog

There are many types of cancer with many possible causes, and there are important genetic factors as well. With lymphoma in dogs, a biopsy of affected lymph nodes or organs confirms the diagnosis. A needle aspiration of an affected lymph node may also be necessary. X-rays, ultrasound, blood analysis, and bone marrow biopsy can reveal other locations of the cancer. The stage of the disease is important to treatment and prognosis.

Lymphoma in dogs starts with one or a small group of cells that have "gone wrong". There is no way to verify cause. It is best to concentrate on treatment. Focus on a realistic outcome which is longest possible survival with good quality life. If lymphoma in dogs is diagnosed early, immune modulation usually assures the greatest chance of remission, and the best chance the cancer does not reoccur. About 50% of dogs with lymphoma can be put into remission; untreated, average life expectancy is about 2 months from the time of diagnosis.

Ask your veterinarian for a referral.

If your dog could speak, it would tell you of the hope that you will open your mind to what decades of research and clinical experience has taught us about chemotherapy. It is crucial to work with a veterinarian oncologist to achieve maximum effectiveness in your canine's treatment! Treatment for dogs with lymphoma is a combination of cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone, L-asparaginase, doxorubicin, and diet. Other chemotherapy drugs such as chlorambucil, lomustine, cytosine arabinoside, and mitoxantrone are sometimes used. With chemotherapy for lymphoma, nausea or infections are possibilities but most dogs do not experience any such complications. Only 7% of patients require hospitalization due to side effects. The bottom line here is to know that dogs rarely get sick from chemotherapy. The information on this is changing daily so allow a specialist to present you with all the options.

Many experts believe diet is the main reason for lymphoma in dogs.

Many dogs are fed a diet that is based mostly around grain. However, none of the dog family feeds on grains in the wild -- not wolves, coyotes, dingos, or hyenas, none of them. Dogs do not have the necessary enzymes to digest or utilize grain in their diet. They are basically carnivores. When you feed a carnivore a diet based on grain, they will develop various immune dysfunctions, including cancer.

Diet is an important part in treating a dog with lymphoma. In fact, dogs rarely die of cancer. They usually succumb to secondary liver or kidney failure. These are cancer side effects that can usually be avoided by controlling the diet. Fish oil and the amino acid arginine, when added to the diet, help produce higher blood levels of two fatty acids called C20:5 and C22:6 in dogs with lymphoma. These two fatty acids seem particularly effective in fighting the disease, increasing survival time, increasing remission periods, and increasing period of time before disease reoccurred.

Just because the food is expensive, do not assume it is good.

Add canned sardines (excellent source), cottage cheese, eggs and just about any kind of meat such as hamburger or ground turkey. High fat content is good. Some veterinarians advocate a raw diet, while some say it should be cooked. More important than cooked or raw is the amount of animal-based protein and fats. Make sure the first ingredient is meat. If the first ingredient is corn meal, rice, or wheat, choose another brand.

Dogs with lymphoma are easily treated but, as with humans, their cancer tends to return. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, like those found in fish oil, may help prevent the growth and spread of cancer tumors, and may help prevent weight loss and muscle wasting. Arginine supplements have been reported to improve immune responses, and might help the body fight cancer.

The information provided here is not intended to substitute for the advice of a professional. Discuss all forms of treatment with your veterinarian.

We have existed as a company since 1985, but it was a love of dogs, the dogs that have been a part of our life, and the passing of one dog in particular, Rusty, that inspired the creation of http://www.CalloftheDog.com and http://www.CalloftheDogShop.com created to provide the things your dogs and pets need. Visit us for great information and quality dog supplies! Be sure to see our About Us page as well.

The two sites are dedicated to the dogs we have loved so deeply, and who have given us so much love in return. Purebreds and mixed breeds, but mostly rescues in need of a home. We educated them, but each one has had something to teach us in exchange.