Lymphoma Blood Test

Lymphoma in dogs.

Lymphoma, also known as Lymphosarcoma (LSA) is one of the most common cancers seen in dogs. Although there are breeds that appear to be at increased risk for this disease, lymphoma can affect any dog of any breed at any age. It accounts for approximately 20% of all canine tumours.

Most of the time, lymphoma appears as swollen glands (lymph nodes) that can be seen or felt under the neck, in front of the shoulders, or behind the knee. Occasionally, lymphoma can affect lymph nodes that are not visible or palpable from outside the body, such as those inside the chest or in the abdomen. In these cases, dogs may accumulate fluid in the chest that makes breathing difficult, or they may have digestive problems (diarrhoea, vomiting, or painful abdomen). If left untreated, dogs with lymphoma will generally succumb to the disease within 3 to 4 weeks.

Lymphoma is generally treated with drugs and there are now a wide range of different drugs available which can have considerable success.

The average dog with lymphoma is between 6-9 years although dogs of any age can be affected. Certain breeds (Boxers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Pointers, Scottish and West Highland Terriers ) may be more likely to develop this type of cancer. Males and females are equally at risk.

The lymphoma blood test.

PetScreen has developed a simple blood test for lymphoma in dogs. Since the tests requires only a very small amount of blood, your vet can have the test done as part of their routine testing procedure if lymphoma is suspected. This can save you making extra visits to the vets for additional tests. 

Lymphoma - high risk breeds.

Although ample circumstantial evidence exists for cancer incidence in dogs, detailed, epidemiological data is hard to come by. We have compiled the following list from a wide variety of sources as a guide to malignancies affecting specific high risk breeds.

It is a sad fact that many of the high risk breeds, also tend to make the most popular pets.

High Risk Breeds:

Golden Retrievers
Boxers
German Shepherd Dogs
Cocker Spaniels
West Highland White Terriers
Rottweilers
Doberman Pinschers
Schnauzers
Flat Coat Retrievers
Bernese Mountain Dogs
Great Danes
Greyhounds
Standard Poodles

Back...