Southern Tier Local News Recap For Week Of August 27th
Lymphoma In Dogs: What Owners Need To Know
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
Canine lymphomas are unfortunately among the most common cancers diagnosed in dogs, comprising 7% to 14% of all canine cancers.
Canine lymphomas are similar to non-Hodgkin's lymphomas which occur in humans, according to the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. Both are identical in appearance (under the microscope) and have a similar response to chemotherapy.
Scientists have identified over 30 types of canine lymphoma, which can vary in behavior. Some develop more quickly and are life-threatening without treatment, while others develop more slowly and can be managed as a chronic disease.
With lymphoma estimated to affect 1 in 15 dogs, it's important to be informed about what causes it, the symptoms to look out for, and how to treat it.
Is Your Dog Covered?Get Peace of Mind With the Best Pet Insurance of 2024
What Is Lymphoma in Dogs?Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that is part of a dog's immune system.
Lymphocytes can be found in nearly every organ of the body, but the most common locations are the lymph nodes, spleen and bone marrow.
The role of the lymphocytes is to help fight infection in the body, but if they mutate, they can multiply and cause the lymph nodes, spleen, and other organs to become enlarged.
"It is one of the most common cancers in dogs with the most common form being multicentric lymphoma (affecting multiple lymph nodes)," says Dr. Daniela Korec D.V.M., oncological advisor to Dr. Cuddles, a pet care company. "Lymphoma can also impact other organs like the spleen, liver, intestines, central nervous system, and bone marrow."
While multicentric lymphoma comprises around 80% of diagnosed canine lymphoma cases, the following types of lymphoma represent about 5% of canine lymphomas:
At this point, doctors don't know what causes lymphoma in dogs, but have investigated several possible causes:
While scientists have been able to directly connect the development of lymphoma with the suppression of the immune system in humans, this connection hasn't been proven in dogs.
Symptoms and Behaviors of Dogs With LymphomaThere are a range of symptoms dogs can experience with lymphomas.
"Symptoms of lymphoma depend largely on the type of lymphoma, the organ system involved, and how advanced the stage," says Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, D.V.M. Veterinary medical advisor for Rover.
Dogs with lymphoma can show normal behavior and minimal clinical signs, notes Dr. Casey Robinson, D.V.M., area medical director at IndeVets, a veterinary staffing service that partners with animal hospitals.
"Perhaps the most noted sign that leads to a veterinary visit is specific areas of swelling," he adds. "These areas represent lymph nodes that become enlarged secondary to the cancerous process."
Multicentric Lymphoma SymptomsThe most common sign of multicentric lymphoma in dogs is firm, enlarged, non-painful lymph nodes.
An affected lymph node will feel hard, rubbery and like a lump under the dog's skin. The most easily accessible lymph nodes on your dog will be the ones located under the jaw and behind the knee.
Other common symptoms of multicentric lymphoma include:
The most common signs of cutaneous lymphoma in dogs include dry, flaky, red and itchy patches of skin that can appear anywhere on the body.
As the cancer further develops, the skin then becomes moist, very red, thickened and ulcerated. Dogs may also experience masses with this type of lymphoma.
Oftentimes, cutaneous lymphoma progresses slowly and is treated for several months as an infection or allergies before doctors determine the cause as lymphoma.
Cutaneous lymphoma can also affect the dog's gums, lips and the roof of their mouth, which is commonly mistaken for periodontal disease or gingivitis during the early stages of the disease.
Gastrointestinal Lymphoma SymptomsThe most common signs of gastrointestinal lymphoma in dogs include:
The most common sign of mediastinal lymphoma in dogs is difficulty breathing. This is typically due to a mass in the chest or the accumulation of fluid in their chest.
Other common symptoms of mediastinal lymphoma include:
Lymphoma is diagnosed with a biopsy, which is a minor surgical procedure that removes a piece of a lymph node or other organ that is suspected to be affected by the cancer.
The most common methods for lymph node biopsy are:
With a biopsy, dogs are usually under heavy sedation or general anesthesia. After the biopsy, pain and discomfort is typically minor, but veterinarians often prescribe oral pain medication to ensure the dog is comfortable.
Because lymphomas involve the lymph nodes, which are located throughout the body, it can spread to nearly any tissue in the dog's body. This is why most veterinarians will require a thorough diagnostic examination to determine the stage of the cancer.
Unfortunately, the prognosis is less positive if the cancer has spread to more places in the dog's body. However, treatment is still possible and dogs can experience remission.
Cancer staging diagnoses usually involve the following tests:
Canine lymphoma is categorized into five stages, which is determined by how far the cancer has progressed in the dog's body.
"The stage at the time of diagnosis has a bearing of prognosis for the patient," Robinson says. "The time it takes to progress from one stage to the next will vary for every patient."
Each of the stages is further broken down into two subcategories:
There are several treatment protocols for dogs with lymphoma, including the CHOP protocol, which is the most common and most effective for canine lymphoma, Korec says.
The CHOP protocol includes:
The estimated cost of the CHOP protocol is $400 to $500 per treatment, with a total cost of $4,500 to $5,500 over the course of the 15 week treatment.
Other types of treatment are usually determined by the owners, what the pet needs and the type of lymphoma.
"If your dog is diagnosed with lymphoma, your veterinarian or veterinary oncologist will outline the various treatment options that are available to your pet," Robinson notes.
Treatment for cancer can occur on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, and some can be as far apart as every three weeks.
Factors that will determine the type of treatment chosen for canine lymphoma include the following:
The total cost for treating lymphoma in dogs will vary depending on a variety of factors, including the following:
Korec notes the average total cost of treating lymphoma in dogs can be anywhere from $3,700 to upwards of $10,000.
The costs associated with treating lymphoma in dogs include the following:
Dogs often handle chemotherapy treatment better than humans, Korec says, largely due to the differences in dosing and the goals of treatment.
"Veterinarians typically aim to preserve quality of life while treating cancer, so the doses of chemotherapy drugs used in dogs are usually lower than those used in humans and most protocols administer one drug at a time rather than multiple," she notes.
As a result, 95% of dogs undergoing chemotherapy have mild or no side effects at all.
Some of the most common side effects of chemotherapy include the following:
Side effects are often managed using medications like anti-nausea drugs and appetite stimulants, as well as regular monitoring, including blood tests and check-ups.
"As quality of life, not length of life, is typically the most important factor for dogs we are treating," Korec says. "If an animal is experiencing adverse side effects, therapy can be stopped or the protocol changed to ensure that they are maintaining the best quality of life for as long as possible."
Is Lymphoma Covered by Pet Insurance?Whether your pet insurance covers treatment for lymphoma will depend entirely on your individual coverage plan and if your dog was diagnosed before or after the coverage started.
"It is important to read the fine print of the policy to be sure it does cover cancer and other illnesses," says Dr. Wendy Hauser, D.V.M., founder of Peak Veterinary Consulting and special advisor to ASPCA Pet Health Insurance.
"With illness coverage, most pet insurance providers consider cancer like lymphoma as an eligible expense if the dog develops the condition after the policy is in place," she adds.
There are also some pet insurance companies that cover pre-existing conditions with limitations.
Featured Partner Offers
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000, $10,000, Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000, $10,000, Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500
Maximum annual coverage
$2,500, $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, $15,000, $20,000, Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
What Is the Life Expectancy of Dogs With Lymphoma? The life expectancy of dogs with lymphoma varies depending on the type of lymphoma they have, the stage at diagnosis and the treatment provided.
"Dogs that receive minimal to no treatment unfortunately have a median survival time of 6 weeks or less—however, some may live longer," Robinson says.
With chemotherapy, dogs can go into remission, with a median survival time of 6 to 12 months. Roughly 20% of dogs that receive chemotherapy might live for two years or longer, Korec says.
"Advanced treatments can potentially extend this further, although many of these approaches are still in their early experimental stages," Korec adds.
Is Lymphoma Common in Senior Dogs?While lymphoma is a common cancer among middle-aged to older dogs, younger dogs can also get lymphoma.
In addition, certain breeds are at an increased risk for lymphomas, including the boxer, Rottweiler, and golden retriever. But lymphoma can affect any breed of dog.
Other Common Health Conditions in Dogs:Heartworms In Dogs: Myths And Facts
Heartworm -- a worm that can take up residence in a dog's heart, blood vessels, and lungs -- might seem like an unlikely threat to your pet. But it's not uncommon.: It's been found in all 50 U.S. States. Cases have risen in recent years ccording to the American Heartworm Society.
"They look like spaghetti in the heart and blood vessels," says veterinarian Wendy Mandese, DVM, clinical assistant professor at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. "Enough worms will cause potentially irreversible damage to the heart and vessels, and can eventually lead to heart failure and pulmonary hypertension," which is high blood pressure in the arteries that supply blood to your lungs.
That means protecting your pooch from this parasite is more important than you might have realized, no matter your dog's age, breed, or where you live in the country. Yet many myths about heartworm persist, and they might lead otherwise responsible dog owners to neglect this aspect of their pet's health.
Are you falling for a common misconception? Read on and get the facts.
Fact: Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes – so warm, muggy areas are certainly hotbeds, but infection has been reported in all 50 U.S. States. If a mosquito carrying heartworm larvae bites your dog – one bite is all it takes! – those larvae will make themselves at home within your dog, travel to their heart and lungs, and develop into mature heartworms and start reproducing.
"These worms can grow to be up to a foot long," says Dwight D. Bowman, PhD, professor of parasitology at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Fact: The best way to deal with heartworm is to prevent it in the first place, and that's not hard to do.
Heartworm prevention comes in both oral and topical formulas (which are absorbed into the bloodstream), so you and your veterinarian can decide which method is most convenient for you and your pet.
If you think you might forget to give this medicine monthly, ask about an injectable option. Heartworm preventive shots are usually given by a vet only once or twice a year.
You should also ask your vet about the pros and cons of choosing a combination product that prevents heartworm as well as fleas and ticks. These all-in-one formulas might be convenient, but they tend to be expensive, Mandese says. If you decide not to use a combination product, you can compare the costs of products to guard against heartworm, fleas, and ticks. But do protect your dog against all three things.
Treating a heartworm infection, especially a severe one, isn't as easy as you might think.
Early on, you probably won't notice any symptoms. But as the number of worms increases, your dog will develop inflammation in their lungs, and they'll probably start coughing or become very fatigued. If it gets bad enough, your dog can have trouble breathing and die. Heartworm may also lead to heart failure, kidney disease, and liver damage, which can cause bloody or dark urine and a swollen abdomen and become fatal. But it's not the most common cause of a swollen abdomen in dogs.
Assuming you find an infection in time, your dog will need several months of treatment, including two months of injections of a medication called melarsomine. This drug has to be given slowly and carefully because if you kill off the worms too quickly it can be dangerous for your dog, Bowman says. He explains that the worms that die slowly decay in the lungs. (They don't come out in poop like intestinal parasites would.) Meanwhile, you'll need to restrict your dog's activity to help prevent serious (and even life-threatening) complications that can happen if your dog exercises during treatment. This can happen if pieces of dead worms block blood flow in your dog's lungs, creating a blood clot (pulmonary embolism).
They look like spaghetti in the heart and blood vessels.
Wendy Mandese, DVM"Heartworm treatment requires a minimum of 2 months of strict rest and can be quite expensive," Mandese says.
In severe cases, heartworm infection will call for emergency surgery: A veterinarian may have to anesthetize your dog and try to pull worms out of their blood vessels in an effort to save their life. That's costly, highly invasive, and your pet's life will be in jeopardy.
Fact: Preventive treatments are incredibly effective, but "no preventive is 100% effective, and since dogs with early infection can be asymptomatic, annual testing is recommended," Mandese says. "We are also seeing some evidence that there may be resistance developing to our available preventives, making testing even more important."
Your dog might also need to be tested if you've forgotten to give them their regular prevention or if they're switching to a new type of heartworm prevention.
The good news is that if a dog on a preventive medication does test positive, they are unlikely to be infested with a large number of worms. So treatment should be far easier than it would be if they weren't on any preventive.
Getting a new dog or puppy? Ask the shelter or breeder if they've recently tested the dog for heartworm; if not, it's worth having your vet do a check before starting (or continuing) prevention, says Bowman.
Testing typically costs $35-$50, though some clinics may charge more or less. It's very easy; your vet just needs to take a few drops of your dog's blood.
Fact: While humans don't usually get heartworm, most preventive heartworm medications also protect against intestinal parasites like hookworms and roundworms, which are definitely contagious to humans, Mandese says.
Coccidia In Dogs: Symptoms And Treatments
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
A lot of things can cause dogs and puppies to get diarrhea. But if that diarrhea is watery and doesn't respond to the usual treatments, it could be a sign of a coccidia infection, also known as coccidiosis.
While coccidia in dogs can become serious, it can be treated with medication, which may be covered by pet insurance. Here's what you need to know about coccidia symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, as well as how to prevent your dog from getting it.
Is Your Dog Covered?Get Peace of Mind With the Best Pet Insurance of 2024
What Is Coccidia in Dogs?Coccidia are microscopic parasites that can infect the intestinal tracts of dogs and other animals. Coccidia organisms include a number of different species, but the ones that most commonly infect dogs belong to the genus Cystoisospora.
Coccidia may also refer to the infection itself, which is sometimes called coccidiosis. A coccidia infection in dogs typically causes diarrhea, which may be mild to severe. In severe cases, the diarrhea can be life-threatening, especially in small dogs and puppies.
What Causes Coccidiosis in Dogs?Typically, dogs get infected by swallowing soil or water that's contaminated with the microscopic parasite, says Dr. Danielle Rutherford, V.M.D., associate veterinarian at Westside Veterinary Center in New York City.
Infected animals pass the oocysts in their poop, which other dogs may then consume and consequently get infected.
It's also possible for dogs or puppies to get coccidia from eating small animals, like mice or insects, that have ingested coccidia oocysts.
Coccidiosis isn't a common infection in dogs, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. It mostly occurs in puppies between the ages of 4 to 12 weeks, or in immunocompromised adults. Puppies that spend time in facilities that keep a lot of dogs, such as puppy mills, boarding kennels or animal shelters are particularly vulnerable to infection.
Can Humans or Cats Get Coccidia from Dogs?Coccidia organisms are species-specific. While there are species of coccidia that can infect humans or cats, the species that infects dogs won't infect cats or humans. Unless they're immunocompromised, adult dogs are unlikely to contract coccidia from infected puppies, thanks to their stronger immune systems.
What's the Life Expectancy of Dogs With Coccidia?While coccidiosis is a treatable condition, the severe diarrhea that it can cause can lead to death from dehydration and weight loss in puppies, small dogs and those who are already weak from other health conditions. But in most cases, dogs recover with treatment. "The prognosis for recovery is very good when caught before the pet is severely compromised," Rutherford says.
Symptoms and Behaviors of Dogs With CoccidiaMany dogs with coccidia don't present any symptoms. Those that do usually have watery diarrhea, which may be mild to severe. "Those that have more severe symptoms may present dehydrated or need more support for recovery," Rutherford says.
Other possible symptoms of coccidia in dogs include:
Dogs that don't have symptoms may still pass coccidia to other dogs, so it's a good idea to have your dog checked for coccidia if they've spent time in a boarding facility. Dogs and puppies adopted from animal shelters should also be tested soon after you get them.
Symptoms of coccidiosis in dogs are similar to those for more severe diseases, including giardia and parvo. While diarrhea in dogs and puppies is a common condition that can have many causes and often clears up on its own, the American Kennel Club recommends contacting a veterinarian if your dog has any of the following:
Coccidiosis in dogs typically occurs in the following stages:
There is no at-home test for coccidia in dogs, which is diagnosed by testing a sample of your dog's stool. A veterinarian will test the sample with a fecal float test, which mixes the sample in a special solution that causes the eggs of parasites to float to the top. The eggs are then examined under a microscope for identification and diagnosis.
Treatment Costs for Dogs With CoccidiaSulfa medications (used to treat bacterial infections) like sulfadimethoxine are typically used to treat coccidiosis in dogs. These medications stop the coccidia organisms from reproducing, which allows the dog's immune system to eliminate the infection.
Newer coccidiocidal drugs, including ponazuril and toltrazuril, are also available. These require fewer doses to be effective because they directly kill the coccidia organisms.
The actual cost of diagnosing and treating coccidia in dogs or puppies depends on a number of factors, including your geographical location, individual veterinarian or clinic fees, the type and amount of drugs used and the severity of the condition. But here is an approximate cost breakdown of coccidia treatment in dogs, according to Great Pet Care:
"More severe cases may also need hospitalization, intravenous fluids, anti-nausea medication or anti-diarrhea medication," Rutherford says. Here's how much a serious case might cost:
Many pet insurance companies include diarrhea in the list of illnesses that are covered under their accident and illness plans. Diagnosis and treatment of coccidia may be covered by pet insurance, as long as it's not a pre-existing condition. You should review the details of your pet insurance coverage or talk to your pet insurance company to find out for certain whether your dog is covered for coccidia.
Prevention of Coccidia in DogsYou can take the following steps to help prevent your dog or puppy from contracting or spreading coccidia:
Coccidia most commonly affect puppies, as well as adult dogs with compromised immune systems. "They are not often seen in older dogs, but it is possible if they are in close contact with an infected dog or actively drink contaminated water," Rutherford says.
Featured Partner Offers
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000, $10,000, Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000, $10,000, Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500
Maximum annual coverage
$2,500, $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, $15,000, $20,000, Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
Other Common Health Conditions in Dogs: 
Comments
Post a Comment