Canine Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. It is the most common type of cancer in humans and pets. Lymphoma can affect almost any part of the body. Dogs typically are presented with enlarged lymph nodes or glands. The ones that are usually the first to enlarge are the sub mandibular lymph nodes which are just below the jawline. Dogs that are brought in for “enlarged glands” are usually totally normal, eating, and active, but have generalized lymph node enlargement. Cats rarely present with enlarged lymph nodes. Their disease is usually manifested with gastro intestinal signs, kidney signs, or respiratory signs. Cats usually present thin, with chronic diarrhea, lethargic, and a lack of appetite. Palpable lymph nodes are more likely to be internal, with the lymph nodes that drain the intestines being enlarged. Diarrhea, and weight loss that is not responsive to treatment should alert the clinician and pet owner that lymphoma is a possibility.

Diagnosis is made with fine needle aspirates, or biopsies. Sometimes special stains have to be used to confirm the diagnosis. Lymphoma usually is very responsive to chemotherapeutic drugs. Lymphoma has been studied extensively in humans and effective chemotherapy protocols are readily available. Remission can usually be achieved in 93% of dogs using a combination drug protocol. Length of remission varies, but the usual first remission length is 12-13 months. Smaller dogs tend to stay in remission longer than their larger counterparts. Once dogs come out of remission, they have a reduced chance of going into a second remission, and the length of remission is usually half of the first remission.

The usual protocol is weekly chemo treatments for 4 treatments, then every other week for 20 weeks with a week off between cycles. Weekly CBC’s (complete blood counts) have to be done before chemotherapy treatments. The white count should be above 5000. If the levels are lower, the treatment is postponed. These drugs tend to suppress the bone marrow/immune system and make the patient susceptible to infection. Treatment is usually tolerated very well and the quality of life is excellent. I can attest to this. My dog Candi had lymphoma and survived 22 months with chemotherapy. My cat Charlie had nasal lymphoma, but did not respond well to chemotherapy and lived 3 months from the initial diagnosis.
Radiation therapy has shown promise in lymphoma patients especially those affecting the head and sinuses and is now available in several institutions in the state.

Gertjie and Lammie playing together

Canine Influenza

Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory virus. 80% of dogs that are exposed to the virus contract the disease. The virus is similar to the human influenza virus. It is the H3N8 strain that only affects dogs. There have been many outbreaks around the country. Texas is currently having an epidemic. Locally there have been cases reported in Palm Beach and Highlands counties.

Clinical signs of canine influenza include persistent, occasional ly moist productive cough, low grade fever, nasal discharge, lethargy, inappetance, and in severe cases, pneumonia, and even death.  The cough can persist up to a month and can be confused with the less virulent kennel cough. Kennel cough is caused by the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica and is treated with antibiotics. Canine influenza should be suspected in a dog that does not respond quickly to antibiotics.

Dogs that are at highest risk are ones that are kenneled in boarding facilities, go to grooming salons, doggie parks, and areas where they are exposed to other dogs. Canine influenza is generally spread through aerosol contact through coughing, direct contact like kissing, licking, and nuzzling . Transmission can also occur through contact with contaminated surfaces and clothing. A person can transmit the virus when they get the virus on their hands and touch things like doorknobs exposing other people to the virus.

There is no specific treatment for canine influenza. Treatment is supportive with antibiotics, hospitalization, iv fluids, and good nutritional support. Infected patients sometimes need to be hospitalized for many days on oxygen support.

Prevention and minimizing exposure is the key to controlling the disease. A well cared for dog, that is up to date on its vaccines, on a good plane of nutrition, and is current on heartworm prevention will be much more likely to have a good immune system, and more capable of fighting the disease. There is an effective, safe vaccine to prevent the canine influenza virus. It is given twice the first year, 2 weeks apart, and then yearly after that. Dogs that are boarded or groomed regularly should be vaccinated and pet owners should select those establishments that require dogs to be vaccinated against canine influenza over those that do not. Dog owners should avoid areas where dogs congregate like stores, doggie parks, kennels, and grooming shops when news that the virus is present in a particular area.