Lymphoma
A cancer of lymphocytes; multiple anatomic forms (multicentric, alimentary, mediastinal, cutaneous).
What is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in dogs. The multicentric form (enlarged lymph nodes) accounts for about 80% of cases and often presents as painless, firm swellings under the jaw, in front of the shoulders, or behind the knees. Other forms affect the GI tract, chest cavity, skin, or a single organ.
Common signs and symptoms
Signs vary between dogs and can be subtle at first. Watch for the following, especially if several appear together or persist for more than a few days:
- Painless firm swellings at lymph node sites
- Reduced appetite and weight loss
- Increased thirst and urination
- Laboured breathing (mediastinal form)
- Chronic diarrhoea (alimentary form)
- Skin nodules or plaques (cutaneous form)
Risk factors
Certain dogs are more predisposed. Understanding risk helps you screen earlier and act sooner.
- Golden Retriever, Boxer, Bullmastiff, Basset Hound, Saint Bernard
- Middle-aged to senior dogs
When to see a vet
Use this as general triage guidance, not a substitute for veterinary advice.
- Book a routine appointment if: any persistent firm lump at a lymph node site — same-day cytology usually gives an answer.
- Seek urgent care if: breathing difficulty, sudden collapse, or severe dehydration.
Diagnosis and management
Diagnosis is via aspirate or biopsy, with immunophenotyping (B-cell vs T-cell) guiding prognosis. Multi-agent chemotherapy protocols (CHOP) achieve remission in most B-cell cases, with median survival around a year. Prednisone alone is a lower-cost palliative option (median a few months). New targeted therapies are expanding options.