Lymphoma is a form of dog cancer that can be deadly if left untreated. It can cause the affected dog to suffer and live a generally low-quality life during the duration of the illness. It just can’t be stressed enough: early diagnosis is extremely important. It can turn the prognosis entirely. There are many types of canine lymphomas and diagnostic procedures vary depending on the symptoms. It can also be diagnosed into six different types, from the results of those diagnostic procedures. Here is a compilation of information about the diagnostic procedures you might want to know to better understand dog cancer treatment scenarios:
1. Multi centric lymphoma – When the dog exhibits symptoms of multi-centric lymphoma, a complete blood testing is recommended as usual, along with urinalysis. On top of that, a tissue specimen is also obtained. Physical examination is given. Thorough rectal examination is a must as well, along with the palpitation of lymph nodes. Mucous membranes are checked for discoloration (such as pallor and jaundice) and ulceration. There could also be the presence of red spots under the skin noted, which is a sign of internal hemorrhage. Thorough physical assessment is also done to note for signs of organ enlargement.
2. Alimentary lymphoma – For this type of lymphoma, complete blood count and urinalysis is also done. Aside from that, the vet may order fecal flotation and serum biochemical profile as well. The most telling diagnostic test for a suspected alimentary lymphoma in canines would be an ultrasound. Ultrasound is given to discover the cause of abdominal distension (a common symptom) and to visualize the abdominal organ and gastrointestinal tract. With this procedure, the presence of foreign objects and tumors can be noted.
3. Cutaneous lymphoma – for this type, since it is characterized by lesions and ulcers or nodules on the skin, diagnostic procedures include getting a specimen sample from these abnormal growth on the skin. Punch biopsies such as these can only be taken from the lesions that are not infected however. The most prominent ones are usually chosen, as long as it is known to be uninfected. The sample would then be analyzed to see if it is indeed lymphoma.
4. Extranodal lymphoma – for dogs with symptoms similar that of extranodal lymphoma, various blood tests can be done. Ultrasound can also be done to visualize the inner organs. At the same time, it can also be helpful in getting samples accurately of specimen that should be analyzed. Tissues obtained are then analyzed through immunocytochemical and histochemical procedures.
5. Mediastinal lymphoma – for this type of lymphoma, blood sample should be obtained and examined. Tissue sample from the affected area can also be obtained for further examination. Visualization of the thoracic region will also be helpful in determining the status of the organs beneath.
These are just some of the diagnostic procedures that are extremely helpful in determining the presence and type of lymphoma your pet must be suffering. Once the type is determined, you will know what line of treatment you should follow for a better prognosis.
1. Multi centric lymphoma – When the dog exhibits symptoms of multi-centric lymphoma, a complete blood testing is recommended as usual, along with urinalysis. On top of that, a tissue specimen is also obtained. Physical examination is given. Thorough rectal examination is a must as well, along with the palpitation of lymph nodes. Mucous membranes are checked for discoloration (such as pallor and jaundice) and ulceration. There could also be the presence of red spots under the skin noted, which is a sign of internal hemorrhage. Thorough physical assessment is also done to note for signs of organ enlargement.
2. Alimentary lymphoma – For this type of lymphoma, complete blood count and urinalysis is also done. Aside from that, the vet may order fecal flotation and serum biochemical profile as well. The most telling diagnostic test for a suspected alimentary lymphoma in canines would be an ultrasound. Ultrasound is given to discover the cause of abdominal distension (a common symptom) and to visualize the abdominal organ and gastrointestinal tract. With this procedure, the presence of foreign objects and tumors can be noted.
3. Cutaneous lymphoma – for this type, since it is characterized by lesions and ulcers or nodules on the skin, diagnostic procedures include getting a specimen sample from these abnormal growth on the skin. Punch biopsies such as these can only be taken from the lesions that are not infected however. The most prominent ones are usually chosen, as long as it is known to be uninfected. The sample would then be analyzed to see if it is indeed lymphoma.
4. Extranodal lymphoma – for dogs with symptoms similar that of extranodal lymphoma, various blood tests can be done. Ultrasound can also be done to visualize the inner organs. At the same time, it can also be helpful in getting samples accurately of specimen that should be analyzed. Tissues obtained are then analyzed through immunocytochemical and histochemical procedures.
5. Mediastinal lymphoma – for this type of lymphoma, blood sample should be obtained and examined. Tissue sample from the affected area can also be obtained for further examination. Visualization of the thoracic region will also be helpful in determining the status of the organs beneath.
These are just some of the diagnostic procedures that are extremely helpful in determining the presence and type of lymphoma your pet must be suffering. Once the type is determined, you will know what line of treatment you should follow for a better prognosis.