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Lymphoma is <\/span>a very common<\/span> cancer in dogs and cats. It is caused by<\/span><\/span> uncontrolled growth of lymphocytes<\/strong>, a type of white blood cell<\/strong><\/span><\/span>.<\/strong> Since these blood cells can easily travel through the blood or lymphatic system, it is <\/span>very common<\/span> for this cancer to affect multiple sites in the body. While <\/span><\/span>it can affect any dog or cat<\/strong><\/span><\/span>, it is more common in certain breeds of dogs (such as Golden <\/span>R<\/span>etrievers and Boxers) and in cats that carry the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The diagnosis of lymphoma requires <\/span>additional<\/span> tests done by a veterinarian, most commonly by obtaining a sample of the affected organ or tissue and sending it to a pathologist for review.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Since lymphoma is a systemic disease, it requires systemic treatment: <\/span><\/span>chemotherapy<\/span><\/span>, usually combined with steroids<\/span><\/span><\/strong>.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n P<\/span>ro<\/span>gnosis for lymphoma depends on<\/span>:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Prognosis for dogs with the most <\/span>common form<\/span> of lymphoma (affecting the lymph nodes) can range from 6-14 months<\/strong> with the most effective chemotherapy protocol. For cats with lymphoma affecting their gastrointestinal tract, the small cell lymphoma form has a prognosis of around 2 years<\/strong> with chemotherapy, while cats with large cell gastrointestinal lymphoma <\/span>may<\/span> only <\/span>live <\/span>a few months.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The goal of our <\/span>Oncology Service<\/span><\/a> is to provide every patient with the highest quality of life for as long as possible. We fully support pet parents in whatever lymphoma treatment option they choose, respecting their decisions about what is best for their pet\u2019s well-being.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Learn more about our Oncology Service <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n More Reading:\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n![\"Two](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/3.png\")
<\/p>\nSigns and Symptoms<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
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<\/h2>\nThe Diagnosis Process\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
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<\/h2>\nTreatment Options<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
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<\/h2>\nPrognosis & Expectations\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
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