SIGNS

Lymphoma is cancer of the lymph cells (lymphocytes), and lymphoid tissues. Lymphoid tissue is found in: lymph nodes, spleen, liver, intestinal tract and bone marrow. The type of lymphoma depends upon where the cancer originates: it may be the Skin form, the Intestinal form, or Generalized and spread throughout the lymph nodes (called multicentric). Signs for you to watch for include a firm lump that grows and won’t go away. Some pets have an increased appetite but continue to lose weight. Others have problems breathing and may show overall weakness if they are becoming anemic.

CAUSES

Pets get the same types of cancer that people get. It is usually a disease of older dogs and cats. It causes half the deaths of pets 10 years and older. The exact causes of cancer are unclear. Certainly there is a genetic correlation as we are seeing an increased incidence in certain breeds. Golden Retrievers are now the number one breed to be diagnosed with cancer. Boxers are a close second. Environment also plays a big role with exposure to smog, herbicides, and insecticides being contributing factors. Food is of utmost importance – preservatives and other chemical additives may also cause cancer.

SOLUTIONS

A VETERINARY DIAGNOSIS AND STAGING. Your vet will perform blood tests, X-rays, and a needle aspirate of the lymph nodes to confirm lymphoma. It can then be staged, and here are the stages:
Stage I – Involvement limited to a single lymph node, or lymphoid tissue in a single organ (excluding bone marrow).
Stage II – Involvement of many lymph nodes in regional area.
Stage III – Generalized lymph node involvement.
Stage IV – Liver and/or spleen involvement.
Stage V – Manifestations in the blood and involvement of bone marrow and/or other organ systems.

Your veterinarian will discuss your options. These will include chemotherapy, with the most common protocol being the Madison Wisconsin Protocol of COAP – Cyclophosphamide, Oncovin, Adriamycin and Prednisone. These chemotherapeutic drugs will only provide a temporary remission, not a cure, so cancer treatment must include other alternate remedies to increase your pet’s chance in dealing with lymphoma.

WHAT ARE YOU EATING? Cancer cells thrive on carbohydrates and proteins, but cannot grow as fast with fats. Certain veterinary diets have been designed for this, but you can also make your own low-carbohydrate, high-fat cancer diet. See Cancer (previous section) for a home cancer diet.

KEEP HER EATING. Pets with cancer often have a reduced appetite. It is of utmost importance that they keep eating. Try warming up the food. Add a tasty liquid or broth. Some dogs and cats will respond to the smell of garlic; try adding garlic powder.

ANTIOXIDIZE. Antioxidants have been shown to slow the growth and spread of some types of cancer. Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Selenium are the most effective. Vitamin C dose: dogs 100 mg per 10 lbs of body weight twice daily; cats, 250 mg twice daily. Vitamin E dose: dogs and cats 100 IU per 10 lbs body weight twice daily. Selenium dose: dogs and cats, 25 ug per 10 lbs twice daily.

FLAVONOIDS. These are compounds in a class of their own. They compose the thousands of structures that give the bright color to fruits and vegetables. They are antioxidants as well as having anti-cancer properties. These include flavones, (apigenin), isoflavones (genistein), and flavonols (quercetin). Purchase a mixed bioflavonoid product that contains polyphenols, particularly EGCG (epigallocatechin-gallate), which is the specific flavonoid isolated from green tea. The dose for a 10 lb dog or cat is 250 mg daily.