Lymphoma in Companion Animals

The lymphomas (malignant lymphoma or lymphosarcoma) are a diverse group of cancers that originate from a type of white blood cell called a lymphocyte. They are one of the most common cancers diagnosed in dogs and cats. This cancer usually arises in lymph tissues such as lymph nodes (lymph glands), spleen, and bone marrow; however, it can arise in almost any tissue in the body including the skin, the brain, spinal cord, bones, heart, or intestines. In the cat, it is most commonly found in the intestinal tract. Lymphoma can occur in any breed. Middle-aged to older dogs and cats are most commonly affected; however, young cats that carry the feline leukemia virus may also develop lymphoma. In most cases, the cause of lymphoma is unknown; however, a weak association with herbicide (weed killers) is known in the dog and the feline leukemia and immunodeficiency virus can occasionally cause the disease in cats. For more information, please visit www.ACVIM.org.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• cancer
• canine
• feline
• oncology
• lymphoma
• oncologist
• veterinary