Carol Osborne, D.V.M.
Carol Osborne, D.V.M.
Female
Chagrin Falls - OH
Specialties: Small Animal Holistic Care, Anti-Aging Medicine, Geriatric Pet Care, Holistic Veterinary Medicine
Interests: Pet Anti-Aging, Wellness Care, Holistic Pet Care, Senior Pet Health
Female
Chagrin Falls - OH
Specialties: Small Animal Holistic Care, Anti-Aging Medicine, Geriatric Pet Care, Holistic Veterinary Medicine
Interests: Pet Anti-Aging, Wellness Care, Holistic Pet Care, Senior Pet Health
Dr. Carol's Naturally Healthy Pet Blog
Journals
Previous
|
Next
Canine Lymphoma Cancer :New Screening Test For Dogs at Risk.
Jul 08, 2009 02:19PM
- 16 comments
Tags:
Tags:
One in four dogs will get cancer at some time in their lives. Lymphoma, also called Lymphosarcoma, which is abbreviated as LSA, is one of the most common cancers in dogs, accounting for about 20% of all canine malignant forms of cancer. It is a disease of the lymph nodes and lymphocytes and can be found throughout the dog’s body.
Lymphoma is most common in dogs from middle age onwards, although it can develop at any age. Males and females are affected to the same extent, but certain breeds are more prone than others. Predisposed breeds include Golden Retrievers, Boxers, and Westies. There is a strong familial, or congenital, link for lymphoma.
In most cases, a dog with lymphoma will show very few signs. In addition, because lymphoma is a diverse disease, there are wide ranges of symptoms, which can make initial diagnosis difficult. The most common presentation is the appearance of swollen lymph nodes. If left untreated, lymphoma patients will usually succumb to the disease within about 4 weeks from diagnosis. However, lymphoma is very responsive to treatment with modern chemotherapy. Once diagnosed, lymphoma can be very responsive to treatment, and 80% of dogs with the disease may go into remission.
This author has worked with many dogs diagnosed with Lymphoma cancer and reports that with natural supplements, and an anti-cancer diet, her patients have enjoyed quality life for an average of 2 years post diagnosis. She has used this regime successfully for cases with and without chemotherapy for lymphoma.
In many lymphoma cases that present with enlarged peripheral lymph nodes, a biopsy or aspirate of the suspect node can be taken. However, with the more generalised symptoms associated with internal lymph node involvement, other procedures will also be necessary. Complete blood count, blood chemistries, a urinalysis and x-rays, or an ultrasound may be necessary for diagnosis.
A new blood test from Pet Screen has been developed that can detect lymphoma from 1milliliter of a dog’s blood. The test employs the latest “multiple biomarker” technology developed for human cancer detection. This technology provides a greater level of accuracy than previous single marker cancer tests, such as the PSA test for prostate cancer in men. Compared to other diagnostics, the Pet Screen blood test is low cost, minimally invasive and does not require sedation of the pet. If the test results are positive, the veterinarian will be well placed to begin a series of additional tests to determine the extent of the disease and to plan the course of treatment. Time is the key in all successful cancer treatments.
For more information, talk to your family veterinarian, or go to www.pet-screen.com.
Lymphoma is most common in dogs from middle age onwards, although it can develop at any age. Males and females are affected to the same extent, but certain breeds are more prone than others. Predisposed breeds include Golden Retrievers, Boxers, and Westies. There is a strong familial, or congenital, link for lymphoma.
In most cases, a dog with lymphoma will show very few signs. In addition, because lymphoma is a diverse disease, there are wide ranges of symptoms, which can make initial diagnosis difficult. The most common presentation is the appearance of swollen lymph nodes. If left untreated, lymphoma patients will usually succumb to the disease within about 4 weeks from diagnosis. However, lymphoma is very responsive to treatment with modern chemotherapy. Once diagnosed, lymphoma can be very responsive to treatment, and 80% of dogs with the disease may go into remission.
This author has worked with many dogs diagnosed with Lymphoma cancer and reports that with natural supplements, and an anti-cancer diet, her patients have enjoyed quality life for an average of 2 years post diagnosis. She has used this regime successfully for cases with and without chemotherapy for lymphoma.
In many lymphoma cases that present with enlarged peripheral lymph nodes, a biopsy or aspirate of the suspect node can be taken. However, with the more generalised symptoms associated with internal lymph node involvement, other procedures will also be necessary. Complete blood count, blood chemistries, a urinalysis and x-rays, or an ultrasound may be necessary for diagnosis.
A new blood test from Pet Screen has been developed that can detect lymphoma from 1milliliter of a dog’s blood. The test employs the latest “multiple biomarker” technology developed for human cancer detection. This technology provides a greater level of accuracy than previous single marker cancer tests, such as the PSA test for prostate cancer in men. Compared to other diagnostics, the Pet Screen blood test is low cost, minimally invasive and does not require sedation of the pet. If the test results are positive, the veterinarian will be well placed to begin a series of additional tests to determine the extent of the disease and to plan the course of treatment. Time is the key in all successful cancer treatments.
For more information, talk to your family veterinarian, or go to www.pet-screen.com.
What a wonderful site,I do wish I had found this site earlier,but now that I have found it you can be assured I will return!!! Thank you for such informative information.Brenda & Scott's K-9's.
I am delighted you enjoy the site and am always glad to help you
Thank you
Dr Carol Osborne, DVM
Thank you
Dr Carol Osborne, DVM
I have confusion at this point. My black lab has swollen lymphnodes on his neck, groin, and hind leg (visible ones). He just went in for blood work and the test came back normal. Next is the biopsy procedure........if my dog has cancer wouldn't some form show up in the blood work? Christine
Hi Christine,
It is common for the blood to be normal in these cases. The biopsy will reveal the necessary information. I am glad to help you once the biopsy returns.
Thank you
Dr Carol Osborne, DVM
It is common for the blood to be normal in these cases. The biopsy will reveal the necessary information. I am glad to help you once the biopsy returns.
Thank you
Dr Carol Osborne, DVM
Aloha Dr Osborne,
My dog has no swollen lymph nodes but i brought him in because he had strange lumps on his sides and then one on his belly. The side lumps turned out to be fatty ones and the belly lump came back as a lymphoma. But the blood test and everything else is fine. My vet says he got the tumor and surrounding tissue but that I must keep a close eye and feel on my dog and I should come back in about a month unless any more lumps show up. Is there a special diet I can put my dog on to help. He currently eats Taste of the Wild. Which I started using about 6 months ago.
Mahalo
Jill Dyan & Makoa (the dog)
My dog has no swollen lymph nodes but i brought him in because he had strange lumps on his sides and then one on his belly. The side lumps turned out to be fatty ones and the belly lump came back as a lymphoma. But the blood test and everything else is fine. My vet says he got the tumor and surrounding tissue but that I must keep a close eye and feel on my dog and I should come back in about a month unless any more lumps show up. Is there a special diet I can put my dog on to help. He currently eats Taste of the Wild. Which I started using about 6 months ago.
Mahalo
Jill Dyan & Makoa (the dog)
Hi Christine,
My husband and I were delivered terrible news today about our 7 year old Boxer. His biopsy of the swollen lymph nodes came back possible for intermediate stage Lymphoma. We are devastated! We were told by lots of different people that went through this not to do Chemo on him because their dogs ended sick through it. We do not want to prolong sickness. Right now you would not even know he has this He is not sick except for the swollen nodes. Our Dr. put him on Prednisolone to bring down the swollen nodes and it is working well. My husband and I want to keep him happy as long as we can by given him whatever he needs. We put him on Transfer factor canine complete and canine immunity and lots of fish oil. We just switched his food today to Evo Salmon high protein low carbs. What else can we do to keep our baby healthy and happy. We are not ready to lose him. This is all happened just this week and we are still in shock of the bad news. Whatever advise you can give us please we need it....Thank You Dana
My husband and I were delivered terrible news today about our 7 year old Boxer. His biopsy of the swollen lymph nodes came back possible for intermediate stage Lymphoma. We are devastated! We were told by lots of different people that went through this not to do Chemo on him because their dogs ended sick through it. We do not want to prolong sickness. Right now you would not even know he has this He is not sick except for the swollen nodes. Our Dr. put him on Prednisolone to bring down the swollen nodes and it is working well. My husband and I want to keep him happy as long as we can by given him whatever he needs. We put him on Transfer factor canine complete and canine immunity and lots of fish oil. We just switched his food today to Evo Salmon high protein low carbs. What else can we do to keep our baby healthy and happy. We are not ready to lose him. This is all happened just this week and we are still in shock of the bad news. Whatever advise you can give us please we need it....Thank You Dana
When my son was dying of cancer (rhabdomyasarcoma) his wish was a boxer puppie. He named him Hendrix, my Eric died five months at the age of 22 after we got Hendrix. It was five years on 10/23/09 and on 10/22/09 I brought Hendrix to the vet with swollen lymph nodes. They took a biopsy which we are waiting on the results, but seemed dismal of the outcome. This pup is all I have left of my Eric. He seems perfectly fine other than the swollen nodes in his neck and behind his back legs. I can tell from what I have read that cancer seems to be the end result. I am sick and reliving the horrible days of my sons illness. I don;t know whether to put his Hendrix thru that too of just let him go back to my son.
10/31/09 We would love to try the cancer fighting diet, but our dog (diagnosed yesterday with LSA) has symptoms of excessive thirst and urination, and is refusing food. We finally got her to eat some cooked turkey from out hands tonight after not eating for two days. We have a biopsy scheduled for Monday, but are worried that she may not be strong enough to withstand the surgery. We are considering Chemo but wonder if she will gain anything from it as she seems quite sick already. What are your suggestions?
Dear bambi826,
I am very sorry to hear about your dog. The biopsy, may or may not require general anesthesia, depending on the location of the mass involved. With LSA, usually a lymph node is enlarged which in many cases is easily accessible and may be biopsied with a local anesthetic versus a general anesthetic. Usually veterinarians recommend blood work and a urinalysis, prior to a biopsy, which will help to reveal the status of your dog internally and whether or not anesthesia is a valid consideration.
If you are able to e-mail the results of the blood, urine and biopsy, I would be glad to review the lab tests and offer my suggestions.
Thank you,
Dr Carol Osborne, DVM
I am very sorry to hear about your dog. The biopsy, may or may not require general anesthesia, depending on the location of the mass involved. With LSA, usually a lymph node is enlarged which in many cases is easily accessible and may be biopsied with a local anesthetic versus a general anesthetic. Usually veterinarians recommend blood work and a urinalysis, prior to a biopsy, which will help to reveal the status of your dog internally and whether or not anesthesia is a valid consideration.
If you are able to e-mail the results of the blood, urine and biopsy, I would be glad to review the lab tests and offer my suggestions.
Thank you,
Dr Carol Osborne, DVM
I just took my 9 year old female boxer in to the vet because of urination problems and noticed a bit of blood seeping out of that area. I have only noticed the urination problem yesterday (she would pee and then swat to pee several times after that producing nothing). This is unusual for her! The doctor noticed all her lymph nodes were swollen and became concerned. My dog has had a history of skin allergies since she was 2 years of age. I am very concerned and worried. They did blood work, took a urine sample, and put her on antibiotics, however I have to take her back in for an ultrasound and aspirations for the lymph nodes. I just want to hear another opinion. I am scared and concerned but just want to know what may lie ahead!
I took my 6yo Flatcoat Retriever in for her Anal Gland cleaning and a small lump was discovered in the bottom of the rectum, but not in the Anal Glands the vet recommended a Lumpectomy. My question is why wouldn't a Biopsy be done first ? Would't this be less invasive ?
Sandy422
I am sorry to hear about this. It sounds like you and your vet are certainly on the right path. The tests your vet took are very appropriate.
With respect to the blood in her urine, depending on whether or not she is spayed there are a few possibilities. If she is not spayed, ruling out Pyometra would be warranted.
If she is spayed, the fact that she is trying to urinate frequently, straining to urinate, yet not able to, she may have a urinary tract infection tract infection with or without bladder stones. Stones would cause her to strain and also cause blood in her urine. Diagnosis is often achieved with an x-ray. A mass in her urethra, bladder or kidneys could also cause similar signs and they would be revealed on ultrasound.
Since she is a senior aged dog of the Boxer breed and her lymph nodes are enlarged, cancer needs to be ruled out as well. A needle aspirate of one of her enlarged lymph nodes, which may or may not need to be followed by a lymph node biopsy will in most cases give a prompt diagnosis and may eliminate the need for the ultrasound.
Generally with an ultrasound it is best to have this done by a board certified veterinary radiologist as the results are a direct reflection of the individual performing this procedure.
I hope this helps a bit and should you want to discuss this further, it would be my pleasure..
Best Wishes,
Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM.
I am sorry to hear about this. It sounds like you and your vet are certainly on the right path. The tests your vet took are very appropriate.
With respect to the blood in her urine, depending on whether or not she is spayed there are a few possibilities. If she is not spayed, ruling out Pyometra would be warranted.
If she is spayed, the fact that she is trying to urinate frequently, straining to urinate, yet not able to, she may have a urinary tract infection tract infection with or without bladder stones. Stones would cause her to strain and also cause blood in her urine. Diagnosis is often achieved with an x-ray. A mass in her urethra, bladder or kidneys could also cause similar signs and they would be revealed on ultrasound.
Since she is a senior aged dog of the Boxer breed and her lymph nodes are enlarged, cancer needs to be ruled out as well. A needle aspirate of one of her enlarged lymph nodes, which may or may not need to be followed by a lymph node biopsy will in most cases give a prompt diagnosis and may eliminate the need for the ultrasound.
Generally with an ultrasound it is best to have this done by a board certified veterinary radiologist as the results are a direct reflection of the individual performing this procedure.
I hope this helps a bit and should you want to discuss this further, it would be my pleasure..
Best Wishes,
Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM.
roro55
Hello,
I missed you note or would have responded to you much sooner. If you have a diagnosis and let me know what it is I am glad to offer my suggestions and help. Certainly you have been through a great deal of sorrow and if I am able to help out with your dog, I would be glad to.
Please feel free to call our office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 should this be helpful.
Best Wishes,
Dr Carol Osborne, DVM
Hello,
I missed you note or would have responded to you much sooner. If you have a diagnosis and let me know what it is I am glad to offer my suggestions and help. Certainly you have been through a great deal of sorrow and if I am able to help out with your dog, I would be glad to.
Please feel free to call our office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 should this be helpful.
Best Wishes,
Dr Carol Osborne, DVM
Hello,
Here is the Anti-Cancer Diet (for a 60-90 pound dog) we use quite successfully along with the vitamins for many of our canine cancer patients.
* 4 oz Pork Back Fat (boiled, baked or fried in olive oil)
* 4 oz Tofu (firm soybean curd)
* 2 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
* 2 Whole Carrots (boiled and then cut up)
* 1 cup Spinach (cooked)
* 4 Tbs Green Bell Pepper (chopped and steamed)
* 4 Broccoli Spears (boiled and then cut up)
* 2 Sardines (in olive oil, drained)
* 2 cloves raw Garlic (crushed and added before serving)
* 1 tsp dry, ground Ginger (added before serving)
* ½ tsp dry, yellow Mustard (added before serving)
Thank you,
Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM
Here is the Anti-Cancer Diet (for a 60-90 pound dog) we use quite successfully along with the vitamins for many of our canine cancer patients.
* 4 oz Pork Back Fat (boiled, baked or fried in olive oil)
* 4 oz Tofu (firm soybean curd)
* 2 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
* 2 Whole Carrots (boiled and then cut up)
* 1 cup Spinach (cooked)
* 4 Tbs Green Bell Pepper (chopped and steamed)
* 4 Broccoli Spears (boiled and then cut up)
* 2 Sardines (in olive oil, drained)
* 2 cloves raw Garlic (crushed and added before serving)
* 1 tsp dry, ground Ginger (added before serving)
* ½ tsp dry, yellow Mustard (added before serving)
Thank you,
Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM
Hello Dana, Christine and Roro55,
Here is the Anti-Cancer Diet (for a 60-90 pound dog) we use quite successfully along with the vitamins for many of our canine cancer patients with Lymphoma. Generally in our veterinary practice, these dogs enjoy an average of 2 quality years of life post lymphoma diagnosis. The prednisone is appropriate as it also helps to slow the growth of the cancer cells.
* 4 oz Pork Back Fat (boiled, baked or fried in olive oil)
* 4 oz Tofu (firm soybean curd)
* 2 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
* 2 Whole Carrots (boiled and then cut up)
* 1 cup Spinach (cooked)
* 4 Tbs Green Bell Pepper (chopped and steamed)
* 4 Broccoli Spears (boiled and then cut up)
* 2 Sardines (in olive oil, drained)
* 2 cloves raw Garlic (crushed and added before serving)
* 1 tsp dry, ground Ginger (added before serving)
* ½ tsp dry, yellow Mustard (added before serving)
I am glad to offer my suggestions for all of you. Please feel free to let me know if I can be of further help.
Thank you,
Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM
Here is the Anti-Cancer Diet (for a 60-90 pound dog) we use quite successfully along with the vitamins for many of our canine cancer patients with Lymphoma. Generally in our veterinary practice, these dogs enjoy an average of 2 quality years of life post lymphoma diagnosis. The prednisone is appropriate as it also helps to slow the growth of the cancer cells.
* 4 oz Pork Back Fat (boiled, baked or fried in olive oil)
* 4 oz Tofu (firm soybean curd)
* 2 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
* 2 Whole Carrots (boiled and then cut up)
* 1 cup Spinach (cooked)
* 4 Tbs Green Bell Pepper (chopped and steamed)
* 4 Broccoli Spears (boiled and then cut up)
* 2 Sardines (in olive oil, drained)
* 2 cloves raw Garlic (crushed and added before serving)
* 1 tsp dry, ground Ginger (added before serving)
* ½ tsp dry, yellow Mustard (added before serving)
I am glad to offer my suggestions for all of you. Please feel free to let me know if I can be of further help.
Thank you,
Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM
ross73
Dear Ross,
The anal area contains many vital nerves needed especially for maintenance of rectal sphincter tone, which enables dogs to control defecation. Therefore surgery in this area needs to be very precise so as not to interfere with them.
You are wise to discuss less invasive measures for an initial diagnosis.
Often masses near the anus, if cancerous, can be reflected on blood work for example an elevated calcium level is not uncommon with certain anal cancers. You might consider getting a Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Chemistry profile. Anal tumors are also more common in older dogs, which is a consideration.
If general anesthesia is being used, the blood work is normally drawn first. Local anesthesia may be possible depending on exactly where the mass is located.
Less invasive measures that warrant consideration include starting with a needle aspirate, then depending on what that reveals, a biopsy may or may not be needed for a definitive diagnosis. A lumpectomy may or may not be needed depending on the final diagnosis.
I hope this information is helpful and am glad to discuss this further.
Thank you,
Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM.
Dear Ross,
The anal area contains many vital nerves needed especially for maintenance of rectal sphincter tone, which enables dogs to control defecation. Therefore surgery in this area needs to be very precise so as not to interfere with them.
You are wise to discuss less invasive measures for an initial diagnosis.
Often masses near the anus, if cancerous, can be reflected on blood work for example an elevated calcium level is not uncommon with certain anal cancers. You might consider getting a Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Chemistry profile. Anal tumors are also more common in older dogs, which is a consideration.
If general anesthesia is being used, the blood work is normally drawn first. Local anesthesia may be possible depending on exactly where the mass is located.
Less invasive measures that warrant consideration include starting with a needle aspirate, then depending on what that reveals, a biopsy may or may not be needed for a definitive diagnosis. A lumpectomy may or may not be needed depending on the final diagnosis.
I hope this information is helpful and am glad to discuss this further.
Thank you,
Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM.
Post a Comment