Lymphoma is usually very treatable in humans. If so, why is it hard for us to treat canine lymphoma?

Hi there,

That's a great question and it's understandable to have concerns about your furry friend. Lymphoma in dogs can indeed present challenges that are different from treating lymphoma in humans. Dogs process medications differently, and the course of the disease varies widely compared to humans. While treatments like chemotherapy can extend a dog's life and improve quality, they often don't result in a cure as they might in people.

Canine lymphoma responds well to treatment initially, but unfortunately, most dogs will experience a recurrence. This is largely due to the aggressive nature of the disease and the differences in how dogs metabolize cancer drugs.

At home, you can focus on maintaining a balanced diet to keep their strength up and ensure they have lots of love and comfort. It's also important to monitor for signs of progression or complications, like changes in appetite, lethargy, or difficulty breathing.

Look out for signs of serious issues such as persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea, or unusual swellings, which should prompt immediate veterinary attention.

If you have more questions or observations about how your dog is doing, it might be helpful to book a video consult with one of our vets on Dial A Vet. They can provide more personalized guidance tailored to your dog's specific situation.