LYMPHOMA

Indian River Animal Hospital
800 U S # one
Vero Beach, Fla. 32960
Ph 772 567 4324
August 05

All is well with the Johnson clan. The grandchildren are getting ready to go back to school after a good summer. Still talking about the Hawaii vacation. Well --- back to reality. By the way, the seminar we attended while on the “Big Island“ was very good dealing with upper respiratory conditions in cats and surgical conditions of the larynx and chest. Good trip.

LYMPHOMA several interesting cases have been presented lately of this cancerous condition. Usually this type of neoplasm is found in the older dog and cat, but a boxer a little less than 2 years of age was diagnosed, a shar pei 4 years of age, a schnauzer 7 yrs, all with this neoplasm. Obviously, the young and the older dogs and cats are susceptible.

The onset of the disease usually presents itself as a animal slightly depressed. with blood counts relatively normal and liver, kidney enzymes not alarmingly abnormal. Physical exam presents a Patient relatively normal except for enlarged lymph nodes. All of the lymphatic tissues of the body are effected. Those lining the intestinal tract are enlarged causing gastrointestinal symptoms leading to inappetance and lethargy.

There are a number of chemotherapy protocols but with severe side effects. Prednisone is probably the least toxic and can affect a remission and decrease in the lymph node size for a variable length of time and promote a relatively comfortable lifestyle for the pet .
Have a good labor Day

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www.irahinc.com