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Canine LeukemiaCanine leukemia, or blood cancer in dogs, can be in many forms. The most common form of dog leukemia is lymphocytic leukemia.
Lymphocytic leukemia involves lymph node cells, whereas myelogenous leukemia originates from the bone marrow. In dogs, lymphocytic leukemia is more common.
Both of these two forms of canine leukemia (lymphocytic leukemia and myelogenous leukemia) may either be acute or chronic, depending on how mature the cancer cells are.
Acute leukemia refers to the rapid and sudden increase in the number of immature blood cells (blood cells that are in their early stages of development).
The increase of these immature cancerous blood cells is so dramatic that it hinders the production of other healthy blood cells, posing an immediate threat to the dog
patient's life.
Chronic leukemia refers to the abnormal increase in the number of more developed, mature blood cells. The increase is not sudden but rather is a build-up over
months or even years. Chronic leukemia occurs more frequently in older dogs.
As a general rule, the acute forms of canine leukemia is more malignant than the chronic forms.
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Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in Dogs
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in Dogs
While acute leukemia is aggressive and can develop very rapidly, chronic leukemia takes months or even years to develop.
Chronic leukemia is usually diagnosed in older dogs (10 to 12 years of age).
About half of the dogs diagnosed with chronic leukemia show no symptoms and many of the dog patients can survive for up to two years without chemotherapy.
As well, while dog patients with acute leukemia do not respond well to chemotherapy, most dogs with chronic leukemia do well with chemotherapy.
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Causes of Canine LeukemiaThere are no known causes of leukemia, although it is suspected that certain breeds may be genetically predisposed to it. Leukemia may also result from radiation, certain chemicals and viruses.Diagnosis of Canine LeukemiaAppropriate laboratory finding are critical to diagnosis of leukemia, because as you can see above, some of the symptoms of leukemia are rather indistinct and are similar to those of many other diseases (e.g. severe bacterial infection; severe inflammatory conditions such as pancreatitis; autoimmune disease, lymphoma). Diagnosis of dog leukemia include the following tests:
Natural Remedies for Canine LeukemiaAlthough natural remedies such as herbs, homeopathic remedies, and natural supplements may not be able to destroy tumors, they are nonetheless effective in strengthening the immune system, making the body stronger to fight against diseases such as cancer. Some dog parents have reported success in using the herbal formula "Essiac" to treat canine cancer, while others swear by such remedies as the "Budwig Diet". For more information on these and other natural remedies for canine cancer, please visit our pages on Herbs for Cancer in Dogs and Dog Cancer Diet.Related Topics Dog Cancer Symptoms of Dog Cancer Conventional Cancer Treatment for Dog Patients Herbs for Cancer in Dogs Dog Cancer Diet References S. Messonnier, The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs (New World Library, 2006). A.D. Shojai, New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats (Rodale Press, Inc., 1999). TOP OF Canine Leukemia |
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