The immune system depends on white blood cells called Lymphocytes.They help a dog fight infections by making antibodies.The cells of the immune system form a lymphoma when they become cancer.Boxers are more likely to develop lymphomas than other dog breeds.Early treatment for lymphoma is important because it can progress quickly and make your Boxer very sick.
Step 1: Look for enlarged lymph nodes.
Your Boxer has a lymphatic system that is part of his body and has vessels that transport infections-fighting substances.The most common sites for lymphoma are the pons.It's easier to find some of the lymph nodes.When enlarged, your Boxer's jaw and knees can be seen.The disease can spread very quickly.
Step 2: Touch the Boxer's body part.
It will feel hard and rubbery to have a lymphoma.They won't be very painful.
Step 3: If your Boxer has swelling on his legs or face, it's time to check it.
The lymphatic system helps keep the fluid moving.The fluid builds up in different places.If your Boxer has swelling in his legs, fluid will accumulate near his ankles.His face could look puffy from fluid build up.
Step 4: There are signs of upset in the stomach.
Your Boxer has part of his immune system in his GI tract.He will show signs of upset stomach if he has GI lymphoma.A reduced appetite could lead to weight loss for your Boxer.It makes up less than 10% of all canine lymphomas.
Step 5: Take a look at your Boxer's skin and mouth.
There is a type of lymphoma that can be found on the skin and in the mouth.Boxers with cutaneous lymphoma have patches on their skin that are dry, red, and flaky.His skin can become thick.Inflammation in the roof of the mouth can be caused by cutaneous lymphoma.Pink gums are healthy.
Step 6: Look at your Boxer's breathing.
The thymus is located beneath your Boxer's sternum.If this is enlarged, fluid can accumulate in his chest, making breathing difficult.He might start breathing more heavily.
Step 7: Take your dog to the doctor.
A lymphoma diagnosis will be confirmed by your vet.They will look at your Boxer and perform some tests to make a diagnosis.During the appointment, give your vet a detailed history of your Boxer's overall health and what lymphoma symptoms you have noticed.Your vet will be able to make a diagnosis if you give them more information.Fine-needle aspiration is a quick, painless, and inexpensive way to diagnose lymphoma.A long, thin needle is used to take a sample.If your vet thinks the lymphoma has spread, they may perform fnAs of some internal organs.Since it provides more accurate information than an FNA about the cancer, a biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis.Your vet will make a decision on whether or not to do an FNA.Diagnostic tests include bloodwork, urinalysis and chest x-rays.Your vet will be able to determine the location of the lymphoma in your Boxer.
Step 8: Do you know what to expect during a lymphoma treatment?
In most cases, canine lymphoma is not a cure.The temporary disappearance of cancer symptoms is the main goal of lymphoma treatment.The treatment plan your vet comes up with will reduce your Boxer's tumor burden and improve his quality of life, but will probably not cure him.There is no need to be discouraged over the lack of a cure for Boxer's lymphoma because dogs in remission can live happy lives.
Step 9: As soon as possible begin treatment.
It is possible that your Boxer will not look sick when he is diagnosed with lymphoma.He will start treatment if he looks sick.Without prompt treatment, the lymphoma could spread quickly, decreasing the chances of survival.
Step 10: Allow your vet to give you the treatment.
It is the preferred treatment for lymphoma.A combination of drugs is usually given at the same time.Your vet will tell you which set of drugs to give your Boxer.Doxorubicin is used to treat cancer.Between 70 and 90 percent of dogs that are treated for lymphoma with a doxorubicin-based treatment plan are free of the disease.Your Boxer will probably not suffer any serious side effects from treatment.In only 5% of canine lymphoma cases, there are serious side effects such as vomiting, extreme tiredness, and blood in urine.Tell your vet about any Boxer side effects.
Step 11: Consider other treatment options.
Boxers can be treated with surgery and radiation therapy.In removing GI lymphoma, surgery may be effective.If your Boxer has GI lymphoma that has spread throughout the GI tract, he would not benefit from treatment.If your Boxer has only one lymphoma, surgery or radiation therapy can be effective.The steroid can be used to kill cancer cells.It can be given by mouth.Discuss treatment options with your vet.
Step 12: Your vet can help reduce fluid build up.
As part of the treatment plan, your vet will need to drain the fluid from your Boxer.They can remove the fluid from your Boxer's body.It is possible that fluid removal will help your Boxer breathe easier.
Step 13: Your Boxer needs to be monitored for signs of infections.
Chemotherapy can make your Boxer more susceptible to infections.There are a number of signs of an infection.If your Boxer develops an illness, you should take him to the vet.
Step 14: Schedule regular appointments with your vet.
The treatment of lymphoma is long term.Your vet may want to see your Boxer at least once a month to keep an eye on his treatment progress.Regular veterinary visits are important to keep your Boxer healthy during treatment, even if the appointments are not monthly.
Step 15: There are different types of remission.
Your Boxer's lymphoma will be reduced, but not completely gone, when he enters remission.There won't be any cancer if he is in complete remission.His tumor burden will be reduced by at least 50% if he is in partial remission.Different tests will be performed by your vet.How long your Boxer stays out of the hospital depends on a number of factors.
Step 16: Your Boxer will be monitored during remission.
Your Boxer will probably be feeling better with complete remission.He will want to play like he used to.If your Boxer is in partial remission, he will definitely be feeling better.If your Boxer starts looking unwell or starts swelling up again, take notice.The signs could mean that the cancer has returned.
Step 17: If your Boxer has a relapse, you should have him treated.
A treatment relapse is more likely for your Boxer.He will need to be treated with chemotherapy again.Be aware that the tumors will become more resistant to the treatment.When your Boxer's lymphoma no longer responds to treatment, your vet will adjust the plan to keep him comfortable.