Lymphosarcoma? - Page 1

Rasto's bioposy was done this morning. i noticed yesterday all of his lymph nodes were swollen. Today they were worse. The vet took a biopsy. It will be Monday or Tuesday before I know anything for sure.

What are your experiences (Good & Bad) with sudden onset of swollen lymph nodes.

Mike

First and foremost, I'm sorry to hear of this and in hopes all turns out for the best.
Is Rasto showing any other symptoms?
I had a dog pass away from Lymphoma. His first symptom was his lack of interested in any food. I knew right then, something was very wrong. He had a few lymph-nodes that were swollen, but not many. We did a sonogram and found no real evidence to give me an exact diagnoses, but there was blood work that indicated such. Later on, his lymph-nodes showed signs. He lasted 3 weeks on predisone before the cancer took his life.
I hope this is not the case Rasto. Keep us updated.
Sending prayers,
Brandi
 

wishing you luck.  keep us posted.
pjp

Keeping the handsome boy in my prayers!

http://www.gsdbbr.org The German Shepherd Dog Breed Betterment Registry (a health registry for registered German Shepherds)
BE PROACTIVE!
http://mzjf.com -->  The Degenerative Myelopathy Support Group http://www.mzjf.info/hgate Heaven's Gate

I have no experience in this.  But I sincerely hope that your boy turns out ok!  He is so incredibly handsome in that photo, I wish more dogs had a structure like his. 

Thanks,
Brandi,
No other symptoms-
We are  (were?) getting ready for the UScA regionals next month. Been training, swimming, biking-no problems. Then yesterday the lyymph nodes were just kind of there and BIG. I just noticed the ones in the neck and took him right in to the vet-she found the shoulder and popliteals were also big.  I've never seen this before.
Mike
 


 

I would make sure to run a tick panel on him.

Geez, Mike, this does NOT give me a good feeling at all.  He certainly fits the profile for lymphosarcoma--fit, no other signs except this sudden, virtually overnight, lymph node enlargement, especially when all of them go at once...and he's also the right age, too, the prime mid-years of a typical GSD lifespan.  How I wish it weren't so.  

Other possibilities could be one of the tick-borne diseases, although the lack of any other clinical signs really is troublesome for that; likewise, one of the fungal issues, such as aspirgillosis, blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis... There's always the outside chance that the LN enlargement is due to a systemic infection, but again, the lack of any other clinical signs save for the LN enlargement is extremely worrisome, I'm sorry to say.

IF the biopsy comes back with a lymphosarcoma diagnosis, the next step would be to find out exactly what  form of lymphosarcoma is involved; the worst prognosis is for the version that attacks the GI tract, though that form usually  announces itself with not only LN enlargement, but GI disturbances as well (sudden, inexplicable anorexia, diarrhea, constipation and/or visible abdominal discomfort).  Some forms have a much better outlook for successful treatment than others, too, though none of the forms have an actual cure available...the best that can be achieved is remission, which in some cases can last for two years or more. Also possible are shorter periods of remission, which will then revert back to being active but can be pushed back into remission again with what's known as the 'rescue' chemo protocol. 

I do believe there are some clinical trials underway for lymphosarcoma, and depending on the form, many dogs handle the chemo quite well--much, much better than people do.  I expect it goes without saying that his working career will be over if the diagnosis is lymphosarcoma, with or without chemo--the chemo would suppress his immune system to a degree where you wouldn't want thim dealing with the stress of it, nor the exposure to any pathogens his system couldn't handle--but beyond that, he could still enjoy a fairly normal life as a companion dog, if it's a form that responds to treatment and that's the course opted for.  With lymphosarcoma, there's basically only three options: treat w/surgery & full chemo; treat w/chemo only (which would include not doing anything but maintaining the dog on prednisone until it stops helping and the life quality declines); or not treating at all, and euthanizing as soon as quality of life is gone.

Sorry to be so crepe-hanging, but it wouldn't be fair to you or to your dog were I to try and downplay the seriousness of the situation.  I really, really hope I'm completely wrong in my suspicions; nothing would make me happier than that news.



 

I truly hope your dog is OK, my experience was not quite the same, with a bony mass as well as multiple enlarged lymph nodes. Our diagnosis was adenosarcoma. Equally devastating. I lost my girl about 3 months after diagnosis. My prayers go out for you & Rasto, that you have a kinder diagnosis. Best wishes, jackie harris

Hi Mike I do not know where you live but in Pa there is a Dr of oncolog Dr Anne Jeglum that is GREAT. I was the breeder of a 2 yr GSD female that had the same thing. She was totally fit and her owner found a small lump.Long short , they did chemo and she went on to run agility. National level, she was retired around 8. She just passed from something else just short of 10.
 Her owner was a watch dog on her health but depending on what  problem is with your guy, all may not be over. Go to someone good and get help and answers.
Good luck, your guy is beautiful.