Skin Cancer (Epitheliotropic Lymphoma) in Dogs – Signs, Treatment, And Prognosis
Cancer, in any form, is harmful to pets as well as humans. Just a single cancerous cell can deteriorate your pet’s health. We can do all the right things, but some things are inevitable in life, like cancer. Thus, to ensure your furry pal lead a healthy life, you need to know the risk and treatment of cancer.
What Is Epitheliotropic Lymphoma In Dogs?
Lymphoma occurs when a group of cancers stem from white blood cells (known as lymphocytes) and starts to multiply. Moreover, it can spread to the vital organs like lymph nodes, bone marrow, the spleen, or internal organs. Epitheliotropic Lymphoma mainly affects the skin and can appear quite different. Though there are uncommon cases of Epitheliotropic Lymphoma, it’s still prevalent amongst dogs.
Signs and Symptoms of Epitheliotropic Lymphoma
Epitheliotropic Lymphoma can be difficult to diagnose as the signs are very similar to other skin diseases.
- Scaly skin
- Excessive itching
- Effects can also be seen on the mouth
- Red or raised nodule
- Depigmentation of the skin
- Patches of ulcers
The reason why this cancer is difficult to treat is, by the time pet parents find out, cancer has already spread to the other organs. Moreover, some people also mistake the signs for skin disease and keep providing treatment for the same.
This kind of cancer is mainly found in breeds like Cocker Spaniels and Boxers, but other dogs are not entirely immune to it.
How to Treat Epitheliotropic Lymphoma?
Cancer treatments can get complicated due to the high power of tablets and strong radiations of chemotherapy. The process might be excruciating, but it’s certainly worth it if it means that the dog has a higher chance of recovering.
The treatments available for curing this disease are –
- Radiation therapy
- Surgically removing the lesions
- Creams the soothes the skin and provide relief
- Chemotherapy
- Oral treatments
These treatments are recommended by the veterinarian based on the severity of the disease. Oral tablets are administered to reduce skin inflammation in dogs during the early stage of the disease. After proper diagnose, the vet can further recommend surgeries or radiation therapy.
Moreover, you also need to consider the cost of it, which is quite expensive. Thus, having insurance or setting aside emergency funds can certainly help in the future.
Prognosis
The prognosis of this treatment is based on the dog’s quality of life after being treated. His diet, (supervised) movements, mental health, and everything contribute to the lifespan of your furry pal. The dog can live from months to a few years depending on his immune system, and the strength of fighting back.
Many dogs have never learned to give up in their lives, and those are the ones that survive longer. When you have strong will power, there’s almost nothing that can stop you from achieving what you want. Therefore, raise your pooch in a way that gives him the strength to thrive in the toughest situations. If you observe even a single sign of skin disease that seems suspicious, don’t wait and call up your vet immediately to make an appointment. because always remember, a stitch in time saves nine.
Moreover, you can also browse from a wide range of skin and wound care products on VetSupply. These products nourishes your dog’s skin and protects him from any kind of skin diseases.
