Dog Leukemia

Treatment and Symptoms of Dog Leukemia

Dogs Symptoms and Canine Health - Description of Dog Leukemia

Description of Dog Leukemia. The definition of Dog Leukemia is "white blood" and it is a disease where there is a cancer of the bloodstream or bone marrow. Dogs diagnosed with Leukaemia have an abnormal amount of white blood cells (leukocytes),  the body produces too many cancerous cells and not enough healthy blood cells and it causes a genetic change (often referred to as a mutation) in the bone marrow.

There are four main types of Canine Leukemia. Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Acute Myelogenous Leukemia and Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia.  Lymphocytic Leukemia originates from the bone marrow and Myelogenous Leukemia affects the lymph node cells and is the most common form of the disease in dogs.

Dogs Symptoms & Canine Health Index


Symptoms of Dog Leukemia

Dogs Symptoms and Canine Health - Dog Leukemia - General Canine Observations
When you are worried about your pet dogs or puppies it is wise to make general observations and a note of your dog's general well-being before considering a health issue and problem such as Dog Leukemia. Overall physical condition? Mental attitude? Appetite? Condition of bowels and urinary apparatus? The nose of healthy dogs or puppies is moist and cool but in sick dogs it is usually hot and dry. Hair loss? Dry skin? Discharges? These general observations are useful to consider whilst checking out the symptoms of Dog Leukemia.

Both forms of canine Lymphocytic Leukemia and canine Myelogenous Leukemia may be classified as either Acute (sudden onset) or Chronic (long term illness). Whether they are classified as acute or chronic depends on how mature the cancer cells are. Acute Leukemia is the result of a rapid and sudden increase in the number of immature blood cells which stops the production of healthy blood cells and is immediately life threatening. Chronic Leukemia is the result of an abnormal increase in the number of more developed, mature blood cells which build up over a period of time, often years. This form of the disease is more common in older dogs. Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia and Acute Myelogenous Leukemia are more malignant than the chronic forms.
 

Dogs Symptoms and Canine Health - Symptoms of Dog Leukemia
Dog Leukemia symptoms may include the following:

  • Dog Leukemia symptoms - Pale Gums
  • Dog Leukemia symptoms - Weight Loss
  • Dog Leukemia symptoms - Lethargy
  • Dog Leukemia symptoms - Vomiting
  • Dog Leukemia symptoms - Diarrhoea
  • Dog Leukemia symptoms - Seizures
  • Dog Leukemia symptoms - Change in Behaviour
  • Dog Leukemia symptoms - Loss of Appetite
  • Dog Leukemia symptoms - Increased Thirst
  • Dog Leukemia symptoms - Increased Urination

 

Treatment and Remedies - Canine Treatment of Dog Leukemia
The remedies and treatment of Dog Leukaemia may include the treatment of dogs as follows:

  • Canine Leukemia treatment - Needle Aspiration Biopsy also known as Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology is a diagnostic procedure that can be used to confirm a diagnosis of Canine Leukaemia. A fine hollow needle is inserted just under the skin and a sample of cells and tissue is extracted from the lymph nodes or abdominal organs. The cells are then inspected under a microscope to confirm diagnosis. This test is a safe minor surgical procedure that is much less traumatic for the dog than a biopsy.  A blood test to measure the level of white blood cells (leukocytes) and can also determine if the dog is anaemic. X-rays, Ultrasound tests as well as a complete physical examination will also be used to confirm diagnosis.
  • Canine Leukemia treatment - Once a diagnosis has been confirmed, you may decide to take the advice of a Canine Oncologist for specialist treatment and advice. Chemotherapy is the main way to treat Canine Leukemia. If you decide to begin chemotherapy treatment, then the chemotherapy drugs are injected usually on a weekly basis. A blood transfusion may also be required if the dog is found to be anaemic (has a low red blood cell count). Often there are secondary infections that also require treatment and these will be treated with antibiotics. Pain medication may also be required and general palliative care is recommended in some cases in preference to Chemotherapy to maintain a good quality of life for as long as possible.
  • Canine Leukemia treatment - Palliative Care comes from the Latin word 'Palliare' which means 'to cloak'. Palliative care is the term used to for any type of medical treatment or care that aims to reducing severity of the symptoms of a disease as opposed to finding a cure or reversing its effects or progression. Palliative care aims to prevent and relieve any suffering and to improve quality of life for dogs suffering from serious, complex illness.

Dog Symptoms and Canine Health - Canine Insurance / Pet Health Insurance for Dog Leukemia
Pet Insurance for Dog Leukemia. Remember canine insurance / pet dogs health insurance for treatment of health and medical problems such as Dog Leukemia. Unexpected visits to the vet and veterinary treatments for your dogs and puppies due to illnesses such as Dog Leukemia can quickly add up so get quotes for canine health / pet insurance coverage for treatment due to accidents, treatment of illnesses, prescriptions, surgeries and possible hospitalization treatment for your dogs or puppy. Get the best deals for pet insurance from pet insurance comparison websites - make sure you get the best rates for canine health insurance to cover visits to the Vet for the diagnosis and treatment of unexpected ailments such as Dog Leukemia.

Disclaimer - Dog Leukemia Section of Dogs Symptoms and Canine Health Website
The sole purpose of the Dog Leukemia section on the Dog Symptoms and Canine Health website is to act as a reference guide to provide useful information to the owners of dogs and puppies. This article on Dog Leukemia is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat sick dogs or as a substitute for obtaining professional veterinary advice. Please remember that if you are in any doubt about your Dog's Health, or problems associated with Dog Leukemia, please consult your Canine Veterinary Specialist immediately for professional treatment. Your vet will diagnose whether Dog Leukemia is the problem and prescribe appropriate medication and treatment.

Treatment and Symptoms of Dog Leukemia
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Dog Leukemia Symptoms and Treatment

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