What should you know about large cell lymphoma in dogs?

Large cell refers to the appearance of the lymphoma cells under microscopic examination. Dogs may develop enlarged lymph nodes, reduced appetite, tiredness, weight loss, vomiting, or breathing changes, but these signs can have other causes. Night sweats are not a reliable way to assess a dog; changes in behaviour, appetite, breathing, or lymph-node size deserve veterinary attention.

A fine-needle sample or biopsy can help identify lymphoma. Blood tests and imaging, sometimes including a PET-CT Scan, help assess the dog before treatment.

A veterinary oncologist may discuss Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, or comfort-focused support. Treatment selection considers the dog’s symptoms, organ function, temperament, and the family’s practical goals. Keep a record of appetite, drinking, activity, stools, vomiting, breathing, and medicine effects.

Seek urgent veterinary help for laboured breathing, collapse, repeated vomiting, inability to drink, severe weakness, pale or blue gums, uncontrolled bleeding, or a rapidly enlarging swelling. Call the veterinary team promptly when appetite falls, diarrhoea persists, or your dog becomes markedly quieter after treatment.

Ask how the diagnosis was confirmed, what staging is needed, what treatment aims to achieve, how medicines may affect appetite or infection risk, what home monitoring is required, and how comfort will be protected if treatment changes.