What should you know about multicentric lymphoma in dogs?

Multicentric lymphoma is a cancer of lymphoid cells involving multiple lymph-node areas, often including nodes under the jaw, in front of the shoulders and behind the knees. A dog may have enlarged, firm nodes without obvious pain, or may develop tiredness, reduced appetite, weight loss, fever, vomiting or diarrhoea. A veterinarian may examine the nodes, take a fine-needle sample or biopsy, and use blood tests and a PET-CT scan or other imaging to assess the extent. Night sweats are not a reliable sign in dogs; changes in behaviour, appetite and breathing are more useful observations.

Book a veterinary appointment promptly and bring a record of appetite, energy, weight, breathing and any medicines. Ask whether sampling can identify the lymphoma type and whether staging is needed before treatment. Chemotherapy is commonly discussed, with the schedule and medicines chosen for the dog’s health and the family’s goals. Selected cases may be considered for immunotherapy, radiotherapy, CAR T-cell therapy or an autologous stem cell transplant through specialist services. Never give human medicines unless the veterinarian prescribes them.

Go to an emergency veterinarian for laboured breathing, blue or pale gums, collapse, severe weakness, repeated vomiting, inability to keep water down, uncontrolled bleeding or a seizure. Contact the oncology team quickly for fever, marked lethargy, diarrhoea, poor appetite or signs of infection during treatment. A swollen node alone is not proof of lymphoma, so examination and sampling are needed.

Ask which lymph nodes are involved, what sample is needed, whether staging changes the options, and what side effects should trigger a call. Ask how treatment may affect appetite and activity, what home precautions apply, and how comfort will be monitored.