What Is Leukemia In Dogs – It’s Important To Know…

What is leukemia in dogs? This condition is a disease of the blood and bone marrow that may affect any dog, of any age. Although it is more common in male dogs, it can also be inherited through the female breed as well.

When a dog has this condition, it may exhibit constant vomiting, abnormal behavior, weight loss or gain, dull coat, pale skin, and open wounds. Some of the more rare causes include hemangiosarcoma and bone marrow cancer.

This content takes around 5 minutes to read, but if you are in a hurry, we have also included a table of contents below so you can see at a glance what the content is.

Make sure to check out today’s deals to SAVE money on dog products by clicking on the graphic below.  Don’t miss out.

This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

——————————

Leukemia In Dogs:

This can be diagnosed through a blood test called AED blood tests. It does not take much for this disorder to spread quickly and severely through your dog. It is possible that if the blood test comes out negative, treatment may not be necessary.

Your vet may decide that there is nothing wrong with your pet and that it should be able to recover on its own. However, if you have any concerns about your dog’s health at all times, it is advisable to make an appointment with the vet for a complete check-up. This is to confirm that there are no other potential problems.

————————-

Chronic Leukemia In Dogs:

This condition is a serious one and can only be handled by veterinarians with extensive training and experience in such conditions. Your dog’s body may not respond to treatment as well as you would like it to, and at times. It may not even survive the operation itself.

There are several things that can cause your dog to develop chronic leukemia, including genetics, immune system deficiencies, tumors, and stress. A recent study suggests that leukemic cells are somehow responsible for causing chronic leukemia in dogs. Although this has not been proven conclusively at this time, it may be worth looking into. In any case, it is important to make sure that your dog is taken care of if it has this disease so that treatment options can be discussed with your vet.

This disease has a tendency to come on gradually over a period of time rather than all at once. It may take up to two years for your dog’s immune system to be in a consistent state to fight off the disease. Leukemia in dogs may affect any part of the immune system, even the blood. The disease has been known to strike the organs, as well.

————————

Causes Of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia:

It can be caused by a virus, bacteria, fungi, or a combination of any of these factors. A recent study found that most cases were caused by a virus, accounting for eighty percent of all cases. Also, it was found that dogs that suffered from acute lymphocytic leukemia had low levels of natural killer cells.

This suggests that chronic infections may be responsible for causing this type of leukemia in dogs. Infections can be prevented by making sure that your pet regularly receives a skin and tooth check. In addition, seek a health professional’s advice on daily nutrition and your dog’s diet.

Other causes include chronic infections by bacteria called Escherichia coli and a virus called Echeverria viruses. Another cause is a rare condition called dialysis, in which the kidneys fail to remove enough fluid for the body’s needs. This causes fluid to build up in the animals’ bodies.

Because symptoms appear later in the illness and in advanced stages, it is very important to work with a veterinarian who specializes in animals who have undergone renal failure.

————————

Can Leukemia In Dogs Be Prevented:

It is not unusual for a dog to develop the disease at an early age. He may get the virus from his grandparents or another family member, although leukemia is more common in older dogs. However, there is a slight chance that a younger dog can contract the disease.

If your dog shows early signs of the disease, then the best place to start treatment is through vaccinations. Your vet will usually begin treatment within days of the first symptoms.

———————-

Is There a Treatment:

Treatment usually involves giving your dog immune suppressants or chemotherapy. After treatment, blood transfusions may be necessary to replace lost blood.

There is no known cure for the disease, but there are treatment options available that can help alleviate some of the symptoms and shorten the amount of time it takes to recover from the illness. As always, if you suspect that your dog has the disease, you should take him to the vet as soon, as possible for treatment options.

——————————

Common FAQs:

————————

Related Articles:

Leptospirosis Symptoms In Dogs

Most Common Allergies In Dogs

———————————–

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Disclaimer: All material on this website is provided for your information only. It may not be construed as medical advice. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this information. Instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals or veterinarians on any matter relating to their pet’s health and well-being. The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.