Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Outcome and Prognostic Factors for Canine Splenic Lymphoma Treated by Splenectomy (1995–2011)
- Journal:
- Veterinary Surgery
- Year:
- 2015
- Authors:
- van Stee, Lucinda L. et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Utrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands · Netherlands
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
This study looked at how well dogs with splenic lymphoma (a type of cancer affecting the spleen) did after having surgery to remove the spleen. The researchers reviewed the medical records of 28 dogs treated between 1995 and 2011. They found that about 59% of the dogs survived for at least a year after surgery, and those with lymphoma only in the spleen had a better chance of survival. However, dogs showing signs like a swollen belly, being very tired, or not eating were less likely to do well. The study concluded that removing the spleen can be an effective treatment for this type of cancer when it's only in the spleen, and adding chemotherapy doesn't seem to help in these cases.
Abstract
ObjectiveTo assess the outcome of canine splenic lymphoma treated with splenectomy and to evaluate prognostic factors, including involvement of other sites, adjuvant chemotherapy, and the effect of World Health Organization (WHO) histological classification of canine malignant lymphoma.DesignMulti‐institutional, retrospective study.AnimalsClient‐owned dogs (n = 28).MethodsMedical records (1995–2011) of dogs with a histological diagnosis of splenic lymphoma and treated by splenectomy submitted by Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncology members were reviewed. Included were dogs treated with or without adjuvant therapy. Overall survival, disease‐free interval, and cause of death were determined. Prognostic factors and the WHO histological classification of canine malignant lymphoma were evaluated with respect to outcome.ResultsDogs with splenic lymphoma treated by splenectomy had a 1‐year survival rate of 58.8%, after which no animals died of their disease. B cell lymphoma held a better prognosis for survival than other variants of splenic lymphoma. Marginal zone lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma were the most common B cell lymphoma subtypes in our study. Hemoabdomen and clinical signs related to splenic lymphoma, including abdominal distention, lethargy, and anorexia, were poor prognostic indicators, whereas disease confined to the spleen was a positive prognostic indicator. Pre‐ or postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy did not provide a survival benefit.ConclusionBased on our sample population, splenectomy alone was an effective treatment for splenic lymphoma in cases with disease confined to the spleen. Chemotherapy may not improve survival in cases of lymphoma restricted to the spleen.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://doi.org/10.1111/vsu.12405