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Lymphomatoid Granulomatosis in Dogs

Lymphomatoid granulomatosis is a rare disease seen in dogs that involves the infiltration of the lungs by cancerous lymphoid cells (lymphocytes and plasma cells). Metastasis may occue in other body sites and organs like the liver, heart, spleen, pancreas, and kidney.

Lymphomatoid granulomatosis is not breed- or gender-specific, but is more common in large and purebred dogs.

Symptoms and Types

Respiratory symptoms are often seen which aggravate over time. The following are a few of the more common symptoms related to this disease:

• Cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Inability to exercise
• Weight loss (cachexia)
• Lack of appetite (anorexia)
• Fever (in some animals)

Causes

The underlying cause for lymphomatoid granulomatosis is currently unknown.

Diagnosis

You will need to give a thorough history of your dog’s health, including the onset and nature of the symptoms, to your veterinarian. He or she will then perform a complete physical examination as well a biochemistry profile, urinalysis, and complete blood count -- the results of which are usually non-specific and inconsistent with the disease.

Blood testing, meanwhile, may reveal an abnormally high number of neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils (all types of white blood cells) in the blood. And X-rays will reveal details related to lung tissue and abnormalities. The attending veterinarian may also take a small lung tissue sample (biopsy) to be sent to veterinary pathologist for a definitive diagnosis.