Conal, a three-year-old yellow Labrador retriever had been feeling listless for a few days, so his owners brought him to the Park Pet Hospital for an examination.

Although his physical exam was normal, routine blood tests and urinalysis revealed hypercalcemia, and additional lab testing was undertaken. Parathyroid hormone levels were normal, and x-rays failed to uncover the cause of the elevated calcium. Lymph node aspirates were inconclusive, so lymph node and bone marrow biopsies were obtained, which, unfortunately, confirmed a diagnosis of malignant lymphoma.

The doctors at the Park Pet Hospital consulted with oncology specialists at the UW-Madison Vet School and then discussed treatment options with Conal's owners. Dogs with lymphoma have approximately a 75% chance of going into remission with chemotherapy, and his owners elected to have the Park Pet Hospital initiate treatment right away.

Conal went into remission quickly with induction chemotherapy and was able to maintain his remission with a six-month course of injections and pills. His blood calcium levels normalized, and he regained his usual playful nature.

Conal has been off of chemotherapy for over two years now, and he remains in remission while on a special diet. He has had no adverse effects from the chemotherapy and currently has a great quality of life. Many dogs with this condition, however, will come out of remission at some point in the future, and then rescue treatments will need to be given. Some dogs will experience side effects from chemotherapy, but most are manageable and the treatments are well tolerated.

This case illustrates how prompt veterinary care can help to diagnose and successfully treat some of the serious diseases that afflict our four-footed best friends.