Leukaemia

Leukaemia is a malignant disease of the blood-forming system in which white blood cells multiply uncontrollably in the bone marrow and blood.

In dogs, the disease occurs significantly less frequently than in humans; veterinary oncological data show an incidence of less than one per cent of all cancer cases. This makes it one of the rarer but serious diagnoses in veterinary medicine.

What forms of leukaemia occur in dogs?

Acute leukaemia develops within weeks and affects immature blood cells known as blasts. This form progresses rapidly and requires immediate treatment.

Chronic leukaemia progresses insidiously over months or years. Here, mature but abnormal blood cells are usually affected, which initially remain partially functional. Your dog may appear unremarkable for a long time.

The distinction is also made by cell type: lymphatic leukaemia affects lymphocytes, the immune cells. Myeloid leukaemia affects the precursor cells of various blood cell types in the bone marrow.

Which breeds are more frequently affected?

Golden Retrievers show a notable prevalence of lymphatic leukaemia. Boxers and German Shepherds are also considered predisposed, although the genetic mechanisms have not yet been fully deciphered.

Statistically, older dogs are more likely to fall ill, particularly with the chronic form. The average age of onset is between eight and ten years.

How can you recognise leukaemia in dogs?

Fatigue and pale mucous membranes are often the first signs. Your dog becomes weaker because healthy red blood cells are displaced.

Nosebleeds or small haematomas occur due to impaired blood clotting. Loss of appetite and weight loss follow, often accompanied by recurring infections.

Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin are particularly palpable in lymphatic leukaemia. The spleen may swell and cause abdominal distension.

In chronic forms, these symptoms develop insidiously. Acute leukaemia shows more dramatic courses with sudden collapse or high fever.

How is leukaemia diagnosed?

The blood count usually shows significantly elevated or reduced white blood cell values. In acute forms, immature blasts are found in the blood, which normally only occur in the bone marrow.

A bone marrow aspiration provides certainty. The vet takes a small sample from the pelvic bone under anaesthesia. Microscopic examination reveals the type and extent of cellular changes.

Imaging techniques such as ultrasound check spleen, liver and lymph node size. Special immunomarkers help distinguish lymphatic from myeloid leukaemia.

What treatment options are available?

Chemotherapy is the standard treatment, usually as a combination of different active ingredients. Vincristine and doxorubicin are frequently used, often supplemented with cyclophosphamide.

Corticosteroids such as prednisolone can relieve symptoms but are only effective in the short term. Blood transfusions become necessary if anaemia becomes life-threatening.

Antibiotics protect against infections, as the weakened immune system poorly combats bacterial pathogens. Treatment usually lasts several months and requires regular check-ups.

What is the prognosis for leukaemia?

Chronic lymphatic leukaemia has the best prognosis; some dogs live for years with treatment. Chronic myeloid forms show median survival times of six to twelve months.

Acute leukaemias are more difficult to treat. Without therapy, affected dogs usually survive only weeks. With chemotherapy, some months can be achieved, but complete cures are rare.

The age at diagnosis plays a role: younger dogs often respond better to treatment. The general health status also significantly influences therapy tolerance.