Dealing with Multiple Myeloma in Dogs

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer in dogs, and is characterized by a tumor of plasma cells. White blood cells have specific cells to produce antibodies to fight against infection. These specific cells which perform this function are known as plasma cells. When a dog suffers from this problem, there is a rapid and vast increase in the number of plasma cells in the dog's body. This leads to the formation of a plasma cell tumor. There are many associated complications with canine multiple myelomas. As the cancer progresses, the dog develops osteolysis, i.e., degeneration of bone tissue. Osteolysis along with other symptoms, is a confirmation for the presence of the condition in a dog. The cause for multiple myeloma in dogs is not known. Possible causes include exposure to carcinogenic substances or petroleum products, viral infection, and immune stimulation.

Multiple Myeloma in Dogs

Symptoms
There are varied cancer symptoms in dogs depending on the type of cancer. Symptoms associated with this problem are -

• Lethargy and fatigue
• Fever
• Difficulty in breathing
• Increased thirst
• Weak bones
• Dementia
• Partial paralysis of dog's body
• Enlarged spleen and liver
• Lameness
• Seizures
• Increased urination and urinary incontinence
• Gastrointestinal bleeding, bleeding from nasal mucous membrane, bleeding in the eye, and bleeding gums

Diagnosis
To diagnose multiple myeloma, a veterinarian will call for certain blood tests of the dog like complete blood count (CBC) and chemical blood profile. Urinalysis is also conducted on the dog's urine sample. X-ray is performed to check for bone defects and fractures. If the veterinarian finds the presence of osteolysis in the dog's body along with other symptoms, he will confirm in the dog. After confirmation, biopsies are conducted to find out severity of the cancer.

Treatment
Most common approach to treat multiple myeloma in dogs is chemotherapy. Multiple myelomas have the tendency to recur and hence, multiple chemotherapy treatments may be given to the dog. Veterinarians prescribe painkillers to relieve the pain. If there is an associated bacterial infection, antibiotic treatment is given. Dogs with kidney failure may require additional dietary adjustments.

Apart from chemotherapy, radiation therapy is also given to dogs. If the affected area is isolated, veterinarians go for radiation therapy with the aim of curing the cancer. Isolated areas affected with cancer are sometimes removed surgically.

Hospitalization may be required in case the dog is having bleeding disorder, high blood calcium level, and high urea content in dog's waste. Bacterial infections also call for hospitalization of the dog. Fractures of bone, if any, are repaired.

Prognosis
Dogs treated with chemotherapy survive for around 2 years. Chemotherapy may not be effective if, the cancer has reached to an enhanced stage. High calcium level in blood and excessive bone damage may also render chemotherapy ineffective. The dog will require frequent check-ups to monitor the condition. Every dog has a different trait and may require different treatment. It is better to discuss this with the veterinarian prior to commencing the therapy.

Complications
Several complications can arise in case of multiple myeloma. They are -

• Development of infections
• Weak immune system
• Kidney failure
• Heart failure
• Excessive bleeding
• Bone fractures
• Development of hyperviscosity syndrome or thickening of blood

Multiple myelomas appear in cats as well, although dogs show greater incidence of this cancer. Dogs in the age group of 8-9 years signal the presence of multiple myelomas. The condition is not specific to any particular sex. Although males show higher presence of multiple myeloma in some studies. The symptoms of multiple myeloma can take around a year to appear. By the time one diagnoses the condition in the dog, it is quite possible that cancer has spread to other parts of the body as well. It is therefore advisable to check for unusual symptoms or abnormal behavior, so that early diagnosis and treatment can be provided to a pet dog.