What to Expect for a Boxer's Health? Lymphoma In Boxers
Dog Cancer
February 26, 2025
Lymphoma is one of the most common types of cancer in dogs, but it is rarely discussed in the context of puppies. While lymphoma is typically seen in middle-aged and older dogs, there is a chance that puppies can develop this aggressive cancer. Although that chance is, notably, extremely small, and puppies are incredibly rare patients for lymphoma treatments. Understanding the signs, risk factors, and treatment options can help pet owners recognize the disease early and seek prompt veterinary care.
Early detection is key to managing the disease effectively and providing the best possible quality of life for affected puppies.
What Is Lymphoma in Puppies?
Lymphoma is a cancer that originates in the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system. Since lymphocytes are found throughout the body, lymphoma can develop in multiple organs, including the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Puppies with lymphoma may experience a range of symptoms depending on the type and severity of the disease.
Lymphoma is classified into different types based on where it develops, including:
- Multicentric lymphoma – The most common form, affecting multiple lymph nodes throughout the body. This form accounts for the majority of canine lymphoma cases and is often the easiest to detect due to visible swelling in the lymph nodes.
- Mediastinal lymphoma – Affects the lymphoid organs in the chest, including the thymus and mediastinal lymph nodes. Puppies with this type may experience breathing difficulties and fluid buildup in the chest cavity.
- Alimentary lymphoma – Targets the gastrointestinal tract, causing severe digestive issues. Puppies may suffer from vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss, leading to malnutrition and weakness.
- Extranodal lymphoma – Affects other organs such as the skin (cutaneous lymphoma), kidneys, eyes, or central nervous system. Depending on the location, symptoms can include neurological issues, blindness, or severe skin lesions.
You can learn more about the different types of lymphoma in our post here.
Breeds at Higher Risk for Lymphoma
Certain dog breeds are more predisposed to lymphoma, including some that are commonly affected as puppies.
Although the disease can impact any breed, the following breeds have a higher genetic risk:
- Golden Retrievers – Known for their increased risk of lymphoma, this breed has a genetic predisposition that makes them more susceptible at any age. Studies suggest a high incidence of lymphoma in Golden Retrievers, making it one of the most common cancers in the breed.
- Boxers – This breed is highly prone to many types of cancer, including lymphoma. Boxers often develop aggressive forms of the disease, which can be challenging to treat.
- Labrador Retrievers – Like Goldens, Labs also show a higher risk. While generally a healthy breed, their susceptibility to lymphoma underscores the importance of regular checkups.
- Bulldogs – Brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs have shown an increased likelihood of developing lymphoma, possibly due to genetic factors and immune system vulnerabilities.
- Rottweilers – Large breeds like Rottweilers tend to be more susceptible to lymphoma and other cancers. Due to their size and metabolism, the progression of the disease can sometimes be rapid in this breed.
Symptoms of Lymphoma in Puppies
Because lymphoma can affect different parts of the body, symptoms may vary. However, common signs of lymphoma in puppies include:
- Swollen lymph nodes: Enlarged nodes in the neck, behind the knees, or near the shoulders are among the most common early signs.
- Lethargy: Decreased energy levels and reluctance to play. Puppies are typically full of energy, so noticeable fatigue is concerning.
- Weight loss: Sudden or unexplained weight loss despite a normal appetite.
- Loss of appetite: Some puppies may refuse to eat, leading to further health complications.
- Increased thirst and urination: Indicative of systemic impact and potential organ involvement.
- Vomiting and diarrhea: More common in alimentary lymphoma, causing gastrointestinal distress.
- Difficulty breathing: Seen in mediastinal lymphoma due to tumor pressure on the lungs.
- Skin lesions or sores: Cutaneous lymphoma can cause red, scaly patches and open wounds on the skin.
You can learn more about symptoms of lymphoma in dogs in our post here.
How Is Lymphoma Diagnosed in Puppies?
Diagnosing lymphoma in puppies typically begins with a thorough physical examination, during which a veterinarian will check for swollen lymph nodes and other clinical signs. If lymphoma is suspected, the vet may perform a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) to collect a sample from an affected lymph node. This sample is then examined under a microscope to determine if cancerous lymphocytes are present. In some cases, a biopsy may be required to obtain a more comprehensive tissue sample for further analysis.
Blood tests are often conducted to assess the puppy’s overall health and detect abnormalities that could indicate lymphoma or other underlying conditions. X-rays and ultrasounds may be used to evaluate whether the cancer has spread to internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, or gastrointestinal tract. If lymphoma is suspected to have invaded the bone marrow, a bone marrow aspiration may be performed to examine blood cell production. These diagnostic procedures help veterinarians determine the type and extent of lymphoma, which is crucial for developing an appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Lymphoma in Puppies
Lymphoma is an aggressive disease, but treatment can help prolong a puppy’s life and improve their quality of life. Treatment options include:
1. Chemotherapy
- The most effective treatment for lymphoma.
- Multi-drug protocols like CHOP (Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine, and Prednisone) are commonly used.
- Puppies tend to tolerate chemotherapy better than humans, with fewer side effects. Most doggie chemotherapy patients do not experience side effects common in humans such as nausea and hair loss.
Learn more about finding the best chemotherapy protocol for your puppy’s needs.
2. Steroid Therapy (Prednisone)
- Sometimes used alone for palliative care.
- Helps reduce symptoms but does not provide long-term remission.
Learn more about steroid treatment for lymphoma here.
3. Radiation Therapy
- Used in localized lymphoma cases, especially in mediastinal or extranodal lymphoma.
- Can be paired with chemotherapy treatment to help with spread of the cancer.
You can learn more about radiation therapy here.
Prognosis and Life Expectancy
The survival time for lymphoma in puppies depends on the type, stage, and response to treatment. With aggressive chemotherapy, dogs can achieve remission, but lymphoma is not a curable cancer.
The average survival time with treatment ranges from 6 months to 2 years, but some dogs achieve long-term remission. Early intervention and proper veterinary care play a crucial role in extending survival and maintaining quality of life.2
Get the Best Treatment for Your Puppy
ImpriMed’s advanced laboratory services go beyond simply identifying the type of lymphoma affecting your pet. Our technology offers an additional resource—the Personalized Prediction Profile, which includes an assessment of how a dog is likely to respond to CHOP chemotherapy.
This customized profile provides insights into how a specific treatment may affect your puppy and estimates the potential time frame for remission and even relapse.
By combining AI-driven analysis with cellular response testing, ImpriMed helps both pet owners and veterinarians determine the most effective course of action and anticipate likely treatment outcomes.
Check with your veterinarian to see if they offer ImpriMed’s Personalized Prediction Profile, or find an oncologist already utilizing this service.
Discover how you can get your vet involved in the program today.
