Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 7/26/2008

Question
Hi,

I rescued a 50 pound Coonhound 5 days ago.  Upon doing a medical check-up, he presents with a temp of 100.7, heart rate of 90, normal stool, good appetite, but somewhat lethargic (does not get up to greet me when I come in).  He can run 15 mph for 5 min., and does perk up on walks, and shows an interest in play with other dogs, but mostly seems to want to lay still.  Gait is normal, pads thickened, no sores.  Eyes normal.  He has been given a 7-in-1 shot 3 days ago, and also started on ivermectin, after I deticked him (he had about 150 deer ticks on him).  He has well-yellowed molars.  He also has some patches of hair missing on his elbows, and knees, and moderate scratching, although his coat is otherwise in great shape.  I gave him a flea treatment yesterday.

I notice a 1 cm palpable round lump about 1 in. northwest of his vocal cords.  No cough with pressure on trach, and clear lung sounds.  Respiration rate is normal (20-30/min).  Vocalization is good - he is after all a coonhound :-).  The lump appears to move with the skin fold, when I pull the skin out, I can move the lump into the fold, although the lump does not move entirely freely under the skin.  The chest cavity seems enlarged relative to abdomen (32"/25" diameter) which displays no sensitivity or swelling.  Urination appears normal.  Thirst (it is hot in TX), appears perhaps sporadically intense.

I also notice a small puncture wound on that side of the neck that happened 2 days ago in a tussle with another dog.

Does this sound like lymphoma?  Could a dog bite cause this reaction?  What does one expect in the blood chemistry, if it is lymphoma (high white blood cell count, low red blood cell count)?  

Gabrielle


Answer
Gabrielle -

This does not necessarily sound like lymphoma. Lumps do not always signify cancer. The first step is to have your dog evaluated by a doctor. One of the indications of lymphoma is a high white cell count; check the lymph nodes to determine if the size has increased.  

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM