Alimentary lymphosarcoma in a 4-year-old Labrador retriever

Lymphosarcoma, a common canine hematopoietic neoplasm, occurs in multicentric, alimentary, mediastinal, and extranodal forms. Alimentary lymphoma accounts for approximately 5% of cases and is less easily diagnosed than the more common multicentric form. Chemotherapy is often effective, but recent therapeutic advances hold great promise for success in treating canine lymphoma. A 4-year-old, black Labrador retriever was presented (day 1) with a 2-day history of vomiting, polyuria/polydipsia, lethargy, and anorexia. The heart and respiratory rates were within normal limits, and the rectal temperature was 38.9 degrees C. Abdominal splinting was noted on palpation, which elicited urination. No obvious additional abnormalities were detected.