Severe pruritus associated with lymphoma in a dog

A dog with chronic pruritus that was refractory to antibiotic, corticosteroid, and antihistamine treatment was found to have lymphoma involving the spleen and associated lymph nodes. Pruritus rapidly resolved on removal of the tumor and recurred on reappearance. The association of generalized pruritus with an occult malignant process may be difficult to assess, but after excluding the more common causes of pruritus, a visceral malignancy should be considered.