Despite our best efforts and chemotherapy, Casper's battle with intestinal lymphoma lasted only a short 8 weeks. Several years ago, Casper became extremely ill the week after we attended the National Specialty in Perry Georgia. He had extreme diarrhea, vomiting, and very bloody stools as the lining of his intestines was breaking down. He was hospitalized for one week before coming back home.
When he was initially diagnosed with intestinal lymphoma, we wondered if this could somehow be related to the intestinal emergency he had several years ago. I later found research that indicates there is a very direct correlation between intestinal diseases, and developing of gastro-intestinal lymphoma.
When the intestinal tract is in a weakened state from disease, a bacteria that normally lives in the stomach, takes advantage of the weakened state and changes the composition of the cells causing thickening of the lining of the stomach or intestines. This makes a perfect environment for cancer to take hold.
Here are links to some of the websites I found that explain how this happens and how previous gastro intestinal disease is at risk for developing cancer later in life.
If I have another dog that goes through an extreme intestinal emergency such as Casper had several years ago, I would definitely insist on yearly ultrasounds of his GI tract to look for these signs and try to catch and treat any developing cancer in it’s early stages where there is a better chance of fighting the disease.
There are several support groups available on the internet for those with dogs experiencing cancer and lymphoma.
.jpg)