What is the prognosis for a dog with lymphoma?
Most dogs with lymphoma develop medium to high-grade lymphoma that is very responsive to chemotherapy. Greater than 75% of dogs with lymphoma are expected to achieve a complete remission with chemotherapy. The duration of the first remission is variable, depending on the chemotherapy protocol used, with median remission times varying from 6 months to 11 months. The second remission is more difficult to achieve, with approximately 40% of dogs with lymphoma achieving complete remission with a second course of chemotherapy. Less than 20% of dogs with lymphoma will achieve a third complete remission. Approximately 40-45% of dogs with lymphoma live one year with treatment. Less than 20% of dogs with lymphoma live 2 years with treatment. Without treatment, the average survival time of dogs is one month from the time of diagnosis. This is difficult for many pet owners to believe because their dog often appears to be quite healthy at the time of diagnosis. How well do dogs tolerate chemotherap