Intestinal lymphoma in a Boxer breed dog – case report

Abstract

Intestinal lymphoma is the second most common form of lymphoma in dogs. It is characterized by the presence of neoplastic lymphocytes in the gastrointestinal tract or mesenteric lymph nodes. The chief clinical signs are vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia and weight loss. The diagnosis is made through fine needle aspiration and cytology, or by tissue biopsy and histopathology, and chemotherapy is the treatment of choice. We report a case of intestinal lymphoma in a five years old Boxer, presented with history of hematochezia and lethargy of 7 days duration, and 20 days of anorexia and persistent weight loss. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed free fluid in the abdominal cavity, and an intestinal mass. Exploratory laparotomy was performed and a tissue biopsy was performed. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of intestinal lymphoma, but the patient died during the surgical procedure.