Long-term survival after combination chemotherapy for bilateral renal malignant lymphoma in a dog.

METHODS

A 6-year-old, entire male Flat-coated Retriever was presented with a history of lethargy, polydipsia and seizures. Clinical chemistry had shown marked azotaemia.

RESULTS

Radiography and ultrasonography revealed bilateral renomegaly, and cytology of fine needle aspirates from the kidneys was diagnostic of malignant lymphoma. The dog was treated with a modified high-dose cyclophosphamide-, vincristine-, and prednisolone-based chemotherapy protocol, achieved remission, and returned to normal quality of life. Survival time was 346 days from the time of diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Malignant lymphoma in the kidneys of dogs has been considered to carry a uniformly poor prognosis. Long-term remission after medical treatment has not previously been reported. The favourable outcome in this case illustrates the limitations of clinical staging in determining the outcome for individual patients.