Lymphosarcoma
Synonym(s): LSA, Lymphoma
Introduction
- Cause: unknown. In the literature it is often reported in combination with leukemia.
- Signs: anorexia, lethargy, poor grooming/hair coat, peripheral lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, mediastinal masses.
- Diagnosis: lymph node biopsy/fine needle aspirate with cytology, histology; radiography, ultrasonography; necropsy with histopathology.
- Treatment: theoretically lymphosarcoma protocols as used in other species could be attempted, but no successful treatment has been reported.
Presenting signs
- Anorexia.
- Lethargy.
- Poor grooming, hair coat.
- Peripheral lymphadenopathy.
- Hepatomegaly.
- Splenomegaly.
- Mediastinal masses.
Acute presentation
- Anorexia.
- Lethargy.
- Poor hair coat.
- Lack of feces.
- May be dehydrated.
- Peripheral lymphadenopathy.
- Some may be bright and alert in early stages, with only the peripheal lymphadenopathy that the owner has noticed as 'lumps'.
Geographic incidence
- Worldwide.
Age predisposition
- Leukemia and lymphosarcoma have been mostly reported in young adults, although the author has seen more cases of lymphosarcoma in older guinea pigs.
Cost considerations
- Diagnostics including bloodwork, radiographs, lymph node cytology/biopsy.
- Supportive care medications.
Pathogenesis
Etiology
- Lymphosarcoma has sometimes been linked with Cavian leukemia Leukemia which has been linked to a type-C retrovirus.
- Lymphosarcoma has also been found without B-cell leukemia.
Pathophysiology
- With the leukemia Leukemia, the type C retrovirus alters the B-cell function and reproduction.
- Lymphosarcoma: neoplastic lymphocytes proliferate in lymph nodes, liver, spleen predominantly.
Timecourse
- A course of 2-5 weeks is reported with leukemia.
Epidemiology
- The type-C retrovirus is considered endogenous, so spread between guinea pigs may not be horizontal but vertical.
- Unknown for the true lymphosarcoma where no leukemia is associated with it and there is uncertainty whether a retrovirus is involved.
Diagnosis
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Treatment
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Prevention
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Outcomes
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed Papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
Other sources of information
- Hawkins M G & Bishop C R (2012) Disease Problems of Guinea Pigs. In: Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents Clinical Medicine and Surgery. 3rd edn. Eds: Quesenberry K E & Carpenter J W. Elsevier. pp 295-310.
- Orr H (2009) Rodents: neoplastic and endocrine disease. In: BSAVA Manual of Rodents and Ferrets. Eds: Keeble E & Meredith A. British Small Animal Veterinary Association. pp 181-192.