Lymphoma in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment & Cost

By the Pawlee Team

Diagnosis cost

£300–£600

Treatment cost

£3000–£8000

Ongoing cost

£100–£300 per month

Severity

Serious

Treatable

Varies

Species

Dogs

What is lymphoma?

Lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in dogs, affecting the lymphatic system – a network of tissues and organs that help fight infection. The most common form is multicentric lymphoma, where multiple lymph nodes throughout the body become enlarged. It can also affect the gut, chest, skin, and other organs. Lymphoma typically responds well to chemotherapy, and many dogs achieve remission, but it is rarely curable. Treatment focuses on extending life with good quality for as long as possible.

Symptoms to watch for

See a vet soon

Swollen, painless lymph nodes (often noticed under the jaw, in front of the shoulders, or behind the knees)
Lethargy and reduced energy
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Increased thirst and urination
Vomiting or diarrhoea (if the gut is affected)
Difficulty breathing (if the chest is affected)
Skin lumps or ulcers (in cutaneous lymphoma)

How is lymphoma diagnosed?

Test	Typical cost
Fine needle aspirate and cytology of enlarged lymph node	£80–£200
Blood tests, biochemistry, and staging bloodwork	£150–£300
Staging scans (abdominal ultrasound, chest X-rays)	£200–£400

Treatment options and costs

Multi-agent chemotherapy (CHOP protocol)

£4,000–£8,000

The gold-standard treatment using a combination of drugs (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone) given over approximately 6 months. Around 80–90% of dogs achieve remission, with a median survival of 12–14 months. Treatment is given at weekly or fortnightly intervals at a specialist oncology centre.

Single-agent chemotherapy or oral protocols

£1,500–£3,000

Less intensive protocols using a single drug (such as lomustine) or oral chemotherapy. Response rates and survival times are shorter than multi-agent protocols, but costs are lower and visits less frequent. This can be a good option when the full CHOP protocol is not feasible.

Prednisolone only (palliative)

£20–£50 per month

Steroid treatment alone can temporarily shrink lymph nodes and improve quality of life for a few weeks to months. Median survival is around 1–2 months. This is an option when owners choose not to pursue chemotherapy, either for financial reasons or quality-of-life considerations.

Ongoing costs

Estimated ongoing management cost

£100–£300 per month

monthly

Breeds most at risk

Breed	Risk level
Golden Retriever	High
Rottweiler	High
Labrador Retriever	Moderate
German Shepherd	Moderate
French Bulldog	Moderate

Does pet insurance cover lymphoma?

Lymphoma diagnosis and treatment are covered by most lifetime pet insurance policies provided the condition develops after the policy starts. Chemotherapy claims are among the highest-value cancer claims in UK pet insurance, often reaching £5,000–£8,000 or more. Ensure your annual benefit limit is sufficient to cover a full course of treatment. If lymphoma relapses and a second round of chemotherapy is needed, a lifetime policy will continue to cover treatment in subsequent policy years. Time-limited or per-condition policies may not provide adequate cover for a disease that can require treatment over 12+ months.

Related conditions

Mast Cell Tumours Dogs

Frequently asked questions

How much does lymphoma treatment cost for dogs in the UK?

The full CHOP chemotherapy protocol typically costs £4,000–£8,000 over 6 months. Single-agent or oral protocols cost £1,500–£3,000. Diagnosis and staging add £300–£600. Prednisolone alone costs just £20–£50 per month but has a much shorter effect. Including all monitoring and follow-up, total treatment costs for a full course of chemotherapy can reach £6,000–£10,000.

How long can a dog live with lymphoma?

Without treatment, most dogs survive only 4–6 weeks after diagnosis. With prednisolone alone, survival is around 1–2 months. With full CHOP chemotherapy, median survival is 12–14 months, and some dogs live 2 years or longer. Around 20–25% of dogs are alive 2 years after starting treatment. The type and stage of lymphoma also affect prognosis.

Do dogs suffer with chemotherapy?

Most dogs tolerate chemotherapy remarkably well – much better than humans typically do. Veterinary oncologists use lower doses aimed at maintaining quality of life rather than attempting a cure. Around 80% of dogs experience no significant side effects. When side effects do occur (mild nausea, tiredness, or reduced appetite), they are usually short-lived and manageable.

Can lymphoma in dogs be cured?

Unfortunately, lymphoma in dogs is rarely cured. The goal of treatment is remission – a period where the cancer is undetectable and the dog feels well. Most dogs eventually relapse, and a second remission can sometimes be achieved with further treatment, though it tends to be shorter. Despite this, many dogs enjoy months of excellent quality of life with treatment.