Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

How can I tell if my dog's symptoms are lymphoma or just an infection?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Doberman Pinscher | Female | unspayed | 7 years and 5 months old | 100 lbs

What would be the difference between Lymphoma cancer or just an infection?

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on June 27th, 2017

The two diseases are completely different even though could have some clinical signs in common (like elevated temperature). Lymphoma cancer is a type of tumor (kind of hyperproliferation of cells) affecting own lymphocytes; an infection is caused by a different/external source (could be caused a bacterial, fungi, parasites etc etc) affecting different type of organs or body systems. Please complete your question describing the problem to receive a specific answer from us. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 3rd, 2019

    I am sorry to hear about Walker! We can see fevers from cancer but we can also see fevers do to a secondary infection because the dog's immune system may be suppressed or not working as well when they are on chemotherapy or other drugs and so they may be more likely to get an infection elsewhere in their body. I would recommend letting your vet know about the fever. They may recommend testing such as bloodwork and urine testing to check for possible infections.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Sponsored