Leukemia Flashcards
Definition of leukaemia
A malignant neoplasm originating from haematopoetic precursors in the bone marrow
What is the abnormality with leukaemic cells?
The cells produced are unable to undergo terminal differentiation so self replicate as clones are immature and non functional cells
Classification depending on cell line of origin
Lymphoid (lymphocyte) or myeloid (neutrophil)
Acute description
Aggressive, with blast cells in the bone marrow and blood
Chronic description
Protracted indolent course of disease with well differentiated, late precursors in the blood
What are the symptoms of acute leukaemia in dogs?
Weight loss,
Pallor,
Shifting lameness
Neurological signs
What are the haematological features of acute leukaemia in dogs?
Cytopenia - isolated, bi, or pan
WBC counts 100x10^9
Thrombocytopenia
Blasts in smear = leukaemia or lymphoma
Treatment of acute leukaemia in dogs?
Prohibitively expensive
MST 2 weeks-2 months
What is the presentation of chronic leukaemia in dogs?
Months of lethargy, mild lymphadenopathy
Haematology in chronic leukaemia in dogs
Lymphocytosis 20-100x10^9
Anemia
Thrombocytopenia
When is treatment required for chronic leukaemia in dogs?
Symptomatic
Organomegaly
IMHA
IMT
Mean survival time for CLL in dogs?
2 years
