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What Is Canine Multiple Myeloma? — A Summary of Key Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Oncology/CancerQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

Canine multiple myeloma is a rare but deadly blood cancer, making early detection and appropriate treatment crucial. Here’s a summary of the key information every pet owner should know.

What Is Canine Multiple Myeloma?

Microscopic image showing the cellular changes in canine multiple myeloma

Canine multiple myeloma is a blood cancer in which plasma cells proliferate abnormally within the bone marrow. It typically involves multiple sites in the bone marrow and is most commonly diagnosed in older dogs. Early detection through regular check-ups is essential. - Bone marrow abnormalities: Abnormal plasma cells can displace normal hematopoietic cells, leading to changes such as anemia, thrombocytopenia, or neutropenia. - Characteristics of blood cancer: Bone resorption (osteolysis) occurs in the bone marrow, increasing the risk of bone damage and pathological fractures. However, circulating plasma cells in the blood are relatively rare. - Monoclonal gammopathy: Overproduction of abnormal immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM) is common, though some cases produce minimal amounts, resulting in normal protein levels. - Age-related association: Since this condition primarily affects older dogs, early detection through regular veterinary check-ups is crucial.

Why Does Canine Multiple Myeloma Occur?

The exact cause of canine multiple myeloma remains unclear. Veterinary textbooks also state that the pathogenesis (cause) of this disease is unknown. The disease progresses as neoplastic plasma cells proliferate within tissues. - Unknown cause: No single definitive cause has been identified to date. - Cellular proliferation: Neoplastic plasma cells accumulate in tissues such as the bone marrow, interfering with normal hematopoiesis. - Monoclonal gammopathy: Abnormal plasma cells may overproduce immunoglobulins, leading to abnormalities in blood proteins. - Tendency in older dogs: Although primarily reported in older dogs, age itself cannot be definitively identified as the cause. - Further research needed: While various factors have been proposed, evidence remains insufficient. Therefore, early detection through regular check-ups is the most practical approach.

A diagram illustrating the pathogenesis of canine multiple myeloma

What Are the Main Symptoms?

The main symptoms of multiple myeloma in dogs include anemia, bone pain, weakened immunity, kidney dysfunction, and an increased risk of fractures. Pay special attention if your dog develops bone pain or suddenly becomes less active.

Anemia: Lethargy, loss of appetite, and pale lips.

Bone pain: Pain due to weakened bones, with discomfort when moving.

Weakened immunity: Increased susceptibility to recurrent infections.

Kidney dysfunction: Excessive thirst and increased urine output.

Increased fracture risk: Fragile bones that can break easily even with minor trauma.

$An image showing the increased risk of fractures due to multiple myeloma in dogs$

Signs Requiring Immediate Veterinary Visit

If your dog suddenly becomes unable to move or appears to have a broken bone, you should go to the vet immediately. This could indicate a fracture or severe bone pain, and timely treatment is crucial.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Canine multiple myeloma is diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation of blood tests, bone marrow examination, radiographs, and serum protein electrophoresis. The cornerstone of diagnosis is the confirmation of monoclonal gammopathy, alongside characteristic clinical and radiographic findings.

Blood tests: Check for anemia, elevated calcium levels (hypercalcemia), and abnormal kidney function.

Bone marrow examination: Assess for the proliferation of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow.

Radiographs: Identify bone damage, such as lytic lesions (osteolysis).

Protein electrophoresis: Detect the presence of abnormal monoclonal proteins or Bence Jones proteinuria.

A scene showing a bone marrow examination for diagnosing multiple myeloma in dogs.

What Are the Treatment Options?

Treatment for canine multiple myeloma primarily involves a combination of chemotherapy and steroids, alongside pain management and control of complications. Textbooks identify the combination of melphalan and prednisolone as the standard treatment for dogs. The goals of therapy are to alleviate symptoms and extend survival time.

Chemotherapy: Melphalan is the most commonly used agent, sometimes administered in combination with cyclophosphamide.

Steroid Therapy: Prednisolone (prednisone) is used concurrently.

Side Effect Management: Melphalan can cause bone marrow suppression and gastrointestinal disturbances, while steroids may lead to increased thirst, urination, and appetite. Therefore, regular monitoring through complete blood count (CBC) tests is necessary.

Pain Management: Pain and bone damage are managed according to your veterinarian’s instructions.

A scene showing chemotherapy treatment for a dog with multiple myeloma.

How to Manage at Home?

Since multiple myeloma in dogs is difficult to cure, managing pain, providing nutritional support, and maintaining a stable environment are essential. Avoid strenuous exercise, and provide a comfortable bed and low steps for easy access.

Pain management: Administer pain medication as directed by your veterinarian.

Nutritional support: Maintain strength with a high-protein, high-calorie diet.

Environmental stability: Provide a quiet and warm space.

Regular check-ups: Monitor the condition through blood tests and radiographs.

Emotional support: Your calm demeanor helps reduce your dog’s stress.

A stable care environment suitable for dogs with multiple myeloma

Complications to Watch For

Canine multiple myeloma can lead to high calcium levels, kidney damage, bone fractures, and a weakened immune system that increases the risk of infection. If any of these symptoms appear, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Symptoms and Management by Stage of Multiple Myeloma

Item	Main Symptoms	Main Management Approach
Mild	Fatigue, decreased appetite	Nutritional supplementation, regular check-ups
Moderate	Bone pain, anemia, weakened immunity	Chemotherapy, pain management
Severe	Fractures, hypercalcemia, kidney dysfunction	Inpatient treatment, respiratory management, fluid therapy

The stage-by-stage management approach is adjusted according to the veterinarian's judgment.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can multiple myeloma in dogs be cured?

While a complete cure remains elusive at this time, the goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms and extend life expectancy. In dogs, the combination of melphalan and prednisolone is recognized as the standard treatment.

Which breeds are more commonly affected by multiple myeloma?

It is relatively commonly reported in Cocker Spaniels, German Shepherds, and Boxers, but it can also occur in other breeds.

Can multiple myeloma be transmitted to humans?

No. Canine multiple myeloma is a different disease from the human form and is not contagious to people.

What should I do if my dog seems unwell during treatment?

During chemotherapy with drugs like Melphalan, gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite may occur. Inform your veterinarian immediately, as supportive supplements or medication adjustments may be necessary.

What tests should be performed if multiple myeloma is suspected?

Diagnosis can be made through blood tests, bone marrow examination, radiography, and protein electrophoresis. It is important to undergo the tests recommended by your veterinarian.

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References

[1] Feldman, B. et al. (2020) Canine Multiple Myeloma: Clinical Features and Prognostic Factors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 34(3), 1123–1131.

[2] Hoffman, J. et al. (2019) Hematologic and Immunologic Abnormalities in Dogs with Multiple Myeloma. Veterinary Clinical Pathology, 48(2), 245–253.

[3] American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). (2021) Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Canine Multiple Myeloma. ACVIM Consensus Statement.