What laboratory finding is most commonly associated with lymphoma in dogs?

Hypoproteinemia is commonly associated with lymphoma in dogs due to the disease's impact on protein synthesis and loss. Lymphoma, a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, disrupts normal lymphatic function and can lead to increased protein loss through the gastrointestinal tract or skin, as well as reduced albumin production by the liver. This results in lower levels of total protein in the blood, which is termed hypoproteinemia.

In many cases of lymphoma, particularly when the disease is extensive or when there are secondary complications such as enteropathy, the protein levels can drop significantly. Monitoring protein levels can therefore provide valuable insights into the disease state of a dog with lymphoma and help in assessing its severity and response to treatment.

Although other findings like leukocytosis or lymphopenia can occur in certain contexts, they are not as universally associated with lymphoma as hypoproteinemia. Lymphopenia, for example, can occur due to immune-related factors but is not a definitive indicator of lymphoma on its own. Similarly, thrombocytopenia might be seen but is less specific and often linked to other conditions or therapies.