Condition5 connections · 2 sources
Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells (antibody-producing white blood cells). It is rare in dogs and cats but causes widespread effects through excessive antibody production and bone marrow infiltration.
Key Facts
- Plasma cells multiply uncontrollably in bone marrow
- Dogs: classic bone marrow form; cats: often affects liver/spleen instead
- Complications: hypercalcemia, kidney disease, bone destruction, hyperviscosity syndrome, bleeding disorders
- Signs: weakness, lethargy, vomiting, bone pain, lameness, nosebleeds
- Diagnosis: elevated globulin on blood work, serum protein electrophoresis (monoclonal spike), bone marrow biopsy
- Moth-eaten bone appearance on X-rays; Bence-Jones proteins in urine
- Treatment: chemotherapy (melphalan + prednisone is standard); cure is rare
- Median survival dogs: 220-930 days with treatment; cats: 42-281 days
- Species: dogs and cats (rare)