Last updated on December 17th, 2025 at 03:42 am
Key Takeaways
- A new oral therapy lets owners treat dog lymphoma at home.
- It targets cancer cells and may cause fewer side effects than chemo.
- It slows cancer growth by keeping control proteins inside the cell.
- It’s a good option for families who can’t do full chemotherapy.
- Not a cure, but it can improve comfort and quality of life.
Can a pill really help treat lymphoma in dogs?
Surprisingly, yes.
A new oral therapy is now available, and it’s offering hope to families who want something less intense than traditional chemotherapy. Because it can be given at home, many dogs and their owners find this option far less stressful.
In this post, I’ll explain what this medication is, how it works, and when it might be the right choice for your dog.
What Is Canine Lymphoma?
Canine lymphoma is a relatively common cancer in dogs, with an estimated 20–100 cases per 100,000 dogs. In many ways, it mirrors non-Hodgkin lymphoma in humans.
It is a type of cancer that affects a dog’s lymph nodes. These are small glands that help the immune system fight infection. When a dog has lymphoma, the lymph nodes become enlarged because the cancer cells grow quickly and take over.
Most owners first notice big, firm “lumps” under the jaw, behind the knees, or in front of the shoulders. Dogs may still act normal in the beginning, which makes lymphoma surprising to many families.
Lymphoma can’t be cured, but treatment can slow it down, help dogs feel better, and give families more time together.
UNLOCKING HEALTH: THE CANCER TEST FOR DOGS THAT SAVES LIVES
Introducing Laverdia-CA1
Laverdia-CA1 is the first at-home oral medication approved for the management of canine lymphoma.
This drug currently holds FDA conditional approval, allowing veterinarians to use it safely while more data is collected.
Instead of coming into the clinic for injections or long chemotherapy visits, owners can give this pill at home, making treatment much less stressful for both the dog and the family.
Laverdia-CA1 is not chemotherapy in the traditional sense. It belongs to a newer class of targeted cancer drugs. The goal isn’t to cure lymphoma, but to slow down how quickly the cancer cells grow and divide, which can help dogs feel better and maintain a good quality of life.
How This New Therapy Helps
This medication is designed to slow down the growth of only lymphoma cells.
Traditional chemotherapy affects not just lymphoma cells but several other types in the body, which is why side effects can be tough for dogs to deal with.
The Way This Medication Slows Cancer Growth
What makes Laverdia-CA1 different is how it works. Cancer cells grow out of control because they try to get rid of certain “control proteins” that normally keep growth in check.
When these proteins get pushed out of the cell’s nucleus, the cancer can spread more easily.
Laverdia-CA1 blocks that from happening. It keeps those control proteins inside the cancer cell, where they can do their job. This helps slow down how quickly the cancer grows.
This more targeted approach often means the medication may be gentler than traditional chemo and easier for many dogs to tolerate.
Why It Matters for Owners
Not every family is able to do full chemotherapy. Sometimes the cost is too high, the number of appointments is overwhelming, or the dog becomes stressed by frequent vet visits. An at-home treatment gives families another option to help their dog feel better without that added pressure.
Vets may use this new therapy when owners decide against chemo, while waiting for an oncology appointment, after a relapse, or simply as a way to maintain a dog’s comfort and quality of life.
It’s not meant to replace chemotherapy, but it fills the gap for dogs who need something easier and more flexible.
What You Need to Know Before Giving the First Dose
Even though this medication is gentler than traditional chemo, it is still an anti-cancer drug. Owners should handle it carefully, wash their hands afterward, and keep it away from children and other pets.
The e-collar or cone is not required for this treatment, but keeping the home calm and low-stress can help the dog feel better overall.
Expected Reactions and When to Follow Up
Most dogs tolerate the medication well, but some may experience a lower appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or tiredness. If a dog seems off, owners should contact their veterinarian.
Adjusting the dose or adding supportive medications can make a big difference.
Is This a Cure?
No, this therapy does not cure lymphoma.
But it can slow the cancer, improve quality of life, and give families more time with their dogs.
For many people, that time is priceless.
Final Thoughts
A lymphoma diagnosis is overwhelming, but this new oral therapy gives dog owners another way to help their pets—one that doesn’t require constant vet visits or intense treatment.
While it doesn’t replace chemotherapy, it offers a gentle, flexible option for dogs who need it.
Pet owners should speak with their veterinarian about whether this medication is a good fit for their dog.
Your veterinarian can help you choose the treatment path that makes the most sense for your dog.
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