In Other Species
Multiple myeloma affects many other species. The disease has been diagnosed in dogs, cats, and horses.
In dogs, multiple myeloma accounts for around 8% of all haemopoietic tumours. Multiple myeloma occurs in older dogs, and is not particularly associated with either males or females. No species appear over represented in case reviews that have been conducted. Diagnosis in dogs is usually delayed due to the initial non specificity and range of clinical signs possible. Diagnosis usually involves bone marrow studies, X-rays, and plasma protein studies. In dogs, protein studies usually reveal the monoclonal gammaglobulin elevation to be IgA or IgG in equal incidence. In rare cases the globulin elevation is IgM, which is referred to as Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. The prognosis for initial control and return to good quality of life in dogs is good. 43% of dogs started on a combination chemotheraputic protocol achieved complete remission. Long term survival is normal with a median of 540 days reported. Recurrence is expected eventually, and although rescue protocols can be attempted, recurrences are often resistant to available chemotheraputics, and death commonly eventually follows from complications such as renal failure, sepsis or pain related owner initiated euthanasia.
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