Multiple Myeloma in Dogs: Welfare and Palliative Care

Key Facts

• Multiple myeloma accounts for approximately 8% of haematopoietic tumors in dogs
• Clinical signs include lameness from bone lesions, weakness, bleeding disorders, and polyuria
• Diagnosis requires Bence Jones proteinuria, serum protein electrophoresis, and bone marrow biopsy
• Melphalan and prednisolone treatment achieves remission in 40-50% of dogs with median survival 18 months
• Bone pain management with bisphosphonates and NSAIDs is central to welfare throughout treatment

Welfare Considerations

Multiple myeloma causes diverse welfare suffering through multiple mechanisms: bone pain from osteolytic lesions, hyperviscosity syndrome from excessive protein production, hypercalcaemia causing lethargy and polyuria, and immune suppression increasing infection risk. Welfare-centered management requires addressing each component: analgesia for bone pain, fluid therapy for hypercalcaemia, and antimicrobials for secondary infections. Treatment with melphalan often produces meaningful remission periods during which quality of life can be excellent. Regular monitoring allows dose adjustments and early detection of relapse.

What You Can Do

• Seek oncology consultation for any dog with unexplained lameness, bone pain, and elevated protein
• Administer bisphosphonate therapy alongside chemotherapy to reduce bone pain and pathological fracture risk
• Monitor calcium levels regularly — hypercalcaemia causes significant welfare impact and responds to treatment
• Use validated quality of life scales monthly to guide ongoing treatment decisions
• Ensure excellent infection prevention during immunosuppressive therapy