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IF YOUR DOG WAS JUST DIAGNOSED WITH PLASMA CELL TUMORS & MULTIPLE MYELOMA,
THIS GUIDE IS FOR YOU.
IF YOUR DOG WAS JUST DIAGNOSED WITH PLASMA CELL TUMORS & MULTIPLE MYELOMA…
If your dog was just diagnosed with a plasma cell tumor or multiple myeloma you may be overwhelmed, frightened, and scrambling for answers. You love your dog deeply. You want facts, not fear. And you want a plan—something solid you can take action on today.
This guide is written for you:
The science-minded, emotionally devoted pet parent who needs clarity, options, and reassurance during one of the hardest moments in a pet’s life.
As a veterinarian with 40 years of clinical experience—including extensive work in oncology, immunology, and longevity—my job is to help you understand what this diagnosis means, what treatments work, and what steps to take next.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
YOU ARE NOT FAILING YOUR DOG.
YOU’RE IN THE RIGHT SPOT.
I CAN HELP YOU.
FAST FACTS ABOUT PLASMA CELL TUMORS & MULTIPLE MYELOMA IN DOGS–A quick summary before diving deeper.
What they are:
Cancers of plasma cells, which are specialized immune cells that produce antibodies.
Two major forms:
• Solitary (localized) plasma cell tumors
• Multiple myeloma (systemic plasma cell cancer) — affects bone marrow, bones, kidneys, and immune system
How they develop:
Abnormal plasma cells multiply uncontrollably, often producing excessive antibodies (paraproteins) that circulate in the blood and cause organ damage.
Are they aggressive?
• Solitary tumors: often slow-growing, treatable with surgery or radiation
• Multiple myeloma: can be serious but usually very responsive to treatment
Is it painful?
• Solitary skin/oral tumors: usually not painful
• Myeloma: bone pain is extremely common
Why it happens:
Age-related genetic mutations. Myeloma typically affects middle-aged to senior dogs.
Life expectancy if untreated:
Months or less for multiple myeloma.
Best first step:
Clear differentiation between solitary plasma cell tumor and multiple myeloma, because treatment and prognosis are completely different.
Most important diagnostic tests:
• Blood and urine protein analysis
• X-rays (bone lesions)
• Bone marrow aspirate
• Abdominal ultrasound
• SPEP (serum protein electrophoresis)
WHAT PLASMA CELL TUMORS & MULTIPLE MYELOMA IS — AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOUR DOG
Understanding the Diagnosis
Plasma cell cancers exist on a spectrum:
1. Solitary Extramedullary Plasma Cell Tumors (EMPs)
• Found on skin, in the mouth, or in the gastrointestinal tract
• Usually localized
• Often cured with surgery or radiation
• Rarely progress to multiple myeloma
2. Multiple Myeloma (MM)
A systemic cancer involving:
• Bone marrow
• Long bones, pelvis, spine, ribs
• Kidneys
• Immune system
• Blood and protein production
Myeloma cells produce abnormal proteins (M-proteins) that:
• Increase blood viscosity
• Damage kidneys
• Suppress the immune system
• Cause bone dissolution (lytic lesions)
Common symptoms
For solitary plasma cell tumors:
• Firm or soft skin mass
• Oral mass (may bleed)
• GI signs if in stomach or intestine
• Slow growth
For multiple myeloma:
• Bone pain
• Lameness
• Weakness
• Increased thirst and urination
• Nosebleeds
• Vision problems
• Weight loss
• Infections
• Collapse with severe hyperviscosity or anemia
HOW IT’S DIAGNOSED
1. Bloodwork
• High globulins
• Low albumin
• Anemia
• High calcium (common)
• Protein abnormalities
2. Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP)
Critical test showing a monoclonal spike—hallmark of myeloma.
3. Urinalysis
Check for:
• Protein loss
• Bence-Jones proteins (light chains damaging kidneys)
4. Imaging
• X-rays: look for “punched-out” bone lesions
• Ultrasound: evaluate spleen, liver
• CT/MRI: for complex cases
5. Bone Marrow Aspirate
Confirms multiple myeloma when plasma cells exceed normal limits.
6. Biopsy
Used for solitary tumors to confirm type.
HOW URGENT IS THIS?
What to Do Today, This Week, This Month
Today (First 24 Hours)
Multiple myeloma is not a sudden death sentence—but prompt action matters.
Today, you should:
• Ensure your dog is eating and drinking
• Gather all labs, imaging, and biopsy results
• Check for signs of pain, lameness, or difficulty rising
• Monitor for nosebleeds or vision changes
Red flags requiring immediate care:
• Severe bone pain
• Inability to walk
• Repeated vomiting
• Collapse
• Trouble breathing
• Sudden blindness (hyperviscosity)
• Severe nosebleeds
This Week
Your goals:
• Full blood panel
• SPEP testing
• X-rays of long bones, pelvis, spine, ribs
• Urinalysis
• Bone marrow aspirate if myeloma suspected
• Abdominal ultrasound
• Discuss starting treatment this week
This Month
• Begin chemotherapy (for myeloma)
• Complete surgery or radiation (for solitary tumors)
• Start bone pain management
• Begin integrative/supportive care
• Establish long-term monitoring
• Schedule follow-up bloodwork
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR PLASMA CELL TUMORS & MULTIPLE MYELOMA IN DOGS
CLINICAL TRIALS FOR PLASMA CELL TUMORS & MULTIPLE MYELOMAA
Your Clinical Trial Hub can link to:
• Melphalan-based protocol optimization trials
• Immunotherapy or vaccine trials
• Precision oncology trials
• Bisphosphonate studies
• Targeted therapy trials
• CAR-T cell therapy investigations in veterinary oncology
IS MY DOG IN PAIN?
Pain is common—especially with multiple myeloma.
Signs include:
• Limping or lameness
• Reluctance to rise
• Crying when touched
• Stiff gait
• Lethargy
• Panting at rest
• Seeking isolation
Pain control is essential and improves both longevity and wellbeing.
PROGNOSIS FOR PLASMA CELL TUMORS & MULTIPLE MYELOMA
Solitary Plasma Cell Tumors:
• Excellent prognosis with surgery or radiation
• Many are cured
• Median survival often 2–4+ years depending on location
Multiple Myeloma:
With treatment:
• 1–2.5+ years is typical
• Many dogs experience improved quality of life immediately after starting therapy
• Long remissions common
Without treatment:
• Weeks to months
• Quality of life poor due to pain, anemia, and hyperviscosity
Quality of life during treatment:
Most dogs:
• Eat well
• Stay active
• Enjoy life
• Experience minimal side effects
WHAT YOU CAN DO AT HOME
Day-to-Day Management
Track:
• Pain level
• Appetite
• Water consumption
• Urine output
• Mobility
• Nosebleeds
• Vision changes
• Energy level
Nutrition
Focus on:
• High-quality protein
• Anti-inflammatory foods
• Omega-3 supplementation
• Cooked vegetables (broccoli, spinach, squash)
• Low simple carbohydrates
• Hydration support
Avoid:
• Ultra-processed treats
• Sugary foods
• High-fat, low-quality diets
Comfort & Environmental Support
• Warm bedding
• Soft surfaces
• Ramps for stairs
• Avoid slippery floors
• Gentle daily walks
WHAT NOT TO DO
• Do NOT delay treatment for multiple myeloma
• Do NOT rely on supplements alone
• Do NOT ignore bone pain or lameness
• Do NOT assume it’s “arthritis”
• Do NOT wait for worsening anemia
• Do NOT give NSAIDs + steroids together
• Do NOT skip recheck bloodwork
WHEN TO SEEK EMERGENCY CARE
Go immediately if your dog has:
• Severe bone pain
• Collapse
• Sudden blindness
• Heavy nosebleeds
• Extreme lethargy
• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting with dehydration
• Pale or gray gums
These may signal a hyperviscosity crisis, severe anemia, or spinal involvement.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR VETERINARIAN OR ONCOLOGIST
Take this list with you:
1. Does my dog have a solitary tumor or multiple myeloma?
2. Were serum protein levels abnormal?
3. Was SPEP performed?
4. Are bone lesions present on imaging?
5. Do we need a bone marrow aspirate?
6. Should we start melphalan + prednisone this week?
7. Are bisphosphonates recommended for pain?
8. Is radiation an option for bone or oral lesions?
9. How often will we need bloodwork?
10.What signs of hyperviscosity or anemia should I watch for?
YOUR NEXT STEP (SUPPORT FOR THE PET PARENT)
Pet Cancer Navigator Consultation
You don’t have to face this alone.
We can help you:
• Interpret complex lab results
• Understand whether your dog truly has myeloma or a solitary tumor
• Build a personalized treatment plan
• Integrate chemo with longevity-focused support
• Manage bone pain effectively
• Monitor for organ changes
• Give your dog the best possible quality of life
CTAs:
• Talk With Dr. Kevin
• Upload Your Dog’s Lab Results or Imaging
• Get a Personalized Cancer Roadmap
STORIES OF HOPE
Cooper arrived unable to walk due to bone pain. Within one week of starting melphalan, prednisone, and bisphosphonates, he was walking again tail wagging, appetite restored.
He enjoyed 18 wonderful months with his family.
Bella had a bleeding gum mass diagnosed as a plasmacytoma. After surgical removal and a short radiation course, she is cancer-free two years later.
SCIENTIFIC REFERENCES
To be listed in CMS from:
• ACVIM proceedings
• CSU, Cornell, UC Davis oncology departments
• JAVMA prostatic carcinoma outcome studies
• Fidocure genomic oncology publications
DOWNLOAD: YOUR PLASMA CELL TUMORS & MULTIPLE MYELOMA ACTION PLAN
Includes:
• What to know
• What to do next
• Questions for your oncologist
• Pain control checklist
• Quality-of-life scoring
CTA: Get Your Personalized Cancer Roadmap
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (SEO BLOCK)
SEO-focused FAQs include:
• What is multiple myeloma in dogs?
• Can myeloma be cured?
• What are the first signs of multiple myeloma?
• How long can a dog live with multiple myeloma?
• Are plasma cell tumors painful?
• Does chemotherapy work well for myeloma?
• What should dogs eat during treatment?
• How often are rechecks needed?
YOU ARE NOT ALONE — I CAN HELP YOU MAKE THE RIGHT DECISIONS
A Pet Cancer Navigator Consultation with Dr. Kevin provides:
• A personalized treatment roadmap
• Pain control guidance
• Amputation vs limb-sparing recommendations
• Clear prognosis
• Integrative longevity planning
• Emotional support through a devastating diagnosis