Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in Dogs: A Guide for Breeders and Owners
What Is Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)?
A dog being comforted by its owner – understanding AML in dogs helps breeders and owners support their pets through challenging times.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a rare and aggressive cancer of the blood and bone marrow in dogs. It originates from an uncontrolled proliferation of immature white blood cells (myeloid “blasts”) in the bone marrow, which overcrowd the normal, healthy blood cell production AML accounts for only a small fraction of canine cancers (leukemias in dogs are uncommon overall) but when it does occur, it tends to progress rapidly. Unfortunately, this disease can be devastating for the affected dog and their family due to its fast, aggressive nature.
Symptoms and Presentation in Dogs
For owners and breeders, it’s crucial to recognize the signs of AML, even though they are often general and easily mistaken for other illnesses. Dogs with AML usually become very ill, very quickly. They often grow lethargic and weak, lose interest in food, and may rapidly lose weight. Many develop recurrent fevers or infections that don’t respond as expected to routine treatment. Below are some common symptoms and clinical signs seen in dogs affected by AML:
Lethargy and weakness: The dog tires easily and may seem unusually inactive or depressed Often, they just “don’t act like themselves,” preferring to lie down and showing little energy for play or exercise.
Loss of appetite and weight loss: Many dogs with AML stop eating well and begin to lose weight as the illness progresses. This can happen fairly quickly over a period of days or weeks, given the aggressive nature of the disease.
Pale gums or bruising: Because AML causes anemia (low red blood cells) and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) dogs can have very pale gums and mucous membranes. Some may experience bleeding issues, like spontaneous nosebleeds or unexplained bruising on the skin. You might notice tiny red-purple spots (petechiae) on the belly or gums, or that cuts don’t clot normally.
Fever and frequent infections: With a compromised immune system (due to neutropenia, a low count of neutrophils) affected dogs often develop fevers or recurrent infections that are difficult to clear. For example, they might get respiratory infections or urinary tract infections that keep coming back. A general malaise and elevated body temperature that doesn’t resolve could be a warning sign.
Enlarged lymph nodes or abdomen: In some cases, leukemia cells infiltrate organs like lymph nodes, liver, or spleen. Owners might observe swollen lymph nodes (lumps under the jaw, in front of the shoulders, etc.) or a bloated, enlarged abdomen from an enlarged spleen or liver. These signs indicate the cancer spreading to those organs.
(In rare instances, AML can also cause neurological problems. Affected dogs might show signs like unsteady gait, tremors, or even seizures if leukemic cells invade the central nervous system However, such symptoms are uncommon compared to the more routine signs listed above.)
Recognizing and Responding to AML When It Appears
Even though acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is rare and usually not inherited, it’s wise for breeders and owners to know the warning signs and respond quickly if they arise. Because AML progresses fast, early recognition and prompt veterinary care can help with diagnosis and supportive treatment.
Early red flags may include:
Sudden, profound lethargy or weakness
Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss over days to weeks
Pale gums or small purple spots on the skin or gums (petechiae)
Spontaneous nosebleeds, bruising, or bleeding that doesn’t clot normally
Recurring fevers or infections that don’t resolve with routine care
Swollen lymph nodes or a bloated abdomen from an enlarged spleen or liver
In rare cases, neurological changes such as wobbliness, tremors, or seizures
If an owner reports any combination of these, advise them to seek veterinary evaluation right away. A complete blood count (CBC) can often reveal the problem early; in some cases, bone marrow testing is needed to confirm AML.
For breeders, the key is to stay calm but act promptly:
Encourage the owner to get veterinary care as soon as possible.
Offer to share the dog’s pedigree, health testing, and any relevant littermate info with the vet if requested.
Document the case in your own records and note the age, presentation, and outcome.
Communicate with littermate families factually and without alarm, simply encouraging them to be observant and maintain routine veterinary care.
This proactive, transparent approach helps families feel supported and keeps your breeding program health records complete without creating unnecessary fear.
Diagnosing AML: Tests and Veterinary Process
Veterinary Workup: If a veterinarian suspects leukemia based on a dog’s symptoms, the first step is usually to run a complete blood count (CBC) and examine a blood smear. These tests measure the levels of red cells, white cells, and platelets in the blood. In many AML cases, the CBC reveals extremely high numbers of white blood cells or the presence of abnormal immature cells (blasts) in circulation often alongside anemia (low red cells) and thrombocytopenia (low platelets). However, not every leukemia case shows high white cell counts; some forms of acute leukemia can be “aleukemic” or “subleukemic,” meaning the malignant cells are mostly confined to the bone marrow and blood counts can appear deceptively normal. Because of this, vets will also perform a thorough physical exam (checking for enlarged spleen, liver, or lymph nodes) and may run additional tests to rule out other causes of the dog’s illness.
Bone Marrow Analysis: Definitive diagnosis of AML requires examining the bone marrow. A bone marrow aspirate is typically performed, where the veterinarian uses a specialized needle to extract a small sample of bone marrow (commonly from the hip or shoulder bone) while the dog is under sedation or light anesthesia. This sample is then examined under a microscope by a veterinary pathologist. In AML, the marrow will show a high percentage of cancerous myeloid blast cells (generally 20% or more blasts is diagnostic for acute leukemia). By looking at the cells’ appearance and staining characteristics, the pathologist can usually confirm the presence of myelogenous (non-lymphoid) leukemia. In addition, flow cytometry (an immunophenotyping test) is often employed to determine the exact lineage of the leukemia cells. Flow cytometry uses antibodies to detect specific surface markers on the cancerous cells and is very useful for distinguishing AML (myeloid origin) from acute lymphocytic leukemia (lymphoid origin). This means the lab can confirm whether the proliferating blasts are myeloid cells, which is critical information for guiding treatment. Overall, diagnosing AML involves piecing together the blood tests, bone marrow findings, and sometimes advanced lab techniques – a thorough workup that ensures the condition isn’t mistaken for other diseases with similar signs.
Prognosis: What to Expect for Affected Dogs
When faced with an AML diagnosis, it’s important to be candid: the prognosis for dogs with acute myeloid leukemia is extremely poor. This cancer advances quickly, causing life-threatening problems (like severe anemia, bleeding, or infections) in a short time frame. Even with treatment, outcomes are usually guarded at best. A retrospective study of canine AML cases found the median survival time from diagnosis was only about 19 days. In that study, a few dogs that received aggressive chemotherapy survived around 2–4 months, but long-term survivors were virtually nonexistent. In general, veterinary oncologists consider AML to have an “extremely guarded” prognosis meaning it is very unlikely to be cured or even managed for more than a brief period. This is one of the most aggressive cancers seen in dogs, and unfortunately the disease often progresses despite our best efforts.
Treatment Options and Outcomes
Because AML is so aggressive, treatment options are limited and aimed mainly at giving the dog as much quality time as possible. The primary therapy attempted is usually chemotherapy, often using a combination of cancer-fighting drugs (similar to protocols used in human leukemia). For example, veterinarians may use drugs like cytosine arabinoside (cytarabine) and doxorubicin, among others, in an effort to destroy the leukemia cells. However, it must be emphasized that AML in dogs often does not respond well to chemotherapy – many dogs never achieve a remission, or only have a transient response. There have been rare cases where intensive chemo has put the disease into remission for a few months, but curing AML is not realistic with current veterinary medicine. Veterinary oncologists may also prescribe supportive medications such as corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone) to help slow down the cancer’s progression and reduce inflammation, but this is not a definitive treatment for the leukemia itself.
Supportive care is absolutely critical for any dog undergoing treatment for AML. This means addressing the secondary effects of the disease: for instance, dogs might require blood transfusions to treat severe anemia, or antibiotics to help fend off infections when their white cell counts are low. IV fluids and nutritional support can improve comfort if the dog isn’t eating or drinking well. The vet will also monitor organ function, as leukemia and chemo can strain the liver, kidneys, and other systems. Throughout the process, the goal is to maintain the best quality of life possible for as long as possible. Each family must weigh the potential benefits of aggressive chemotherapy (which, at most, might extend life on the order of a few months in some cases) against the risks and stress of treatment. In many cases of canine AML, owners and vets decide to focus on palliative care – keeping the dog comfortable with pain management, anti-nausea meds, appetite stimulants, and TLC – rather than subjecting the dog to intensive chemo that is unlikely to significantly prolong life. Sadly, humane euthanasia often becomes a consideration if the dog’s suffering can no longer be managed and their quality of life is poor. These decisions are heart-wrenching, but they are made out of compassion to prevent enduring pain. Through it all, the veterinary team will guide and support the family to do what is best for the dog.
What Causes AML? (Genetics and Risk Factors)
One of the first questions breeders and owners ask is, “Why did this happen?” With AML, the honest answer is that we often don’t know. Canine AML is usually the result of a sporadic mutation – essentially bad luck at the cellular level. A bone marrow stem cell accumulates genetic errors that cause it to grow uncontrollably, and cancer begins. There is no evidence of a hereditary component in canine AML. In other words, AML is not known to be passed down through bloodlines or associated with any particular breed or family of dogs. It tends to strike as an isolated case. Research has not identified any breed predisposition, and cases have been reported in dogs of all types, from young to old (though acute leukemias are often noted in younger dogs more than some other cancers).
Scientists have investigated possible environmental causes or triggers for leukemia in dogs, but so far none are proven. In humans, exposure to high doses of radiation or to certain chemicals like benzene can increase leukemia risk, and some viruses can cause leukemia in other species (for example, FeLV in cats) However, these links have not been conclusively demonstrated in dogs We do know that cancer, in general, is multifactorial – it results from a mix of genetic and environmental influences – but in the case of AML, there isn’t a specific blame we can pin on external factors in most instances. For breeders, this is actually a bit of a relief: a puppy developing AML does not mean you “caused” it or that your breeding dogs are genetically flawed. It appears to be a tragic chance event. That said, it’s always wise for breeders to minimize any known carcinogen exposures in their kennels (such as not using harsh chemicals where dogs live, avoiding unnecessary radiation, etc.) simply as good practice. Ultimately, AML in a dog is usually a heartbreaking fluke – an unpredictable genetic mistake in one cell that we couldn’t have foreseen or prevented with current knowledge.
What Can Responsible Breeders Do?
Even though AML is rare and typically not inherited, an ethical breeder will treat any serious health issue in their lines with gravity and care. Responsible breeders strive to be proactive and transparent when a health problem arises. Here are some steps and considerations for breeders facing an unexpected case like AML in one of their puppies:
Keep detailed health records: It’s important to maintain a record of any major health issues that occur in dogs you’ve bred, even if the parents are no longer part of your breeding program. Meticulous recordkeeping allows you to spot patterns (if any) and provides data you can share with fellow breeders for the breed’s overall knowledge base. In the case of AML, you likely won’t see a pattern because it’s usually a one-off incident, but you should still note the diagnosis in your files. Having that information on hand shows you are diligent and honest about your lines’ health history.
Communicate with puppy owners: Open, honest communication is vital as soon as a health issue is reported. If a puppy buyer informs you their dog has been diagnosed with AML (or any serious condition), respond with empathy and support. Listen to their experience and concerns. Let them know you care about the dog and the owners. Provide any information you have on the disease (like this article) and remind them that you’re there for them. Owners will appreciate a breeder who doesn’t disappear when something goes wrong – in fact, ethical breeders want their owners to feel comfortable sharing “the good, the bad, and the ugly” This trust and ongoing communication ultimately benefit the dog.
Consult your veterinarian and peers: It can be helpful to discuss the case with a veterinary professional who understands breeding genetics, as well as with other reputable breeders. While AML is almost certainly a spontaneous event, getting input from a vet can reassure you that there was likely nothing in your breeding practices that contributed. If the affected dog’s parents are still with you (even if retired), you might review their health history with your vet. You can also inform the owners of the dog’s littermates (in a factual, non-alarmist way) that one sibling was diagnosed with a rare cancer. This doesn’t mean their pups are “at risk” per se, but it keeps everyone informed and vigilant. Sharing knowledge openly is part of being a responsible breeder.
Support the puppy’s family: From a breeder’s perspective, one of the most important things you can do is be there for the owners emotionally and with guidance. Cancer in a young dog is a very emotional experience for pet owners. Check in on them, ask how the dog is doing, and see if there’s anything you can do to help. Sometimes, just providing a listening ear or helping them formulate questions to ask their vet can be a huge comfort. If you have resources – say, contacts in veterinary oncology, or you’ve learned about any clinical trials or specialists – share that information. Even if the situation is beyond what a breeder’s health guarantee covers, small gestures (like sending a care package, or even helping with a vet bill if you’re inclined and able) can demonstrate that you truly stand by your puppies and their people.
Learn and educate: Every challenge is an opportunity to learn. Use this experience to educate yourself further on canine cancers and to inform your future breeding decisions. While AML itself likely has no genetic basis, increasing your general knowledge of canine health, immune system function, and cancer can only strengthen your program. You might update your puppy materials or website to include information about what owners should do if any serious health issue arises. Emphasize that you want to be contacted in such cases. By doing so, you foster a community of trust and care around your puppies. Remember, being a great breeder isn’t just about producing wonderful puppies – it’s also about providing lifetime support to the families who welcome those puppies into their lives.
In summary, a case of AML in one of your puppies is something you hope to never encounter, but if it does happen, respond with professionalism and compassion. Document the case, communicate openly, and do what you can to help the owner. This not only upholds your reputation as an ethical breeder, but, most importantly, it’s the right thing to do for the dog and its family.
Stokeshire’s Approach: Partnership and Support for Puppy Families
At Stokeshire Designer Doodles, we are deeply committed to the health and well-being of our puppies and to the peace of mind of our puppy owners. We put this commitment in writing through our Three-Year Health & Wellness Partnership Guarantee. This guarantee covers genetic health conditions for the first 3 years of a puppy’s life, reflecting our confidence in our breeding program and our dedication to standing behind each puppy we sell. While a cancer like AML would be considered an unforeseeable, non-genetic event, our promise to our owners goes beyond the letter of the guarantee. Every Stokeshire puppy comes with a “breeder for life” pledge – if at any point an owner cannot care for their dog, we will gladly take the dog back and ensure it finds a suitable home. Our number one goal is that all of our dogs live long, healthy lives in loving families, and we see ourselves as partners in achieving that goal.
Proactive communication is a cornerstone of Stokeshire’s approach. We encourage our puppy families to keep in touch and to inform us of any health concerns that arise, no matter how minor or major. In the rare event that one of our puppies were to be diagnosed with a serious illness like AML, our immediate response would be one of empathy, action, and transparency. We would reach out to the family and make sure they have all the support and information we can provide. This might include helping them understand the diagnosis and treatment options (in plain language during what can be an overwhelming time), connecting them with specialist vets or resources such as the latest veterinary oncology research, and simply being there to listen. Our experience has shown that breeders and owners working together as a team can significantly ease the burden during a health crisis.
Finally, our Three-Year Health & Wellness Partnership isn’t just about a written guarantee – it’s about the relationship we maintain with our puppy owners. We consider our Stokeshire families to be an extension of our own family. That means celebrating the good times (like updates on birthdays and accomplishments) and being supportive during hard times. If an owner ever faces a heartbreaking diagnosis like cancer in their young dog, they will never have to face it alone. We’ll help communicate with other owners if needed (for instance, letting littermate families know of a health issue, in an appropriate way), and we’ll be honest and compassionate in all our communications. Our approach is rooted in the values of professionalism, transparency, and compassion. We want our puppy owners to feel comfortable reaching out about any issue, and to know that we are here to help guide them. In essence, when you get a puppy from Stokeshire, you gain a lifetime of support and partnership. Together, we will do everything in our power to ensure our dogs are healthy and that any challenges are met with knowledge, care, and love.
References
“Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Dogs.” WagWalking Pet Health Library. WagWalking, n.d. Web. 29 Sept. 2025.
Hacker, Charlotte, PhD. “Leukemia in Dogs.” PetMD. PetMD, 3 July 2023. Web. 29 Sept. 2025.
Davis, L. L., et al. “A Retrospective Review of Acute Myeloid Leukemia in 35 Dogs (2007–2015).” Veterinary and Comparative Oncology 16.2 (2018): n. pag. Web. 29 Sept. 2025.
“Leukemia in Dogs – Types, Symptoms, and Treatment.” DogCancer.com. Dog Cancer, n.d. Web. 29 Sept. 2025.
National Canine Cancer Foundation. “Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Dogs.” Canine Cancer Library. National Canine Cancer Foundation, n.d. Web. 29 Sept. 2025.
Norton-Childs, Rebecca. “Breeder and Owner Communication.” PupStarts Breeders Blog. PupStarts Breeders, 27 Mar. 2025. Web. 29 Sept. 2025.
Stokeshire Designer Doodles. “Our Guarantee & Health Contract.” Stokeshire Designer Doodles. Stokeshire Designer Doodles, n.d. Web. 29 Sept. 2025.