What Practitioners Should Understand About Bovine Lymphosarcoma

Abstract

<p>Bovine lymphosarcoma (BLS) is a common neoplasm found in both dairy and beef cattle. It is important for veterinarians, dairy producers and beef producers to gain a thorough understanding of BLS. The 'first step in understanding BLS is to define the disease. Bovine leukosis, bovine leukemia, bovine lymphoma, and malignant lymphoma are misnomers that add confusion and frustration in understanding the disease process of BLS. There are currently four distinct forms of BLS: calf form, thymic form, skin form, and adult or bovine leukemia virus (BLV) associated form. In understanding these forms of BLS it is important to know what clinical signs to look for, how to make the diagnosis, the treatment options and recommendations for prevention and control.</p>