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Lung Cancer in Dogs

Lung cancer in dogs usually occurs due to cancer cells metastasizing to the lung from other parts of the body.

Canine lung cancer can be primary lung cancer or metastatic lung cancer.

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Primary lung cancer is defined as lung tumors that originate in the lung. The tumors are almost always malignant and are usually carcinomas (often adenocarnimas), although can be hemangiosarcomas. The tumors are easily visible on a chest x-ray as one large solitary mass. Primary canine lung cancer is rare but is aggressive and can metastasize to the regional lymph nodes in the upper chest area. Adenocarcinomas tend to spread to the central nervous system.

Metastatic lung cancer originates in other parts of the body such as a leg bone, the mouth, or the thyroid gland, but has spread to the lung through the bloodstream. Metastatic lung tumors usually present themselves in multiples, not as a single mass.

Signs of Lung Cancer in Dogs

Lung Cancer in Dogs

Usually there are no symptoms in the early stages of canine lung cancer.

When the cancer has progressed further, one hallmark symptom is a non-productive chronic cough (i.e. the dog is not coughing up mucus) although the cough may produce small amounts of phlegm or blood. In addition, the dog may show some of these signs:

  • Diffifculty breathing (dyspnea) - This occurs when the tumor is large enough to cause compression of the trachea. Dyspnea associated with canine lung cancer can also be caused by excessive fluid accumulation around the lungs (pleural effusion).
  • Lameness - This occurs when the cancer metastasizes to the limbs.
  • Lethargy
  • Weight loss
  • Appetite loss

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Causes of Lung Cancer in Dogs

For primary lung cancer, many veterinarians now believe that exposure to second-hand smoke is one of the causes, especially among short or medium-nosed dogs, because their shorter nasal passage cannot stop the inhaled second-hand smoke carcinogens from reaching the lungs.

Risk Factors for Lung Cancer in Dogs

Canine lung cancer can affect all dogs - male and female dogs alike. Also, there does not seem to have any known predispositions with respect to breed and the development of lung canine in dogs.

However, dog lung cancer is more common in medium to large sized dogs, especially older ones.

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Diagnosis of Lung Cancer in Dogs

If a dog shows signs of canine lung cancer, a preliminary diagnosis is usually done with chest x-rays. The vet will look for the presence of any lung tumors, the size of the tumors, as well as fluid in the chest cavity.

If a tumor is seen, examination with a fine needle aspirate and biopsy of lung tissue may have to be done to confirm malignancy.

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Treatment for Lung Cancer in Dogs

Canine Lung Cancer

In the case of primary lung cancer, surgery is the primary treatment.

However, depending on the size and location of the tumor, complete or even partial removal may not be possible. In such cases, depending on the type of tumor, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be recommended in addition to surgery to prevent the spread or re-growth of the cancerous tissues.

In cases of metastatic lung cancer, surgery is ruled out. Instead, metastatic lung cancer is treated with radiation or chemotherapy.

Prognosis of dog lung cancer ranges from two months to two years, depending on whether the cancer has spread to the regional lymph nodes or other parts of the body before surgery.

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Natural Remedies for Lung Cancer in Dogs

Although natural remedies such as herbs, homeopathic remedies, and natural supplements may not be able to destroy tumors, they are nonetheless effective in strengthening the immune system, making the body stronger to fight against diseases such as cancer.

Some dog parents have reported success in using the herbal formula "Essiac" to treat canine cancer, while others swear by such remedies as the "Budwig Diet".

For more information on these and other natural remedies for canine cancer, please visit our pages on Herbs for Cancer in Dogs and Dog Cancer Diet.



Related Topics

Dog Cancer
Symptoms of Dog Cancer
Conventional Cancer Treatment for Dog Patients
Herbs for Cancer in Dogs
Dog Cancer Diet

References

S. Messonnier, The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs (New World Library, 2006).
A.D. Shojai, New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats (Rodale Press, Inc., 1999).

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