Canine Lung Cancer

Summary:

"Canine Lung Cancer could have started in the lungs or is the result of cancer that spread from other parts of the body. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation."

Overview

In dogs carcinomas (lung, prostate, breast cancer) significantly outweigh other types of cancer.

Lung Cancer can be caused by cancer cells that either start in the lungs or other parts of your dog's body. Cancer that spreads from other places is the most common cause - referred to as cancer that has metastasized or spread.

Canine Lung Cancer Symptoms

Symptoms can include a cough that doesn't seem to go away after weeks or months. 1 out of 4 dogs show some kind of limp and the same number have no symptoms. The chest could also be enlarged due to the lymph nodes getting larger. If your dog shows these symptoms it is possible that there is a lung infection and not cancer.

Diagnosis

Cancer that is in the lungs tends to spread to nearby lymph nodes. The lymphatic system is responsible for your dogs immune system response. X-rays are taken to see if the lymph nodes are enlarged from trapped cancer cells. Once these enlarged nodes are seen then a veterinarian will take a sample for testing (biopsy).

Canine Lung Cancer Treatment

Surgery is recommended if the lung cancer is contained in one area. Cancer that spreads from other areas are treated with chemotherapy or radiation.

You also might want to consider a natural dietary supplement made to help boost the immune system in cancer patients as a supportive therapy. The one made by PetAlive was formulated for this purpose. Check with your veterinarian before combining any supplement with other treatments.

Prognosis (Survival) of Lung Cancer in Dogs

Survival rates range from months to years.

Second Hand Smoke and Lung Cancer in Dogs

A study conducted by Colorado State University did not show a strong link between smoking in a household and lung cancer. The same result was found when there was one or multiple smokers in the home.

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Sources for Canine Cancer

Passive Smoking and Canine Lung Cancer Risk
John S. Reif, Kari Dunn, Gregory K. Ogilvie and Cheryl K. Harris
Department of Environmental Health, Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO

The Animal Diagnostic Clinic Dallas, TX

Nutrition and Cancer: New Keys for Cure and Control 2003!
Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO

Gregory K. Ogilvie, DVM, DACVIM (Internal Medicine & Oncology)
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO, USA

Prostatic Disease in the Dog
Peter E. Holt, BVMS, PhD, ILTM, DECVS, CBiol, FIBiol, FRCVS
Professor of Veterinary Surgery, University of Bristol
Department of Clinical Veterinary Science
Langford, Bristol, UK

Lymphoma
Antony Moore, BVSC Diplomate ACVIM
Director, Veterinary Oncology Consultants
379 Lake Innes Drive
Wauchope NSW 2446, Australia

Canine Brain Tumors: Improvements in Diagnosis and Treatment
R Chun
School of Veterinary Medicine
University of Wisconsin-Madison

Neoplasia of the Nervous System (spinal tumors)
S. Long
School of Veterinary Medicine
University of Pennsylvania

Current Therapy for Canine Oral Tumors
M. Kessler
Tierklinik Hofheim, Germany

Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook
James M. Giffin
Liisa D. Carlson DVM

Hound Health Handbook
Betsy Brevitz, DVM