Lung Cancer in Dogs

Lung cancer in dogs affects their health badly. There are two ways by which lung cancer can occur in dogs. Lung cancer in dogs occurs due to various reasons. If the tumors are localized to lungs they are called primary tumors. While the metastatic tumors are not localized. The metastatic tumors spread from other body areas to the lungs. Lung x-ray helps to diagnose lung cancer in dogs. For further information regarding lung cancer in dogs, keep reading here at PetVet.

Lung cancer in dogs also known as Adenocarcinoma. It can occur due to tumor formation in the lungs or elsewhere in the body. A tumor is defined as an uncontrolled cell division. Some tumors are benign and others are malignant. The benign means localized and malignant means tumor can metastasize. There are two types of pulmonary tumors that cause lung cancer that includes primary tumors and metastatic tumors. The primary and metastatic tumors can cause lung cancer in dogs. The pathogenesis of these tumors different from each other. First, we will discuss the primary then the second one. X rays will give you a clear picture of the situation.

Just like lung cancer, bone cancer in dogs is also a life-threatening condition.

Primary tumors cause lung cancer in dogs

Primary tumors originate from the lungs and not as common as metastatic tumors. These tumors rarely target dogs. On the other hand, metastatic tumors are common and spread from distinct sites. The primary tumors affecting people more frequently especially over the last 20 years. All this is possible just because of the advancement in modern science. That helps to increase the lifespan of the dogs. By increasing lifespan, dogs have become more prone to cancer-causing agents. This is also an edge for modern science to diagnose tumors in later ages of life. 25% of dogs show no signs and symptoms related to the tumor that leads to lung cancer in dogs.

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In addition, the detection of the tumor has also made easy by the use of modern technology. These tumors are usually diagnosed in dogs at an average age of 10 to 12 years. The tumor targets the dog population without any discrimination of breed and gender. Almost 80 percent of the primary tumors are malignant. That can spread to other body areas e.g lymph nodes, bones, and the brain. The primary tumor growth depends on the location of the tumor and the rate of tumor growth. Any current or previous lung disease can also exaggerate the situation.

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Signs of the primary tumors in dogs

1.Coughing and vomiting

2.Weight loss

3.Lethargy

4.Labored breathing

5.Loss of appetite

6.Reduced exercise tolerance,

7.Tachypnea

8.Wheezing

9.Fever

Diagnosis and treatment options

X rays are very helpful in the diagnosis of lung cancer in dogs. With the help of an x-ray, the location of the tumor can be determined. But sometimes along with x rays, other options should also be considered. The primary tumors are usually removed by the surgery to prevent lung cancer in dogs. If the tumor spread then chemotherapy is the best treatment option. If a tumor treated on time then survival time increased to about 12 months. But if it did not operate on time then the survival time has decreased to 2 months. If the tumor reoccurs after the operation then it can death ultimately.

Metastatic tumors in lungs

The metastatic tumors originate from another area that spread towards the lungs. These tumors metastasize to the lungs via the bloodstream or lymphatic system. The signs of this tumor are similar to the primary tumor. The severity of the tumor can be accessed by the number of lesions. The diagnosis and treatment of metastatic tumors are similar to those of the primary tumor.

Diagnosis and treatment of metastatic tumor

X rays help to diagnose the metastatic tumor. Ultrasound and MRI may be recommended to determine whether cancer metastasized or not. A biopsy may be helpful to see the tumor under the microscope. CT scan performed to determine the location of the tumors

The radiation and chemotherapy are the possible treatment options when the surgery isn’t suitable. Before the surgery different lung x rays are beneficial to find up to which level the tumor metastasized. But in the number of cases, it is not possible to see the tumors because of their smaller size.

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