Recognizing And Treating Lung Cancer In Dogs

Recognizing And Treating Lung Cancer In Dogs

 

If your pet is sick, you’re naturally worried and concerned. And receiving a diagnosis of cancer can be especially heartbreaking.

 

If your dog has lung cancer, you most likely have many questions, and we’re here to provide you the answers you need to have peace of mind.

 

 

In this article, we are going to look at the causes, symptoms, stages, and life expectancy for lung cancer in dogs, as well as the treatment options available for your pup.

 

If you need to know anything else about cancers affecting dogs, please refer to our complete guide to dog cancer for more details.

 

 

What Is Lung Cancer In Dogs?

 

Lung tumors in dogs are rare, and they fall into one of two categories: primary tumors, or metastatic tumors, which are much more common.

 

Primary tumors refer to tumors that develop in the lungs first. Lung tumors in dogs are most often malignant (cancerous), and they have a high chance of spreading to other parts of the body.

 

Metastatic lung cancer in dogs refers to tumors that started elsewhere in the body, but metastasized (spread) to the lungs. 

 

Primary lung tumors are often one singular growth, whereas metastatic tumors generally present as multiple, smaller growths. 

 

 

What Causes Lung Cancer in Dogs?

 

As with most cancers, it is difficult to name one single cause for lung cancer in dogs - both environmental and genetic factors seem to be involved.

 

While lung cancer affects male and female dogs at the same rate, certain breeds are at higher risk for developing lung cancer, such as Boxers and Dobermans. 

 

Older dogs are also more often diagnosed with lung cancer.

 

Some connections have also been made to second-hand smoke inhalation and an increased risk of lung cancer in dogs. 

 

 

 

Symptoms of Lung Cancer in Dogs

 

Signs of lung cancer in dogs might be different from case to case, and it’s important to note that 25% of dogs don’t show any symptoms. However, most dogs show some signs of respiratory problems, such as trouble breathing. 

 

Here are some symptoms of lung cancer in dogs to look out for:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Coughing
  • Inability to exercise
  • Weight Loss
  • Lethargy

 

Canine lung cancer can be difficult to diagnose early - so if you see any of the above symptoms, make sure to schedule a check up for your pup! The earlier this cancer is caught, the better the outlook.

 

 

Lung Cancer in Dogs: Stages

 

The majority of tumors found in dogs are metastatic, not primary. Unfortunately, metastatic lung cancer in dogs often develops in the later stages, meaning that if your pup has a metastatic tumor in his/her lungs, their cancer has most likely progressed to a more severe stage.

 

Primary lung tumors in dogs are very likely to spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes or other parts of the lungs. In the later stages of primary lung cancer, up to 90%of dogs will see the tumors spread outside the lungs.  

 

 

Lung Cancer in Dogs: Life Expectancy

 

Life expectancy for lung cancer in dogs can range anywhere from 2 months to nearly 2 years. The outlook is best for dogs with a singular primary lung tumor that has not yet spread to different locations. 

 

Metastatic lung cancer in dogs has the worst outlook: if there are multiple tumors that have spread to other areas such as the lymph nodes, life expectancy might be as little as a couple months. 

 

 

Can Lung Cancer in Dogs Be Treated Naturally?

 

Whether your dog has been diagnosed with a primary lung cancer, or their cancer has moved to the lungs from somewhere else, we understand that you want to offer them the best treatment available.

 

Your veterinarian may have suggested treatment options such as surgery or chemotherapy depending on your dog’s unique circumstances. Although there are many different treatments for lung cancer in dogs, holistic treatment options are available!

 

Here at Zumalka, it’s our mission to provide natural products for animals. We have worked hard at creating PIPTOPET: a broadband antiviral and antibiotic natural product designed to not only boost your pup’s immune system. A strong immune system can also help to reduce occurrences of secondary infections.

 

Piptopet uses its anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties to help your dog during his attack against cancerous cells.

 

 

While a cancer diagnosis is never easy to deal with, having all the information can make it easier. I hope the information above proves helpful in your pup’s fight against cancer!

 

Denyse Lessard
Denyse Lessard

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