Canine Lung Cancer Treatment

Cancer that begins in a dog's lungs, known as primary lung cancer, is uncommon. Secondary lung cancer, or lung cancer that spreads or metastasizes from another part of a dog's body, is more common --- though still relatively rare.
Most dogs diagnosed with lung cancer are older, with an average age of diagnosis being 11 years. It is more often diagnosed in medium- to large-sized dogs.

Symptoms

In the early stages, canine lung cancer shows few symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, many dogs begin to cough. A cough that doesn't go away in a few weeks or months is one of the most common symptoms that guardians of dogs with lung cancer report to their veterinarians.
One in four dogs develops some type of limp. A dog's chest may become enlarged as lymph nodes swell with the cancer's progression. The dog also begins to breath heavily and pant more often. As the disease continues to progress, the dog loses its appetite and begins to lose weight.

Diagnosis

If your veterinarian suspects that your dog has lung cancer, the doctor likely begins with a complete history of your dog and a physical examination, followed by a blood count, biochemical profile, urinalysis, chest radiographs, and X-rays or ultrasounds.
If the veterinarian finds that your dog's lymph nodes are swollen or that there are other indications that point to lung cancer, the doctor will likely take a biopsy.

Biopsy

There are different procedures a veterinarian may use to take a biopsy of your dog's lungs. The most common method is to take a biopsy by doing an exploratory thoracotomy. With this procedure the veterinarian opens your dog's chest cavity in surgery. The mass is likely completely removed at this time and the veterinarian uses the mass to determine whether the tumor is cancerous.
Another method used for obtaining the biopsy is thoracoscopy, which is performed by making a small incision in the chest. A long tube or scope with a camera is inserted to allow the veterinarian to see your dog's lungs. The doctor may also take a biopsy using this method.

Treatment

Treatment for canine lung cancer includes two main options, with the determination of which to use depending upon where the cancer is in your dog's body.
If the cancer is in only one area, surgery is the primary treatment option.
If the cancer has spread to other areas of your pet's body, the veterinarian will likely recommend chemotherapy or radiation.
Some veterinarians may also recommend that you provide your dog with a natural dietary supplement to boost the immune system during cancer treatment. This supportive treatment is used for human cancer patients. However, you should check with your dog's veterinarian before adding any supplement to your dog's treatment.

Pain Management

Your veterinarian may also recommend that you provide your dog with pain management therapy during cancer treatments.
If your pet is not exhibiting signs of pain, carprofen and etodolac --- common pain relievers for dogs --- will most likely be prescribed.
If your dog has more advanced cancer and is visibly in pain, the veterinarian may recommend narcotics such as morphine or fentanyl.

Prognosis

Canine lung cancer shows few symptoms in its early stages, and the disease is rarely diagnosed early. Because of this, few dogs survive the illness. Prognosis depends upon how early in the cancer's progression treatment was begun and whether the cancer had metastasized to other parts of your dog's body. Survival rates vary from months to years.

Resources

• Dog Illnesses