Lung Cancer in Dogs

Lung cancer is rarer in canines, but not impossible for our furry companions to develop. In this post, our Thousand Oaks vets discuss lung cancer in dogs, signs and symptoms, and how it is treated.

Lung Cancer in Dogs

Vets have noticed an increase of dogs diagnosed with lung cancer in the last 20 years.

While the reasons for this increase are unclear, it could partly be due to the overall increase in the longevity of dogs, since the disease is most often seen in older pets. Other possible reasons for the rise in the number of cases could be, improved diagnostics and awareness of the disease, or possibly increased exposure to cancer-causing agents in the environment.

Some breeds, including boxers, doberman pinschers, Australian shepherds, and Bernese mountain dogs appear to face a greater risk of developing lung cancer, however exposure to cigarette smoke also appears to play a role.

Primary vs Metastic Lung Tumors in Dogs

Lung tumors fall into 2 different categories:

Primary lung tumors are tumors which originate in the dog's lung. Although primary lung tumors are rare, when they do occur in dogs, a large percentage are cancerous. Sadly, primary lung tumors often spread to other parts of the dog's body including the lymph nodes, chest cavity, bones and brain.

Metastatic lung tumors are tumors originating from a cancer elsewhere in the body which has spread to the pet's lungs.

Signs of Lung Cancer in Dogs

Many dogs with a lung tumor show no related symptoms, while other dogs may display one or more of the following symptoms depending on the size and location of the tumor:

While both primary lung cancer and metastatic lung cancer have similar symptoms, coughing tends to be less common with metastatic tumors.

Diagnosing Lung Cancer

Since a large proportion of dogs show no symptoms, lung cancer is often detected when the dog has an x-ray or other diagnostic testing due to an unrelated health issue.

Diagnostic testing for lung cancer in dogs typically begins with a chest x-ray. If your vet can see signs of a tumor in your dog's lung, an ultrasound guided aspirate, biopsy, abdominal ultrasound or CT scan may recommended. Following a diagnosis of lung cancer, further testing can be helpful in determining the best treatment options for your dog.

Treatment for Lung Cancer in Dogs

If your dog is diagnosed with lung cancer, surgery to remove the portion of the lung where the tumor is located may be recommended. Most dogs recover well from this procedure and return home quickly after the surgery. That said, if your dog's tumor cannot be surgically removed, or if the cancer has spread, chemotherapy and/or radiation may be recommended by your vet.

Life Expectancy For Dogs With Lung Cancer

Sadly, for dogs diagnosed with lung cancer the prognosis is poor. Dogs treated for a single primary lung tumor which has not spread to the lymph nodes have an average survival time of about 12 months, however if the dog's lymph nodes also show signs of cancer, or if multiple tumors are found, life expectancy is only about 2 months. For best treatment outcomes, early diagnosis and treatment are essential.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.