Tumors (lungs)

Description

Tumors of the lung can develop primarily from respiratory tissue or metastasize from tumors in other organs.

Course

Lung tumors are more commonly seen in dogs more than seven years old. Early symptoms are unspecific. Affected dogs appear less active and show a varying degree of appetite. Intermittent coughing and labored breathing may occur if larger portions of the lung have been invaded. If the cough is productive, traces of blood may be seen inside the mucus. If the condition progresses, the animal loses weight and becomes anorexic.

Cause

Amongst primary lung tumors adenocarcinoma is the most common one, develops from glandular tissue. Carcinoma (cancer) of the mammary glands or lymphoma is the most likely to spread to the lung and cause metastatic tumors.

Therapy

Tumors can be seen on x-rays of the lung. If detection occurs at an early stage of the disease, chemotherapy or alternatively, treatment with high doses of anti-inflammatory drugs can be successful. Early detection is extremely important, as the prognosis for progressed tumor infiltration is usually poor.

Emergency

If you suspect that your dog is suffering a tumor of the lungs, consult a veterinary clinic as soon as possible.

Diseases