Lung Cancer In Dogs

Published on May 12 2010, in the categories: In Dogs

Lung cancer can be just as deadly in dogs as it is in humans and its symptoms are even more difficult to detect on time. With other factors involved such as costly treatment and indifferent owners lung cancer is most likely to result in death.

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The trouble with the symptoms is that they are very similar to simple changes in disposition and other benign conditions. How many of us really pay attention to symptoms like: lethargy, appetite loss, coughing, lameness, difficulty breathing? Only when it's too late, and they become more drastic, such as coughing out blood do we start worrying.
Since smoking is not the case, what is it that causes lung cancer among dogs? The truth is that it is also directly linked with smoking as second hand smoke is the primary cause, followed by life conditions in the modern urban environment.
Puppy Exam

Two main types of cancer can be found in dogs based on the stage and characteristic of the tumor: metastatic and primary and they can both be either benign or malign. The metastatic tumor can originate in other parts of the body such as bones and which can later reach the lungs. Metastatic benign tumors can also be traced back to fungal infections in other parts of the body. The primary tumors are those that originate in the lungs and these are usually malignant.
Lung cancer leaves little room for proper decision concerning the dog's life. Many owners can care dearly about their dog but if they cannot afford the very expensive treatment they are many times left with no other option than euthanasia. Many doctors even recommend this procedure instead of battling the disease. If you do decide to go through with the treatment you have to be aware also of the impact treatment will have on the dog and the follow up treatment and the general life conditions the dog will need to be provided with after being cured. A cruel reality might even be that surgery or any other treatment can only buy the dog a few more years of life. Chances for complete recovery are rarely realistic.
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You need to be aware of all these before making a decision. It can be heart-breaking and you might feel overwhelmingly guilty but the truth is that a wise decision is one that takes all these into consideration and one that is mature enough not to put the dog through strenuous treatment just to postpone the fatal end. The cost is also not to be neglected. Don't beat yourself out for not affording the best treatment for your dog. These things happen and ultimately, the most important thing is to make sure that no matter how much your dog lives he knows he is loved and taken care of.

Symptoms Of Lung Cancer In Dogs

Published on Feb 16 2010, in the categories: In Dogs, Symptoms, Useful Info

Lung cancer can appear in dogs of any size or breed. Primary lung cancer in dogs is rare, it more often spreads from other parts of the body. The cancer usually appears in areas like a leg bone, the mouth or the thyroid gland and then spreads to the lung. Unfortunately in dogs there are no early symptoms of the lung cancer and by the time symptoms can be observed the cancer has spread and requires invasive treatment.

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The symptoms of lung cancer in dogs that can be observed are the following: chronic cough or non-productive chronic cough, because the dog isn't coughing up mucus, but can produce phlegm or blood; difficulty breathing; this is caused by the tumor compressing the trachea; wheezing can occur; wheezing is a sound caused while breathing; lameness or the inability to use on or more limbs appears when the cancer spreads to the legs; lethargy; weight loss; as the dog becomes more lethargic he will eat less and loose weight.

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However noticing these symptoms is not enough to diagnose your dog, as symptoms may also be caused by other conditions. But if you do notice anything similar to these symptoms you should take your dog to the veterinarian. Your veterinarian will first need an X-ray and if tumors are spotted, he may require more tests.

Because lung cancer in dogs is difficult to detect in an early stage, due to lack of symptoms, prognosis for this illness is not good, and the fatality rate is very high. However depending on the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed and treated, the dog may survive for months or even years. At other times however when the dog's suffering increases and becomes obvious the veterinarian may suggest euthanasia. Although that may be painful for you, it would end the dog's suffering.

As mentioned before some symptoms may be common to a number of conditions, so it is best to see a doctor when any symptoms occur. You may also want to read up on any things that you notice to be out of the ordinary in your dog. Some symptoms are no cause for alarm and can be easily treated, while others need immediate attention and more complex responses.

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You may also want to take some time to study the causes that lead to lung cancer and what can be done to avoid them. The same as in humans, lung cancer can be caused by air pollutants and second hand smoking. Second hand smoking can be easily avoided by keeping your dog away from environments filled with cigarette smoke. As for air pollutants, they are more difficult to avoid, but measures can be taken, like testing your house for any dangerous chemicals and taking measures to reduce those chemicals if the need is identified.