Lung Tumors and Lung Cancer in Dogs: Examination, Symptoms, Surgery, Treatment Methods, and Tips for Improvement and CureThe Power of Immunity to Overcome Lung Cancer
Lung cancer in dogs is not very common, but due to its lack of early symptoms, it is often already advanced by the time it is noticed.
Additionally, it is not uncommon for cancer originating from other parts of the body to metastasize to the lungs. However, we believe that by engaging in immune-system treatments, it is possible to improve the dog’s condition, maintain their quality of life (QoL), and restore their vitality and appetite.
In fact, there have been many cases where we were able to control cancer in dogs through immune-system strategies using Cordy. This page summarizes the causes, symptoms, treatments, and tips for improvement and potential recovery for lung cancer.
We have introduced many cases of improvement. We hope this information can serve as a support and a beacon of hope for everyone.
A malignant tumor in the lungs is referred to as lung cancer or a malignant pulmonary tumor.
Primary lung cancer in dogs is not a very common condition.
Because lung cancer has no prominent early-stage symptoms, it is not uncommon for it to be advanced by the time it is discovered.
Common Symptoms
Faster breathing
Increased coughing
Coughing up blood-tinged phlegm
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
By the time these symptoms appear, the lung cancer is often already in an advanced stage.
Types of Lung Cancer and Pulmonary Tumors in Dogs
When cancer forms in the lungs themselves, it is referred to as “primary lung cancer.” When cancer from other regions metastasizes to the lungs, it is called “metastatic lung cancer” or a “pulmonary tumor.”
Primary Lung Cancer and Pulmonary Tumors in Dogs
Primary lung cancer and tumors in dogs and cats can be classified into adenocarcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, glandular squamous cell carcinomas, and bronchial alveolar carcinomas.
Metastatic Lung Cancer and Pulmonary Tumors in Dogs
Because the lungs are organs where blood accumulates, metastatic lung cancer or pulmonary tumors, which are cancers that metastasize to the lungs from other areas, are not uncommon.
For example, cancers originating in organs such as the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas may metastasize to the lungs. Tumors of the mammary glands (breast cancer) or those occurring in the oral cavity or skin can also metastasize to the liver.
Various cancers can metastasize to the lungs, including hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, osteosarcoma, mast cell tumor, melanoma, thyroid cancer, fibrosarcoma, and liposarcoma.
Causes of Lung Cancer and Lung Tumors in Dogs
Causes of Primary Lung Cancer and Lung Tumors
In humans, smoking is known to be a cause of lung cancer. Similarly, in dogs and cats, exposure to cigarette smoke and living with smokers are significant causes of lung cancer.
Households with smokers need to be cautious.
Especially in brachycephalic breeds like Pugs, where the nasal cavity is short, carcinogens from cigarette smoke can easily reach the lungs.
Additionally, medium and large dogs are more prone to lung cancer compared to small dogs and cats.
Causes of Metastatic Lung Cancer and Lung Tumors
The causes of metastatic lung cancer and lung tumors vary depending on the location of the initial (primary) cancer.
When blood flow is obstructed or body temperature is low, metastasis is more likely, so keeping the body warm is crucial.
Diagnosis of Lung Cancer and Lung Tumors in Dogs
The following are some of the diagnostic tests available.
Lung Cancer and Lung Tumor Diagnostic Tests
Blood tests
Radiography (X-rays)
CT scans
Needle biopsy
As mentioned above, tumors in the lungs often do not show symptoms in the early stages.
However, as cancer progresses, the dog may start coughing frequently, breathing may become labored, and noticeable changes may occur. You may also notice small amounts of blood mixed with phlegm.
Symptoms such as coughing and difficulty breathing can also be caused by other infections or diseases, such as heartworm. Therefore, if these symptoms are present, further detailed testing is necessary to identify the cause.
Additionally, CT scans can be costly and might require sedation or other medications during the procedure, so it is recommended to consult thoroughly with your veterinarian to determine whether the test is truly necessary.
Lung cancer or tumors can potentially be cured if the cancer can be completely removed via surgery.
If the cancer is a single mass, non-invasive, and without lymph node or other organ metastasis, the pet might have a chance for long-term survival after surgery, making it worthwhile to consider the procedure.
On the other hand, cases with lymph node or other organ metastasis, or multiple tumors within the lungs should be approached with caution.
Even if the cancer appears to be thoroughly removed, residual cells often remain at the microscopic level, leading to rapid recurrence in most cases.
Therefore, in many instances, surgery is not advised.
Curative Surgery for Lung Cancer and Tumors in Dogs
There are two types of surgeries: curative and palliative.
Curative surgery aims to thoroughly prevent recurrence by removing as much of the surrounding area containing the tumor as possible.
However, it must be noted that it only offers the ‘possibility’ of a cure and does not guarantee one.
When cancer is confined to a specific part of the lung, there is a possibility of long-term survival after resection, so it is worth considering surgery.
Conversely, if the cancer is widespread within the lungs or has metastasized to lymph nodes or other organs, completely removing the tumor is challenging, and the physical burden of surgery is substantial, necessitating careful decision-making.
It is recommended to thoroughly discuss with your veterinarian whether surgery is the best option.
Palliative Surgery for Lung Cancer and Tumors in Dogs
Palliative surgery, also known as palliative care surgery, is a method used when wide-ranging resection cannot be performed or complete resection is not possible. It aims to temporarily alleviate issues caused by the tumor to maintain the quality of life (QOL) as much as possible by partially removing the tumor.
Palliative surgery is not intended to cure cancer, but to alleviate symptoms.
Chemotherapy for Lung Cancer and Tumors in Dogs
Chemotherapy may also be used to treat lung cancer and tumors in dogs and cats.
However, chemotherapy is not a treatment aimed at curing cancer but rather at temporarily reducing the tumor’s size.
※Receiving chemotherapy does not guarantee that the cancer will shrink.
Lung cancer and tumors are very resistant to chemotherapy.
If chemotherapy is recommended, it is essential to thoroughly confirm whether the expected treatment effects will not worsen the pet’s quality of life (QOL) due to side effects and then decide whether to proceed with the treatment.
Radiation Therapy for Lung Cancer and Tumors in Dogs
Radiation therapy may be used in conjunction with surgery or as a standalone treatment.
However, the response to radiation varies among individuals, and the treatment requires general anesthesia, which inevitably stresses the body.
In the case of elderly dogs or those with lung conditions, the anesthesia risk is higher, requiring careful deliberation.
Additionally, radiation therapy involves radiation exposure, so it cannot be repeated multiple times.
### Important Things to Consider When Treating Lung Cancer and Lung Tumors in Dogs
Both surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy have their benefits and drawbacks.
Depending on the dog’s physical condition and the state of the cancer, it may be better to actively pursue treatment. However, there is also the possibility that treatment could lower their quality of life (QOL).
No one knows your dog’s condition better than you, the owner.
You don’t want to end up in a situation where you pursued treatment just because the veterinarian recommended it, but upon receiving the treatment, your dog’s condition worsened, or they ended up suffering more.
So, as the owner, please take the lead in deciding whether to “pursue treatment,” “not pursue treatment,” or “take a break” for your beloved dog or cat.
## Alternative Therapies for Lung Cancer and Lung Tumors in Dogs
As the name implies, alternative therapies are treatments other than surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Many alternative therapies are easier on the body, allowing for the possibility to combine multiple treatments at the same time.
Less damage to the body means that it is not limited by the stage or condition of the disease.
Preventing recurrence before or after surgery, cases where surgery is not possible, and times when physical strength is reduced—alternative therapies can often be applied.
There is significant value in considering alternative therapies, particularly in the following scenarios:
Symptoms to Consider for Alternative Therapies
When there are complications and there is a high risk with general treatment
Trying to coexist with cancer
Prioritizing the prevention of QOL (Quality of Life) decline
Before a definitive diagnosis is made
When the diagnosis does not seem satisfactory
Alternative therapies can be performed in parallel with hospital treatments (such as surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy), and synergistic effects can be expected, so please actively consider alternative therapies.
What You Can Do at Home – Diet Therapy
Just like humans, your dog’s body is made up of their daily meals.
Reconsidering meals = improving constitution.
To maintain your dog’s immune power, first review the daily meals.
The goal of diet therapy is to slow the growth of cancer, build strength, and improve conditions such as anemia and albumin levels.
Our company highly values a nutritional approach as the foundation of treatment.
For cancer to grow, carbohydrates (glucose) are necessary.
Therefore, restricting carbohydrates as much as possible can be started immediately, without burdening the body or risking side effects.
However, diet therapy cannot be implemented without the cooperation of your family at home.
Provide plenty of proteins like fish, meat, tofu, and natto, and reduce the amount of carbohydrate-rich foods.
Changing the diet alone will not cure cancer, but limiting the carbohydrates, which are essential for lung cancer/tumor growth, can slow the rate of progression.
Although it takes more time and effort than just giving food, we hope you can start without overthinking it.
Immune Measures Are Crucial for Lung Tumors and Lung Cancer
Whether your dog undergoes surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, boosting immunity is crucial.
At the Cordy Lab, we study how Cordy affects immunity.
Though the extent of the response is uncertain, there is sufficient possibility that it will at least increase appetite and restore energy.
At our lab, we are researching whether Cordy administration can regulate immunity and whether it can be expected to have an effect on cancer.
