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A Look At Dog Lung Cancer
June 21st, 2009
Lung cancer is an often fatal disease for dogs. In most cases, the cancer doesn’t even begin in the lungs. The cancer cells usually travel from other areas of the body to the lungs. You may be wondering what symptoms are caused by lung cancer in canines.
Symptoms
In its earliest stages, this type of cancer generally causes no visible symptoms. When the cancer advances, heavy panting and breathing are common signs. Other areas of the body will probably be invaded by the cancer cells. Two of the most common include loss of appetite and weight loss.
Treatment
Dogs diagnosed with lung cancer need to be seen by an oncologist. This type of professional specializes in cancer treatment.
If the disease hasn’t spread, surgery is the main option. However, if the cancer cells have already begun to spread to other areas, surgery is not a viable option. Chemotherapy and radiation are the only two treatment options in this situation.
Prognosis
Lung cancer in dogs can be difficult to detect in its early stages because symptoms only appear as the disease advances. Since early diagnosis is so difficult, the condition will usually be fatal by the time it’s detected. The dog can survive for months or years depending on how early the condition was diagnosed. As the cancer gets to be more painful, the vet may suggest that your dog be euthanized.
All owners should know a little something about common dog illnesses. You can read up on many different potential health problems at dog-illnesses.com. So, come by right now to become informed.
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