Lung Cancer
Primary pulmonary tumours are uncommon; metastatic spread to the lungs is more frequent.
What is Lung Cancer?
Primary lung cancer in dogs is relatively rare, most often pulmonary adenocarcinoma. More commonly, the lungs are the site of metastasis from another cancer (osteosarcoma, mammary carcinoma, hemangiosarcoma), which is why chest X-rays are part of staging for most cancers.
Common signs and symptoms
Signs vary between dogs and can be subtle at first. Watch for the following, especially if several appear together or persist for more than a few days:
- Chronic dry cough not responding to standard treatment
- Reduced exercise tolerance
- Rapid or laboured breathing
- Weight loss
- Lameness from lung-digit syndrome (unusual paraneoplastic sign)
Risk factors
Certain dogs are more predisposed. Understanding risk helps you screen earlier and act sooner.
- Older dogs (typically 10+)
- Environmental smoke exposure (limited evidence)
- Any dog with a history of another cancer
When to see a vet
Use this as general triage guidance, not a substitute for veterinary advice.
- Book a routine appointment if: any chronic cough in a senior dog warrants a chest X-ray.
- Seek urgent care if: severe breathing difficulty, blue gums, or coughing blood.
Diagnosis and management
A solitary primary lung tumour can be surgically removed with a lung lobectomy and often carries a good prognosis. Diffuse or metastatic disease is managed with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and supportive care.