Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer
in dogs and cats (accounting for 75% of cases). It can be a fast growing malignant
type of cancer, which can quickly spread to other parts of the body (including
lymph nodes and the brain). It is usually found in older dogs and cats (average
age about 10) and some breeds may be more predisposed than others (boxers have
a higher risk rate). The cause is
unknown at this time, but one thought is long term exposure to toxins (second
hand smoke, toxic cleaning agents, etc.) could raise the risk.
Following are some of the symptoms
of pets suffering with adenocarcinoma of the lung:
·
Pain
·
Dyspnea (difficult breathing)
·
Tachypnea (rapid breathing)
·
Low energy level and lethargy
·
Poor appetite
·
Gradual weight loss
·
Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
·
Lameness, in cases with metastasis
to bones
·
Muscle wasting
·
Fever in some patients
·
Ascites (an accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal
cavity of the abdomen)
Diagnosis
A chest x-ray, in combination with a complete physical examination, will be one of the most important test your veterinarian
will perform, to determine the diagnosis.
A CT scan and MRI may also be ordered to see if the tumor has
metastasized to other areas.
Treatment
Most often you
will be referred to a veterinary oncologist to help you determine the best
course of action. The three conventional treatments, surgery, radiation, and
chemotherapy, which may be used individually or in combination, depending on
your pet’s overall health, location, size, and how quickly it is growing.
Living and Management
The prognosis can be
very poor (If metastasized usually less than one year), but treatment and complimentary
supportive measures can improve your pet’s quality of life significantly. Resveratrol for Dogs, Peppy Pet, Purrfect Pet CoQ10 and Amazing Omegas fight cancer and
also provide critical nutrition for the heart and lungs. Onco-X is a powerful
cancer multivitamin that can be used with or with chemotherapy to give dogs
with cancer a combination of nutrients to help your pet's immune system fight
the cancer.
