Primary lung tumours are uncommon in dogs, about 1% of all canine tumours, and almost all are carcinomas. They matter because many are found by chance on radiographs of older dogs, a solitary mass removed early carries a good outlook, and the paraneoplastic limb swelling of hypertrophic osteopathy sends dogs to a clinic for lameness before the lung tumour is suspected.
Key facts
Pulmonary neoplasia at a glance- Species and system: dogs; lower respiratory tract (lung parenchyma, bronchi and alveoli).
- Typical patient: older dog, average age about 11 years; Boxers, Dobermans, Australian Shepherds, Irish Setters and Bernese Mountain Dogs may be at higher risk.
- Tumour types: carcinomas about 87% (adenocarcinoma subtypes most common); also histiocytic sarcoma, adenoma and neuroendocrine tumours.
- Classic presentation: chronic non-productive cough, or no signs at all, with a solitary mass in a caudal lobe on radiographs.
- Paraneoplastic sign: hypertrophic osteopathy (painful, symmetrical distal limb swelling).
- Treatment of choice: lung lobectomy with tracheobronchial lymph node biopsy.
- Key prognostic factors: tumour size and stage, lymph node metastasis, histologic grade, clinical signs, complete excision.
- Zoonotic or reportable: no.
What's inside
12 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Diagnosis
- Differential diagnoses
- Treatment and management
- Prevention, control and public health
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 6 tables, 3 figures, 3 self-test questions and 21 references, available to NAVLE members.
Read the full study guide
The full guide is part of every NAVLE plan, with diagnosis and treatment tables, figures, a quick review and self-test questions. Start a free trial to try the question bank, or log in if you are already a member.