🐾 Vet's Guide to Canine Lung Cancer, Lymphocytic Leukemia & Lymphoma in 2025 🩺

As a veterinarian, understanding the complexities of canine cancers is crucial. This guide delves into lung cancer, lymphocytic leukemia, and lymphoma in dogs, providing insights into their symptoms, treatments, and prognoses as of 2025.

🫁 Lung Cancer in Dogs

Lung cancer in dogs can be primary or secondary. Primary lung tumors originate in the lungs, while secondary tumors spread from other body parts. Though relatively rare, accounting for about 1% of canine cancers, early detection is vital.

Symptoms

• Persistent cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Appetite loss
• Coughing up blood

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves chest X-rays, CT scans, and biopsies. Early detection can lead to better treatment outcomes.

Treatment

Treatment options include:

• Surgical removal of tumors
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Palliative care for advanced stages

Prognosis

Prognosis varies based on cancer type and stage. Without treatment, survival may be 2-3 months, while with aggressive therapy, some dogs live 12+ months with good quality of life. Source

🧬 Lymphocytic Leukemia in Dogs

Lymphocytic leukemia is a cancer of the white blood cells, specifically lymphocytes. It can be acute (ALL) or chronic (CLL).

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)

ALL is aggressive and affects younger dogs. Symptoms include:

• Lethargy
• Poor appetite
• Weight loss
• Enlarged spleen and liver
• Anemia
• Bleeding disorders

Treatment involves aggressive chemotherapy. Prognosis is poor, with many dogs surviving only a few weeks without treatment.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

CLL progresses slowly and often affects older dogs. Many are asymptomatic initially. Treatment may not be necessary until symptoms appear. Prognosis is better, with survival times ranging from 1 to 3 years after treatment initiation. Source

🦠 Lymphoma in Dogs

Lymphoma is a common cancer in dogs, affecting lymphocytes. It can occur in various forms:

• Multicentric: Affects multiple lymph nodes
• Alimentary: Affects the gastrointestinal tract
• Mediastinal: Affects the chest area
• Extranodal: Affects organs like skin, eyes, or kidneys

Symptoms

• Swollen lymph nodes
• Lethargy
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting or diarrhea (in alimentary lymphoma)

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves physical exams, blood tests, imaging, and biopsies.

Treatment

Chemotherapy is the primary treatment. Protocols vary, but many dogs achieve remission. Side effects are generally mild.

Prognosis

Without treatment, survival is typically 4-8 weeks. With chemotherapy, the average survival time is about 12 months, and some dogs live longer. Source

📱 Support with Ask A Vet

Managing canine cancer is challenging. For personalized advice and support, visit AskAVet.com and download the Ask A Vet app. Our team is here to help you navigate your pet's health journey.