Home » Diseases » In dogs » Pulmonary Lymphomatoid Granulomatosis (Cancerous Lymphatic Cells in the Lung)

Pulmonary Lymphomatoid Granulomatosis (Cancerous Lymphatic Cells in the Lung) in Dogs

Occurrence: very rare
Location of illness: Chest, General/Whole body

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 06.11.2025

PulmonaryPulmonary refers to the lungs or the respiratory system. Pulmonary diseases in dogs and cats include conditions such as Pneumonia, asthma, and pulmonary hypertension. lymphomatoid granulomatosisGranulomatosis refers to an inflammatory reaction in which granulomas form, small nodular structures made of immune cells. This can occur as a reaction to infections, foreign bodies, chronic inflammatory conditions, or certain autoimmune diseases. is a rare, progressiveProgressive describes a condition or disease that worsens over time. This term is often used to characterize the course of an illness that causes increasingly severe symptoms or damage. disease in dogs characterized by the presence of cancerous lymphatic cells in the lung. These cells form nodules or granulomas that can impair normal lung function.

The most important facts at a glance

Pulmonary lymphomatoid granulomatosis in dogs is a disease in which there is an uncontrolled proliferation of lymphocytesLymphocytes are a group of white blood cells crucial for the body's adaptive immune response. There are different types, including B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells, each with specific functions in the immune system., a type of white blood cell. These cells collect in the lungs and form granulomas. The exact causes are unclear, but it is suspected that a dysregulation of the immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. in combination with genetic factors plays a role. Viruses or other pathogens may also be involved, although none specific have been identified. Certain dog breeds may be genetically more susceptible.

Typical symptoms include Cough, RespiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. distress, Lethargy, and nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. discharge. DiagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is made through clinical examinations, X-rays, and often a biopsyA biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small amount of tissue is removed from the body to be examined under a microscope for signs of disease. Biopsies can help diagnose cancer and other conditions. of the lung to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. ImmunosuppressiveImmunosuppressive agents are medications or substances that specifically suppress the activity of the immune system. They are used in dogs and cats to treat autoimmune diseases, allergies, and to prevent rejection reactions after transplants. drugs and sometimes chemotherapyChemotherapy refers to the treatment of diseases, especially cancer, with chemical substances or drugs. It aims to kill cancer cells or prevent their growth, but can also affect healthy cells. are often used to treat the disease to slow it down. SupportiveSupportive refers to supportive treatments that aim to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life without directly treating the underlying cause of the disease. measures such as oxygen administration and antibiotics may also be necessary.

The prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. is guarded to unfavorable, as the disease is progressiveProgressive describes a condition or disease that worsens over time. This term is often used to characterize the course of an illness that causes increasingly severe symptoms or damage. and can impair quality of life despite treatment. Early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and treatment can provide the best results, but the long-term prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. is often poor. Since the causes are not fully understood, there are no specific preventive measures. However, regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help promote the dog’s general health and resilience.

Causes

Pulmonary lymphomatoid granulomatosis is a form of lymphoproliferative disease in which there is an uncontrolled proliferation of lymphocytesLymphocytes are a group of white blood cells crucial for the body's adaptive immune response. There are different types, including B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells, each with specific functions in the immune system.. LymphocytesLymphocytes are a group of white blood cells crucial for the body's adaptive immune response. There are different types, including B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells, each with specific functions in the immune system. are a type of white blood cell that plays an important role in the immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body.. In this disease, it is believed that the lymphocytesLymphocytes are a group of white blood cells crucial for the body's adaptive immune response. There are different types, including B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells, each with specific functions in the immune system. grow and accumulate uncontrollably, leading to the formation of granulomas.

The exact causes of the disease are not yet fully understood. However, it is believed that a dysregulation of the immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. in combination with genetic factors plays a role. Some researchers also suspect that viruses or other infectiousInfectious describes the ability of a pathogen to be transmitted from one individual to another and trigger an infection. It also refers to diseases caused by such pathogens. agents may play a role in triggering this disease, although no specific pathogens have been identified to date.

Another possible factor could be a genetic predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases. in certain dog breeds. Some breeds appear to be more frequently affected, suggesting that certain genetic markers or mutations could increase susceptibility.

Symptoms

Very common symptoms:

Common symptoms:

The symptoms of pulmonaryPulmonary refers to the lungs or the respiratory system. Pulmonary diseases in dogs and cats include conditions such as Pneumonia, asthma, and pulmonary hypertension. lymphomatoid granulomatosisGranulomatosis refers to an inflammatory reaction in which granulomas form, small nodular structures made of immune cells. This can occur as a reaction to infections, foreign bodies, chronic inflammatory conditions, or certain autoimmune diseases. in dogs can vary, but are often associated with breathing problems. The most common symptoms include Cough, Shortness of breath, and a general decrease in activity due to impaired lung function.

Some dogs may also show signs of systemic disease, such as Fever, Weight loss, and loss of appetite. Because the disease affects the lungs, abnormal-sounding breathing noises or an altered respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. rate may also be observed.

In advanced stages of the disease, there can be a significant impairment of quality of life, as the lungs are no longer able to adequately supply the body with oxygen. This can lead to a bluish discoloration of the mucous membranes and extreme weakness.

Diagnosis

The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of pulmonaryPulmonary refers to the lungs or the respiratory system. Pulmonary diseases in dogs and cats include conditions such as Pneumonia, asthma, and pulmonary hypertension. lymphomatoid granulomatosisGranulomatosis refers to an inflammatory reaction in which granulomas form, small nodular structures made of immune cells. This can occur as a reaction to infections, foreign bodies, chronic inflammatory conditions, or certain autoimmune diseases. usually begins with a thorough clinical examination and collection of the dog’s medical historyThe medical history is the systematic collection of a patient's medical history through questioning. It includes information about previous illnesses, treatments, allergies, and lifestyle habits.. Suspicion often arises from the characteristic symptoms and X-rays of the lungs, which often show nodules or diffuse changes.

However, further investigations are necessary to confirm the diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients.. Computed tomography (CT)Computed tomography (CT) is an imaging technique that uses X-rays and computer technology to create cross-sectional images of the body. It enables a detailed view of bones, organs, and other structures and is used for the diagnosis of injuries, diseases, and for planning medical interventions. can provide more detailed information about the extent and distribution of the changes in the lung. A definitive diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. usually requires a biopsyA biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small amount of tissue is removed from the body to be examined under a microscope for signs of disease. Biopsies can help diagnose cancer and other conditions. of the affected lung tissue to confirm the presence of cancerous lymphatic cells.

In addition, blood tests and serological tests can be performed to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms and to assess the dog’s general health. In some cases, a bronchoscopyBronchoscopy is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in which the inside of the airways is directly viewed with a bronchoscope, a thin, flexible viewing tube. It can be used to take tissue samples or remove foreign objects. may also be performed, in which a camera is used to directly examine the airways and take tissue samples.

Therapy

Treatment for pulmonaryPulmonary refers to the lungs or the respiratory system. Pulmonary diseases in dogs and cats include conditions such as Pneumonia, asthma, and pulmonary hypertension. lymphomatoid granulomatosisGranulomatosis refers to an inflammatory reaction in which granulomas form, small nodular structures made of immune cells. This can occur as a reaction to infections, foreign bodies, chronic inflammatory conditions, or certain autoimmune diseases. focuses on controlling symptoms and slowing the progressionProgression refers to the advancement or worsening of a disease over time. It describes an increase in the severity or extent of the disease symptoms. of the disease. In many cases, immunosuppressiveImmunosuppressive agents are medications or substances that specifically suppress the activity of the immune system. They are used in dogs and cats to treat autoimmune diseases, allergies, and to prevent rejection reactions after transplants. drugs are used to reduce the activity of the immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. and slow the growth of lymphatic cells.

Chemotherapeutic approaches may also be considered, especially if the disease is aggressive or does not respond to conventional treatments. The choice of medication and duration of treatment depend on the severity of the disease and the dog’s response to therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions..

In addition to drug treatment, supportiveSupportive refers to supportive treatments that aim to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life without directly treating the underlying cause of the disease. therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. may be necessary to improve the dog’s quality of life. This may include giving oxygen, administering antibiotics to prevent secondary infections, and providing nutritional support.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for dogs with pulmonary lymphomatoid granulomatosisGranulomatosis refers to an inflammatory reaction in which granulomas form, small nodular structures made of immune cells. This can occur as a reaction to infections, foreign bodies, chronic inflammatory conditions, or certain autoimmune diseases. is generally guarded to unfavorable. The disease is progressiveProgressive describes a condition or disease that worsens over time. This term is often used to characterize the course of an illness that causes increasingly severe symptoms or damage. and can lead to a significant impairment of quality of life despite treatment.

Survival time can vary depending on how early the disease is diagnosed and how well the dog responds to treatment. Some dogs may respond well to therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. and remain stable for some time, while in others the disease may progress rapidly.

In many cases, however, the long-term prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. is poor, and treatment is primarily aimed at relieving symptoms and improving quality of life rather than achieving a cure.

Prevention

Since the exact causes of pulmonary lymphomatoid granulomatosisGranulomatosis refers to an inflammatory reaction in which granulomas form, small nodular structures made of immune cells. This can occur as a reaction to infections, foreign bodies, chronic inflammatory conditions, or certain autoimmune diseases. are not fully understood, there are no specific preventive measures to prevent the disease. However, early detection and diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. are crucial to achieving the best treatment outcomes.

Regular veterinary check-ups and careful observation of symptoms can help detect the disease at an early stage and start treatment in a timely manner. Dog owners should consult a veterinarian immediately if they notice signs of RespiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. distress or other unusual symptoms.

A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and appropriate exercise, can contribute to the dog’s general health and resilience, even if this may not directly prevent the development of the disease.