![]() While amputation isn’t the right option for all pets, otherwise healthy dogs can function quite well with three legs. Bone cancer can be treated in any of the following ways:Īmputation – Because osteosarcoma tumors are so aggressive, amputating the affected limb followed by chemotherapy to treat metastasis is the most common treatment. Osteosarcoma has a variety of treatments – and each treatment depends on your dog’s individual diagnosis. Treatment Options for Osteosarcoma in Dogs Radiation can be combined with chemotherapy in an attempt to prolong the prognosis even further. Surgery (amputation) is typically the first line of defense, followed by chemotherapy however for some cases, radiation therapy can take the place of amputation, thereby preserving the use of the dog’s leg. Once diagnosed, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible in order to slow down the spread of the disease and reduce pain for your dog. This cancer can metastasize (spread) to other areas of the body if left untreated. Often the first clinical sign will be lameness or a firm bony mass may be felt protruding from the bone. Osteosarcoma in dogs is an aggressive form of bone cancer that progresses quickly. RELATED: Osteosarcoma Data Sheet How Does Bone Cancer Usually Progress? This type of scan provides more detailed imagery of the tumor allowing a veterinary surgeon to ascertain if surgery is possible and how elaborate the surgery will need to be in order to achieve a favorable outcome. 2Īdvanced CT imaging – An advanced CT is often recommended for osteosarcoma tumors of the limbs. In over 90% of dogs, the tumor will have already metastasized at the time of diagnosis and osteosarcoma most commonly spreads to the lungs. Other diagnostics – Chest X-rays or a computed tomography (CT) scan, blood tests, and a urinalysis will usually be performed to assess your dog’s overall health and determine if cancer has spread. X-Ray – First, your vet will take an X-ray and perform a physical and orthopedic examination to rule out other causes of lameness.īiopsy – To obtain a definitive diagnosis and determine the best treatment plan for your dog, any problem areas identified on the X-ray will be biopsied for further analysis. To properly diagnose osteosarcoma, veterinarians run the following diagnostics to come to a determination of the root cause of symptoms: Source: Diagnosis and Staging Osteosarcoma in Dogs ![]() Although there is no sure way to prevent this type of cancer from occurring in dogs, regular check-ups with your veterinarian are highly recommended in order to catch any potential signs or symptoms early on. Additionally, exposure to certain toxins can increase the likelihood of a dog developing osteosarcoma. Though uncommon, osteosarcoma can also develop in bones that have experienced previous trauma including radiation therapy sites, previously healed fractures and previous bone infections (osteomyelitis). Certain large and giant dog breeds, such as German Shepherds, Saint Bernards, Rottweilers and Greyhounds, may have an increased genetic risk for developing this type of cancer. While the exact cause of osteosarcoma is not known, studies have shown that genetics and environmental factors may play a role in its development. This can affect dogs of all ages and unfortunately is frequently painful. ![]() Osteosarcoma, or bone cancer, is the most common bone cancer seen in dogs. If you are concerned that your dog or cat may have osteosarcoma, we encourage you to consult with a board-certified veterinary oncologist who will examine your pet thoroughly and answer your questions. Osteosarcoma is extremely aggressive, and it spreads quickly to other parts of the body, making early detection and treatment vital. Osteosarcoma can occur in any bone in a pet’s body, but in dogs, most tumors appear in the front limbs near the shoulder, wrist, and knee. 1 Osteosarcoma is an aggressive form of cancer so early detection and treatment are paramount. “Primary” refers to cancer that starts in the bone versus spreading (metastasizing) into the bone from somewhere else. Other types of bone cancer include chondrosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, and hemangiosarcoma. Osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, is the most common type of primary bone cancer in dogs, accounting for over 95% of all bone tumors. ![]() What You Should Know About Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer) In Dogs
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