| Canine osteosarcoma is the most common type of | | | | radiographs of the lungs and chest area are taken to |
| dog bone cancer. It comprises 80% of all malignant | | | | determine any metastasis. |
| bone cancer in dogs. This is an aggressive form of | | | | Treatment of canine osteosarcoma |
| cancer that is highly metastatic and difficult to treat. | | | | By the time your dog displays visible signs of |
| Canine osteosarcoma affects mainly the limbs, | | | | osteosarcoma, the tumor would have likely |
| although it can form in any bones. | | | | metastasized to other organs. The treatment is |
| This type of bone cancer occurs mainly in older and | | | | twofold: managing pain and controlling metastasis. |
| large breed dogs, with a slight predisposition for males. | | | | Limb amputation gets rid of the pain. If metastasis has |
| Symptoms of canine osteosarcoma | | | | occurred, chemotherapy is necessary to control the |
| In early stages, the symptoms are not noticeable. As | | | | spread of cancer and to maximise survival time. Dogs |
| the tumor grows and destroys the bone, there will be | | | | are capable of living with 3 legs so amputation does |
| lameness and swelling near a joint. The pain can cause | | | | not restrict their activity or movement. |
| your dog to be less active than usual. As the affected | | | | For some dogs with neurologic or orthopedic issues |
| bone becomes weak, it can break and result in | | | | that are not suitable for amputation, there are 2 |
| fracture. | | | | treatment options. The first option is limb sparing |
| Diagnosis of osteosarcoma in dogs | | | | surgery, where the affected bone is removed and |
| The first step is a physical examination of the affected | | | | replaced with a bone graft. The other option is to |
| area. This is followed by radiographs of the bone with | | | | manage the pain with radiotherapy and analgesic |
| tumor for characteristic changes such as bone loss, | | | | medications, without surgery. |
| deformation or fracture. Since these findings are | | | | The prognosis for canine osteosarcoma is not good |
| common in other types of canine bone cancer, it is not | | | | when metastasis has occurred. It is worst when the |
| conclusive of osteosarcoma. A bone biopsy is | | | | tumor spread can be seen on radiographs of the |
| necessary to provide an accurate diagnosis. If | | | | chest. Your vet should be able to advise you on the |
| malignant osteosarcoma tumor is confirmed, | | | | best treatment options for your dog. |