Canine osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer in dogs. Although any bone can have a malignant tumor growth, the areas that are commonly affected by it are:

* Above the knee joint or at the bottom of the femur * Below the knee joint or at the top of the tibia * Shoulder blades * Above the carpal joints of the front legs * Pelvic bone

Large dogs, such as Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Rottweilers, and Retrievers, are more prone to osteosarcoma than smaller breeds.

Signs of bone cancer in dogs

Signs of bone cancer in dogs can usually be seen in the affected area. For example, if the malignant tumor is located on the shoulder blades, this area may become tender and swollen. Lameness can be a sign of leg bone cancer in dogs. Difficulty chewing and swallowing may indicate problems with the jaw or other facial bones. As the cancer grows, the affected area becomes more painful and swollen. Other signs of bone cancer include loss of appetite and decreased movement.

Signs of bone cancer in dogs can occur over a short period of time or over a long period of time, depending on the severity of the problem. Bone swelling can be seen or felt in some cases. Diagnosis of Bone Cancer in Dogs

Osteosarcoma can best be diagnosed by performing an x-ray on the area suspected of being infected. Plaque may show lesions where the bone appears to have been chewed from the inside out, appears brittle, or has a fracture visible through the tumor.

The person reading the chart should be familiar with bone cancer in dogs, because there are other problems that can be confused with it at first glance. Fungal infections such as coccidiodomycosis or other diseases can appear similar to osteosarcoma, so those unfamiliar with these diseases may interchange them.

Treatment of bone cancer in dogs

Amputation is the easiest and most common treatment for osteosarcoma. This is accomplished by cutting out the infected area to relieve pain and hopefully remove all of the cancer cells. An alternative to amputation is the limb-sparing procedure, in which bone grafting is done to replace the cancerous section of bone after it has been removed. Chemotherapy or medications are also options for relieving your pet’s pain.

Forecast

The prognosis for bone cancer in dogs depends on a number of factors, including the age of the dog, the number of malignant cells, and the location of the cancer.