Osteosarcoma accounts for well over 80 percent involving all dog bone cancers. Despite the fact that these tumors can occur in any bone, they are more inclined to develop in the long bones of the legs. The most typical areas for osteosarcomas to develop are usually in the regions of the shoulder, the wrist along with the knee joints.
This particular disease takes place most frequently in large breeds of dogs such as Rottweilers, Great Danes and Greyhounds. It would appear that the increased threat may be associated with fast growth as a puppy, in addition to elevated leg length.
Osteosarcoma can occur in dogs of any age, but the average age at diagnosis is 8 years. It has even been reported in dogs as young as 6 months old.
Diagnosis Most dogs with osteosarcoma are taken to the veterinarian because they have developed a limp, or because their owner has noticed a hard swelling on their leg, which is growing larger.
Your veterinarian will probably suspect dog bone cancer based on your dog's breed, age, and the location of the swelling. They will suggest further tests to make sure that they are on the right track. This particular type of tumor has some characteristic features on x-ray and that is often enough to confirm the diagnosis. If there is any doubt or confusion, it will be necessary for your dog to undergo a bone biopsy. A small piece of bone is removed under a general anesthetic and sent to the pathology lab for examination. This is the best way to be 100% confident that you are in fact dealing with an osteosarcoma.
It is also likely that your dog will undergo blood tests and also chest x-rays to check for spread of the cancer.
Prognosis There is no doubt about it: osteosarcoma has a very poor prognosis. In over 90% of cases, this dog bone cancer has spread to the lungs at the time of diagnosis, and secondary lung cancer is the usual cause of death. Even with aggressive treatment, the average survival time is only 1 year.
Given the likely outcome of treatment, should you put your dog through the stress of treatment of osteosarcoma? This is a decision for you to make in conjunction with your veterinarian, and should be based on your dog's age and general health. There is no right or wrong answer. It's important to remember that this type of cancer is extremely painful, and good pain relief is essential to give your dog a good quality of life for the time they have left.
Has your dog been diagnosed with cancer? Do you suspect that he might have this dreaded disease?
