Osteosarcoma: Bone Cancer in Dogs

Common symptoms

One of the most common signs is lameness of the affected leg, though there are sometimes other symptoms that can appear in the months leading up to the diagnosis. The affected area will likely begin swelling and the tumour grows – this cancer is very painful, and the dog will eventually no longer use the effected limb.

Diagnosis methods

These cancers are easily diagnosed with an x-ray, though it can take time for the tumours to grow big enough to be detected on the x-ray – usually some months after the first signs of lameness are seen. CT Scans can be used to diagnose the condition earlier, though these can come with a considerable increase in cost.

Treatment options

Unfortunately, by the time of diagnosis, these cancers have almost always spread. We recommend amputation to control the pain – the majority of these cases are euthanised as the pain is so severe, not because of issues associated with the spread of the cancer. With amputation, your pet will be pain-free again within two to three days following the surgery. No matter which limb, most dogs are able to cope very well post-amputation, and you and your pet will get to spend more time together. Chemotherapy can also be used to extend the time together, and artificial limbs have also recently become an option, though they do come at a considerable cost.