Canine osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer in dogs. While any bone can have a malignant tumor growth, the areas that are commonly affected by it are:
* Above the knee joint or on the lower part of the femur * Below the knee joint or on the upper part of the tibia * Shoulders * 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 on the shoulder blades, this area may become tender and inflamed. Limping can be a sign of leg bone cancer in dogs. Difficulties chewing and swallowing can indicate problems with the jaw or other facial bones. As the cancer increases, the affected area becomes more painful and inflamed. Other signs of bone cancer include loss of appetite and decreased movement.
Signs of bone cancer in dogs can occur in a short or long period, depending on the severity of the problem. Swelling of the bone can be seen or felt in some cases. Diagnosis of bone cancer in dogs
Osteosarcoma can best be diagnosed by taking an X-ray of the area that is suspected of being infected. The plaque may show lesions in which the bone looks as if it has been chewed from the inside out, appears brittle, or has a visible fracture through the tumor.
The person reading the table should be familiar with bone cancer in dogs, because there are other problems that can be confused with this at first glance. Yeast infections such as coccidiodomycosis or other diseases can appear similar to osteosarcoma, so those who are not familiar with these diseases can exchange 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 get rid of all cancer cells. An alternative to amputation is the limb-sparing procedure, in which a bone graft is performed to replace the cancerous section of bone after it has been removed. Chemotherapy or medications are also options to ease your pet’s pain.
Forecast
The prognosis for bone cancer in dogs depends on a number of factors, including the dog’s age, the number of malignant cells, and the location of the cancer.