Canine Osteosarcoma treatment (80% of all canine bone tumors) is the most common type of bone tumor in dogs (types of tumors that fall under this definition include chondroblastic, osteoblastic, fibroblastic, telangiectatic, and mixed type tumors) . It usually occurs in dogs that are 6 – 7 years of age or older in the legs (called the appendicular skeleton). Larger breeds are more likely to get the disease than smaller breeds with German Shepherds showing the highest incidence. The next group in order of incidence are Great Danes, Golden Retrievers, Irish Setters, Doberman Pinschers and Collies. In order of frequency the disease is found in the front legs, hind legs, ribs and lower jaw (canine mandible). This disease spreads quickly and can move from a tumor on the bone to the lungs. Symptoms of Canine Osteosarcoma TreatmentFirst sign of the disease is a usually a limp due to pain followed by swelling. If the pain becomes severe, the dog may stop using the affected leg.Diagnosis of Canine Osteosarcoma TreatmentYour Veterinarian will take X-Rays to see if there are signs of Canine Osteosarcoma. For a definite diagnosis a biopsy (sample) of the effected area will be taken and tested in a lab.Canine Osteosarcoma TreatmentThe only treatment for this disease is the surgical removal of the area such as an entire or part of a leg. Note that amputation is not a cure, but will improve your dog's quality of life and eliminate pain. Limbs are amputated above the nearest joint. Use of chemotherapy (cisplatin) and radiation could extend the life of your dog. Other common drugs include doxorubicin, liposome encapsulated muramyl tripeptides (liposome/MTP) and carboplatin. Dogs adapt well to having 3 legs.There is a technique for some areas of the leg (distal radius, proximal humerus, scapula and ulna) where there is an alternative to amputation. Surgery is used to removed the area of the tumor combined with radiation and chemotherapy. In addition to surgery you might want to consider a dietary supplement designed to bolster the immune system of dog's with cancer. PetAlive C-Caps Formula is made for this purpose. Consult your veterinarian when considering supplements. Survival Rates Canine OsteosarcomaThe site of the tumor is an important factor in determining the future lifespan of your dog. Tumors of the skull/face tend to have a slower impact than tumors of the legs. Less than 5% of dogs live more than a year.Click Hear to Learn More about Canine Bone Cancer from Canine Osteosarcoma Treatment Click for Dog Health Guide Home Sources:James M. Giffin MD and Liisa D. Carlson DVM; Dog Owner’s Home Vertinary HandbookCanine Osteosarcoma, Is There a Cure? J. Kirpensteijn, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ECVS & ACVS Chief, Soft Tissue Surgery Section, Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht UniversityUtrecht, The Netherlandsj.kirpensteijn@vet.uu.nl Textbook of Small Animal Orthopaedics, C. D. Newton and D. M. Nunamaker (Eds.) Publisher: International Veterinary Information Service (www.ivis.org), Ithaca, New York, USA. Malignant Bone Tumors in the Dog ( 1-Jan-1985 ) M. H. Goldschmidt and D. E. Thrall Canine Cancer Awareness.org
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