Bone Cancer In Dogs
Cancer affects the lives of each and every one of us, whether it is family, friends; even bone cancer in dogs can threaten a relationship we have with a furry friend. While we may not be able to prevent it from happening, having knowledge can provide the means to gain treatment.
Osteosarcoma is the scientific name for a bone cancer in dogs that can threaten their very life. This disease generally affects dogs included in the giant dog category; for example, Bernese Mountain dogs, St. Bernard’s, Newfoundlands and Great Danes. Animals in the large dog category can also be afflicted, especially in those of advanced age. It can occasionally occur in small dogs, but is infrequent. It is the weight of the breed that dictates the probability of the occurrence of bone cancer in dogs; those over 80 pounds shown to be at much greater risk than those weighing less than 75 pounds.
The bones of dogs develop much in the same manner as humans. Beginning as cartilage, their bones become calcified, or hardened due to calcium deposits. In the case of large and giant dogs, the first year of life sees rapid bone growth, which takes place at the site of growth plates near the joint end of bones. Some speculate that it is this is the reason that larger breeds are more susceptible to bone cancer in dogs. Faster growth of cells places a greater risk of genetic mutation. Others feel that tumors may develop at the sites of injury or trauma, which is another tendency favored for larger breeds of dogs. The truth of the matter is that there is no definitive answer for the whys of the cancer happening, just strong justification of these scenarios being true along with others not yet known.
Diagnosing the symptoms of bone cancer in dogs will depend on where the tumor is located. Possibly for the same developmental reasons stated above, many of the tumors appear in around the elbow or knee area of the dog; around the growth plate area. Pronounced swelling, pain and limping could singly or fully be noted in the dog.
Sadly, bone cancer in dogs is very aggressive. It is also highly likely to spread to other parts of the body at a fast rate; in most cases, traveling to the lungs. Because of its metastatic nature, the first protocol after positive diagnosis is to amputate the limb affected, followed by chemotherapy. There are a variety of effective drugs that can be used in chemotherapy; some more expensive and effective than others. A veterinary oncologist can supply the best information and offer the best course of treatments.
The prognosis of survival rates when bone cancer in dogs is detected can vary. There are no preventative measures against the disease, but treatments are available to give hope and longer life to the pet that is afflicted.