Osteogenic Sarcoma in Dogs

Osteogenic sarcoma in dogs is an aggressive type of bone cancer that can often necessitate amputation. Osteogenic sarcoma is most often found in large breeds of dog, and usually affect the limbs.

Osteogenic Sarcoma Risk Factors

Osteogenic sarcoma is one of the most common types of bone cancer found in dogs. It usually occurs in large dogs, and some breeds seem more vulnerable to it than others. Giant breeds seem to be especially susceptible. The breeds most likely to develop osteogenic sarcoma include:

  • Irish Wolfhound
  • Great Pyrenees
  • Great Dane
  • Saint Bernard
  • Newfoundland
  • Bernese Mountain Dog

Other large breeds may have a higher than normal risk of developing osteogenic sarcoma, though not as high as some giant breeds. Large breeds at an increased risk of osteogenic sarcoma include:

  • Doberman
  • German Shepherd
  • Golden Retriever
  • Rottweiler
  • Labrador
  • Weimaraner
  • Boxer

Most dogs develop this disease during their later years, though dogs up to two years of age have an increased risk of the disease as well. Male dogs develop osteogenic sarcoma more often than females, and the risk increases if the dog is neutered.

Symptoms of Canine Bone Cancer

Osteogenic sarcoma tumors usually occur in the limbs. They develop most often near the joints, where the growth plates can be found. Osteogenic sarcoma typically causes a growth in the bone, and can cause pain and lameness. Often, bone tumors aren't discovered until weakening of the bone leads to a fracture in the affected limb.

Diagnosing and Treating Osteogenic Sarcoma in Dogs

Your vet will need a complete medical history and a physical examination to diagnose osteogenic sarcoma in your dog. If your dog is of a breed that is particularly prone to this type of cancer, your vet will be more likely to suspect it. 

X-rays will be necessary to confirm the presence of a bone tumor. Bone scans and biopsies are also useful, since certain fungal infections can cause similar symptoms and bone damage. If your vet discovers bone cancer, then he may wish to proceed as if the cancer has already spread, whether it has or not. This is because osteogenic sarcoma spreads quickly, so even if tumors aren't evident in the lungs and other organs, it doesn't mean they haven't already begun to form there.

Once your vet has determined that your dog is suffering from bone cancer, he will probably recommend amputating the affected limb. After amputation, chemotherapy is typically administered to stop the spread of cancer, or to prevent the spread of cancer if it has not yet occurred. Drugs such as carboplatin, cisplatin and doxorubicin are usually used to administer chemotherapy for osteogenic sarcoma.

Osteogenic sarcoma can cause dogs a lot of pain, so, if you choose not to amputate, your vet will most likely administer pain medications to help increase your dog's quality of life. Radiation therapy can also help relieve your dog's pain, though it often does little to stop or slow the progression of cancer.

If your dog's osteogenic sarcoma is diagnosed and treated with amputation and chemotherapy before it spreads, your dog could have a very good prognosis. Dogs who are diagnosed and treated early may live for a year or longer after being diagnosed.

 

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