Bone cancer in dogs is a very serious and painful condition, one that can be hard for pet owners to cope with knowing their beloved pet is suffering. Unfortunately, this type of cancer can be difficult to diagnose and treat, and can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort for the animal. With that said, it is important for pet owners to understand the level of pain associated with bone cancer in dogs. In this blog post, we will explore the signs and symptoms of bone cancer in dogs, as well as alternative treatments and ways to manage the pain associated with the condition. We will look at the causes of bone cancer and discuss the most effective ways to alleviate the pain and keep your pet as comfortable as possible. With the right information and treatment, you can help your pet live a longer, healthier life.
Diagnosis and Staging
Initial diagnosis of a canine with a suspected bone tumor frequently entails a thorough physical examination, blood tests, X-rays (of the affected site and the lungs), a bone scan to look for additional bone involvement, and occasionally a fine needle aspirate or biopsy. To check for spread throughout the entire body, a PET-CT scan might be recommended. If the age, breed, location, and appearance of the tumor are all strongly suggestive of osteosarcoma, definitive surgery, such as amputation in the case of a limb tumor, may be carried out without a prior biopsy. Work-up and staging are essential for two reasons. The type of tumor and the extent of the cancer must be identified first. Additionally, diagnostic testing gives the oncologist details about the dog’s general health and may reveal coexisting medical, bone/joint, or nerve/spinal issues, all of which could affect the recommendations for treatment.
Palliative therapy can be given in the form of radiotherapy and chemotherapy for patients for whom amputation and so-called limb-conserving surgery are not appropriate. The first and last doses of chemotherapy are given in conjunction with radiation therapy on three out of four consecutive weeks as part of the gold standard palliative therapy protocol.
If amputation is deemed inappropriate, there are still other choices. Osteosarcomas of the distal radius, which is the lower front limb just above the canine equivalent of the wrist joint, can be treated surgically by removing the tumor and replacing it with a personalized titanium implant. The wrist joint must then be fused in order to sufficiently stabilize the entire bone and metal construction so that dogs can resume their normal daily activities without interruption.
The goal of this procedure is to return the dog’s mobility to normal in the shortest amount of time possible. The level of tumor control provided by this approach, while undoubtedly appealing, can only be compared to amputation at best, and there is also a chance that the tumor in the limb will recur at the primary tumor site in the future. More importantly, there is a high risk of complications with this procedure, the worst of which is infection related to the metal implants.
The majority of cases of osteosarcoma in dogs are found in large or giant breeds. Numerous studies link this tumor’s occurrence to a dog’s weight and height, and it is well known that some dog breeds are more likely than others to develop this tumor. It is frequently observed in rottweilers and Irish wolfhounds in particular in our clinic. Osteosarcoma of the limb bones can be excruciatingly painful, and in these dogs, intermittent lameness is the typical initial complaint. Standard painkiller dosages may at first help the lameness, but rarely for longer than a week or two. At this point, a swelling in the bone near the tumor may be seen, and it is frequently uncomfortable, red, and hot to the touch.
The ideal course of treatment would entail completely removing the primary tumor, which frequently necessitates amputation. Although many dogs recover exceptionally well from amputation, there are undoubtedly some patients for whom this would not be appropriate. Consider not considering an amputation if you have severe arthritis or concurrent neurological issues. Although this is a problem that should be assessed on a case-by-case basis, moderate arthritis can be managed very well with the right medication and need not be a barrier to amputation. Amputation invariably has a significant psychological impact on the patient, and despite the fact that it is a major procedure, these patients appear to recover very quickly because they are so relieved to be free of the excruciating tumor.
What is Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer) in Dogs?
A malignant neoplasia, or cancer, called osteosarcoma develops from bone cells. It is the most prevalent malignant skeletal tumor. Although osteosarcoma can occur in any dog breed, it is more common in large and giant breeds. Smaller breeds tend to develop osteosarcoma on the axial skeleton (spine, pelvis, skull, or ribs), while large breeds typically develop tumors on the appendicular skeleton (legs).
Osteoblasts and osteoclasts are the types of bone cells that constantly remodel bones. The body keeps these cells highly organized and controlled. When they go awry, they’re to blame for the highly aggressive and destructive nature of canine osteosarcoma.
First, osteosarcoma is locally invasive. The cancer begins in the marrow of the middle of the bone, where the earliest bone precursor cells are found. The tumor exhibits numerous molecular abnormalities that interfere with normal cell behavior and cause uncontrolled growth and behavior. During bone remodeling, aberrant cells destroy some areas of the bone while producing excessive amounts of bone in other areas, as opposed to maintaining a high degree of order.
The majority of cases of osteosarcoma have spread outside the bone cavity by the time of diagnosis, usually to the lungs. This indicates that osteosarcoma is also an aggressive distant cancer.
Although the causes of osteosarcoma in dogs are unknown, genetics is thought to play a role in its development. Early spaying and neutering may reduce the risk of osteosarcoma in some breeds, such as Rottweilers, although the cause of this is unknown.
Between the ages of 6 and 8 years old, dogs are most frequently diagnosed with osteosarcoma. However, veterinary professionals have identified osteosarcoma in dogs as young as six months old.
Since canine osteosarcoma typically affects the limbs, most dogs exhibit lameness symptoms. Other exam findings include:
Osteosarcoma development is heavily influenced by genetics, particularly in large and giant breeds. Researchers have identified some genetic risk factors in breeds like:
In the absence of a genetic predisposition, osteosarcoma can appear at the sites of prior bone trauma, such as:
FAQ
How long can a dog live after being diagnosed with bone cancer?
Without therapy average survival time is approximately two months. The pain brought on by the primary tumor is what primarily determines this. The average survival time is extended to six and a half months if an amputation is performed, and only 2% of patients survive for two years.
Does bone cancer spread fast in dogs?
Bone cancer in dogs can quickly spread to other organs. Because of this, pet owners should always take symptoms seriously and schedule a visit with their veterinarian as soon as they can if they notice any of the symptoms mentioned above. It’s best to err on the side of caution when it comes to your pet’s health.
How do you know if your dog is in pain from cancer?
When your dog begins to have difficulty urinating or struggles or strains to fecate, it may be an infection or a sign of canine cancer. Some cancers, especially bone cancer, manifest themselves in your dog by making them exhibit signs of pain or discomfort, like limping and lameness.
When should a dog with bone cancer be put down?
When should I put down my dog with osteosarcoma? You should put down your dog with osteosarcoma when they are in pain, having trouble eating, and generally have a poor quality of life. Before putting your dog to sleep, check with your veterinarian to determine the best time.