Bone Cancer in Dogs – What You Need to Know

Bone cancer in dogs is often mistaken for arthritis, sprain, hip dysplasia, patella luxation and other orthopedic disorders.

The cause of dog bone cancer remains unknown. At the time when the cancer is diagnosed, the tumor would have most likely spread to other parts of the body.

There are 6 types of bone cancer in dogs.

1, Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma makes up about 80% of all dog bone cancer. It affects mainly the limbs. Older (7-9 years old) and massive breed dogs are more at risk. The tumor grows from within the bone and destroys it from inside out. The affected bone becomes weaken and eventually fractures. It will never heal.

Osteosarcoma in dogs is very aggressive and spreads quickly, making it difficult to treat.

2. Chondrosarcoma

Chondrosarcoma, the second most common type of bone cancer in dogs, is a cartilage tumor. It usually develops on flat bones such as the ribs and skull.

Chondrosarcoma is not as invasive and metastatic as osteosarcoma.

3. Fibrosarcoma

Fibrosarcoma is rare and usually occurs in the axial skeleton such as ribs, utter and vertebrae.

4. Hemangiosarcoma

Another rare type of cancer in dogs, it affects both axial (flat bones like the spine, skull and pelvis) and appendicular (limbs) skeletons. It is highly metastatic and survival rate in dogs are low. Hemangiosarcoma is more likely to  arise from spread of cancer from other parts of the body than as a primary bone cancer.

5. Multilobular Osteochondrosarcoma

This is a tumor of the outer layer of the bone, affecting the skull, toes, pelvis and ribs. It is very rare, locally invasive and tends to spread slowly.

6. Synovial cell sarcoma

This type of tumor develops in the joint tissues and spread to the adjacent bones. It can spread to other organs such as the lungs and lymph nodes.

Dog bone cancer symptoms

The common signs are lameness, pain, swelling, fracture, bleeding, breathing difficulty, lethargy and loss of appetite.

Dog bone cancer treatment

The conventional treatment is usually a combination surgery (amputation or limb sparing), chemotherapy, irradiation and pain relief medications. In most cases, amputation is the first suggested treatment to minimise tumor spread and to relieve pain. The traditional approach is good for reducing tumor masses.

As the dog’s immune system is compromised by the disease and drug treatment, holistic therapy is crucial for promoting immune function and overall health. This is done through immune support supplements, nutritious diet, minimising exposure to toxic chemicals and avoiding unnecessary vaccinations.

As the bone is weakened by the tumour and can easily fracture, your dog’s movements should be limited. Avoid running, playing, jumping and climbing stairs following or prior to surgery.

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