Bone cancer in cats and dogs

The most common bone tumor is called osteosarcoma, which usually affects older dogs or giant breed dogs. Osteosarcoma seems to be rare in cats. Osteosarcoma is an aggressive cancer that can develop in any bone of the body but the majority is seen in the limbs (eg elbow or the knee).

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Signs and symptoms

Dogs with limb osteosarcoma typically show lameness and swelling at the affected site. For other sites, dogs may show difficulty to open their mouth (if jaw bone cancer), nasal discharge (if nasal cavity bone cancer) or neurological signs (if spine bone cancer).

Diagnosis

The initial evaluation involves X-rays of the affected site, but the only way to confirm the diagnosis is by tissue biopsy.^[1]

Treatment

Depending on the pet's unique condition, there are several treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

References

External link

• Bone Cancer in Cats and Dogs from Pet Cancer Center
• Canine osteosarcoma from UGA Veterinary School of Medicine'
• Osteosarcoma from Animal Cancer & Imaging Center