Bone cancer in cats and dogs


The most common bone tumor is called osteosarcoma, and typically affects middle-age to older dogs of large and giant breeds. Osteosarcoma is less common in cats. Osteosarcoma is an aggressive cancer that can develop in any bone of the body but the majority is seen in the limbs.

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, nasal discharge or neurological signs.

Diagnosis

The initial evaluation involves radiographs of the affected site, but the only way to confirm the diagnosis is by sampling the tissue via biopsy or needle aspiration.

Treatment

Depending on the pet's unique condition, there are several treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Treating the pain adequately is also of crucial importance to improve the pet's quality of life, especially if amputation is not performed.