© Kirrawee Veterinary Hospital CANINE DISEASES
Osteosarcoma
Osetosarcomas are primary bone tumors which account for around
5% of all canine tumors. Around 75% of osteosarcomas occur in
the limbs with the majority being in dogs over 20kg and greater
than 7 years of age. They metastasize (spread) very early generally
to the lungs. Clinical signs include sudden lameness, firm swelling over the
bone, and eventually collapse of the bone structure leading to
fracture. X-rays of the bone will help confirm the diagnosis however biopsy
is usually necessary to distinguish osetosarcoma from osteomyelitis
(infection in the bone). Treatment options include amputation of the affect limb and chemotherapy.
Survival times following amputation alone are around 10% for survival
greater than 9 months and this is usually undertaken to alleviate
pain in the limb. This can increase to 50% with the addition of
chemotherapy with drugs such as cisplatin. Feline osteosarcomas are much less common than in dogs. Metastasis
is also uncommon making the prospect of long term survival following
amputation alone quite good. Related sites |