What is Canine Osteosarcoma?

Canine osteosarcoma is another term for bone cancer in man's best friend. Large and giant breeds are most at risk, possibly because their bones grow so rapidly. Osteosarcoma is most common in middle-aged to older dogs. The tumor usually forms on a limb, causing a lot of pain and lameness. Front legs are affected twice as often as back legs.

Osteosarcoma spreads quickly, often to the lungs. So the sooner you take your dog to the veterinarian, the better the chances that treatments will be effective. Veterinarians diagnose the cancer with x-rays and sometimes a bone biopsy. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation may be used to try to prevent the cancer from spreading and to ease the dog’s pain.

– Dr. Larry McDaniel, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

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