Canine osteosarcoma refers to malignant bone tumors found in dogs. Specifically, axial osteosarcoma is characterized by tumors in the axial skeleton, involving the vertebrae, ribs, pelvis, and skull.
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Occurrence
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While osteosarcoma typically affects larger dogs, axial osteosarcoma is more common in small-breed dogs. Axial osteosarcoma makes up a small percentage of overall canine osteosarcoma cases.
Contributing Factors
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Several factors contribute to osteosarcoma and axial osteosarcoma, including ionizing radiation, chemical carcinogens, foreign bodies (such as metal implants) and preexisting skeletal abnormalities (such as sites of healed fractures).
Symptoms
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A range of symptoms can accompany canine axial osteosarcoma, including lameness, swelling as the size of the tumor increases and pain. The pain can produce other issues, such as irritability, weight loss, aggression, whimpering, insomnia and diminished interest in walking or other exercise.
Diagnosis
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Evaluation of a dog with suspected axial osteosarcoma typically includes a comprehensive physical exam, blood work, radiograph and biopsy.
Treatment
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Because of the location of most axial osteosarcoma tumors, a complete surgical removal (excisional biopsy) is often unfeasible. Microscopic tumor cells will be left behind, increasing the risk of local recurrence. Most dogs with axial osteosarcoma tumors will survive for 4 to 5 months and will typically experience tumor recurrence in the same site. Treatment focuses on improving tumor control, as well as the dog's quality of life.
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