Osteosarcoma, or cancer of the bone, doesn't affect just humans. Bone cancer affects our canine companions as well. As the most common form of bone tumor in dogs, osteosarcoma usually affects larger breeds and more elderly dogs. While puppies and middle-aged dogs can get it as well, it is most common with older dogs. While the only true way to diagnose osteosarcoma in your dog is by a radiograph and biopsy, also look out for various symptoms.
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Swelling
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Osteosarcoma is most common in the leg bones. As the swelling of the cancerous tumor takes over the leg bone, obvious swelling in the leg will appear. Swelling is one of the first and main symptoms of osteosarcoma in dogs. Eventually, normal bone is replaced completely by tumorous bone. Bone cancer is not preventable, therefore nothing done for your dog will lessen his chances of getting cancer.
Breaks or Fractures
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Once the cancer takes over the bone, more symptoms will appear. One of these symptoms is a fracture or break or, in many cases, several fractures or breaks at once. Tumorous bone is not as strong as regular bone, therefore the bone infected with the cancer will break quite easily. Once it is determined that it is osteosarcoma that has affected the dog, there are many options, including chemotherapy and amputation of the affected limb, to consider.
Pain
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Osteosarcoma will cause pain for the dog, regardless of where it has spread in the body. If the cancer is in the back leg, the swelling and weakening of the bone tissue will make movement and walking very painful for the dog. You may notice your dog limping or favoring particular appendages. If there are no obvious explanations, such as a fall or a sliver in the paw, this may be a symptom of osteosarcoma.
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