Canine bone cancer begins when a tumor develops within the bone. As the tumor eats away at the bone, pain and swelling occur. Finally, bones begin to break and do not heal. When bone cancer is diagnosed, it is usually too late to cure the dog. But in most cases, chemotherapy and pain medication can help.
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Osteosarcomas
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Dog bone cancer begins when tumors appear within the bone. These are called osteosarcomas. They are most common in leg bones but can occur in any bone in the body.
Tumor development
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As the tumors grow, the dog begins to experience swelling and pain. The tumor destroys the bone from the inside out.
Lameness and Breaks
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Within a few months of the tumor developing, the dog will begin to experience lameness. The bones will be so weak that they will fracture easily. These fractures do not heal.
Diagnosis
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When the first fractures occur, bone cancer is generally diagnosed by X-ray. Treatment should begin immediately.
Treatment
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Bone cancer can be treated with surgery, pain medications and chemotherapy. Surgery and amputation could eliminate the cancer in some cases. In others, chemotherapy can extend the dog̵7;s life up to one year after diagnosis.
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