Veterinary experts do not know exactly what causes canine bone cancer, but some dogs are more at risk of contracting the disease if they have experienced a bone fracture, or have had surgically implanted metal rods to repair an injury.
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Expert Insight
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According to Indiana veterinary oncologist Michael Lucroy, "We can see cancer develop at the site of previous trauma. That is well documented in people, dogs, and cats. The injury can be a broken bone, burn wound, or anything else."
Features
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Dr. Lucroy says that "the way the cancer spreads depends mostly on the type of cancer." With osteosarcoma, the most common place it begins is in the long leg bones of large dogs.
Types
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Most primary bone tumors are malignant. Osteosarcoma is the most common. Others include chondrosarcoma, histiocytic sarcoma, fibrosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma.
Identification
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Signs of primary bone tumors depend on the origination site. Symptoms often include persistent lameness, irritability, lack of appetite and unwillingness to exercise.
Prevention/Solution
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If your dog has had previous leg fractures or surgeries, and experiencing bone cancer symptoms, be sure to remind your veterinarian of these incidents to obtain a faster diagnosis.
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