There are four types of canine bone cancer: osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, fibrosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma. Osteosarcoma is the most common of these cancers, and is always terminal. The final stages of bone cancer typically occur anywhere from four months to one year, depending on the individual dog, tumor severity, and treatment pursued.
Instructions
When a dog is diagnosed with terminal cancer, it is important to remain hopeful, but it is also important to understand that death is inevitable.
Dogs may present end-stage symptoms in various ways at different times, but dogs affected by terminal bone cancer share many common factors during the last phases of the disease.
When your dog dramatically slows down his activity and begins having difficult eating patterns, the bone cancer disease may have reached the last stages that result in death. There are many ways to help you determine when your dog is actually dying from the disease.
Assess your dog's stamina level. Bone cancer most often metastasizes to a dog's lungs, causing tumors to grow and creating blockages that affect the overall physical capabilities of a dog. When a dog reaches this stage of the disease, you can measure how this decreased stamina is affecting your dog.
Begin your assessment by looking at your dog's energy level. Has he become lethargic? Does he engage in his favorite activities? Can he walk without assistance?
Next, look at his appetite level. Dogs affected by bone cancer metastasis will eventually suffer from a sudden, decreased appetite. This is often due to lungs that are irritated from cancerous tumors growing inside the lobes, which can also result in secondary bronchial infections.
How is your dog eating? Is he declining favorite foods or unusually appetizing meals such as venison, rabbit or cheese?
Be sure to assess your dog's ability and desire to eliminate on his own. Dogs will not soil their bedding unless major health issues are affecting their ability to eliminate. Therefore, if your dog suddenly becomes incontinent, this may indicate that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Ask yourself: will your dog be happy if he needs constant help to go to the bathroom?
Finally, rate your dog's overall quality of life. Keep in mind that the term "Quality of life" means different things to people, and ask yourself what it means to you. Aside from medical testing procedures, this is the best way to determine exactly when your dog is dying of bone cancer.
Some people feel that if their dog cannot play his favorite games, it means that death is imminent. Others feel that if their dog cannot walk without assistance, a wheelchair is an appropriate measure to take until no amount of assistance will help help his mobility. Ask yourself; what does a "good life" mean to your dog?
Determine if the bone cancer disease has affected your dog's quality of life enough to forgo further physical aids or medical intervention. Then, ask yourself; at what point will you pursue euthanasia as the extremely difficult, but humane course of action?