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Bone tumors affect mostly large-breed dogs and can be either malignant or benign. If your dog is experiencing lameness, pain, lethargy or leg swelling, he could have a bone tumor and needs to be examined by your veterinarian right away.
“Osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma are the two most common malignant bone tumors,” according to pets.webMD.com. ”Osteomas and osteochondromas are the most common benign types.”
What Are the Symptoms of a Malignant Tumor?
Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer in dogs and affects dogs of all ages and kinds, though it is more likely to strike large-breed dogs. Unfortunately, there is no known cause at this time.
“This cancer affects dogs of all ages, with a median age of 8 years,” states pets.webMD.com. “It occurs with equal frequency in males and females. Giant breeds such as the Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, Great Dane and Great Pyrenees are 60 times more likely to develop an osteosarcoma than dogs weighing less than 25 pounds. Large breeds such as the Irish Setter and Boxer are eight times more likely to develop osteosarcoma. Toy breeds are rarely, if ever, affected.”
Osteosarcoma is most often initially found in the front legs, and can progress to the hind legs, flat bones of the ribs and mandible.
Petwave.com lists the following as symptoms of a malignant tumor:
- Limping in mature dogs with no history of leg trauma
- Broken bones at the tumor site (called “pathologic fractures”) caused by bone weakness from the cancer; usually no history of physical injury to the area
- Swollen upper jaw
- Swollen lower jaw
- Pain when opening the mouth
- Nasal discharge
- Swelling and pain along the spine
- Swelling and pain around the ribs
- Difficulty eating or chewing
- Lack of appetite
- Respiratory distress or difficulty breathing
It’s important to note that a dog’s height and weight, rather than its breed, are key factors when diagnosing bone cancer.
“Larger animals usually develop osteosarcoma in only one of their legs. Smaller dogs can develop osteosarcoma in their legs, but they are equally likely to have this form of cancer show up in other parts of their skeleton,” says petwave.com.
How Are Malignant Bone Tumors Treated?
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“Malignant tumors such as osteosarcomas and chondrosarcomas should be treated aggressively,” says pets.webMD.com. “Because these tumors metastasize to the lungs, it is important to obtain a chest X-ray before recommending surgery. The dog should have a complete physical examination, including a blood count and a fine needle aspiration or biopsy of any enlarged lymph nodes.”
Your dog may have to have the affected leg partially or completely amputated. This is not a cure, but will relieve your dog of his pain and improve his quality of life.
In most cases, chemotherapy will be used in addition to amputation. Your vet may also suggest radiation therapy if the cancer is metastatic or far advanced.
What Are the Symptoms of a Benign Tumor?
Benign tumors occur mostly around the skull and face, and are composed of dense but otherwise normal bone.
“Non-cancerous bone tumors are rare and mainly due to abnormal development,” according to vcahospitals.com. “They include bone cysts and single or multiple lumps of bone in abnormal places.”
How Are Benign Tumors Treated?
Your vet will take X-rays of your dog and will most likely need to perform a bone biopsy to determine the type of bone tumor.
“Benign tumors can be removed by local excision,” states pets.webMD.com. “The surgery is needed when the growth impinges on structures such as nerves and tendons, producing pain or causing inactivity. Surgical removal may also be indicated for the sake of appearance.”
What Is the Prognosis for Bone Tumors?
There is no known cure for cancer that develops from bone tumors, but you can keep your dog comfortable with proper care.
“Non-cancerous and benign cancerous bone swellings do not spread and many stop growing at maturity,” states vcahospitals.com. “If they interfere with the mechanics of the skeletal system, they can be cured by surgical removal. Osteosarcomas have a poor prognosis. High histological grade and high pre-treatment blood bone enzyme alkaline phosphatase are indicators of a particularly poor prognosis.”
While undergoing treatment for bone cancer, your dog’s activity will be restricted and he will be put on a pain management program. He will also need to have his white and red blood cell counts regularly monitored, and have regular chest X-rays to check for remission.
Additionally, you can give your dog a supplement containing reishi mushroom, which has the capability to boost your dog’s immune function, act as an anti-inflammatory and most importantly, fight canine cancer.
PHOTOS: Joel Mills, Ben
Find A Vet HOW TO articles are intended for informational purposes only. You should always consult with your veterinarian about any health issues affecting your dog.
Do you have a question about bone cancer? Submit it to i Love Dogs’ Ask a Vet here.