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Addisons Disease
Allergies Anesthesia Cancer Digestive
Disorders Elbow
Dysplasia Eye
Problems Heart
Disease Hernia Hip
Dysplasia Hypothyroidism Kidney/Liver Laryngeal
Paralysis Missing
Teeth Osteochondrosis
Dissecans (OCD) Panosteitis Perianal
Fistulas Polyneuropathy Reproduction Temperament
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Osteosarcoma
| What
is it? | Osteosarcoma
is a form of bone cancer that is common in large breed dogs, including Leos. It
can occur in any bone, but is more frequently seen in the long bone of the legs.
It usually progresses rapidly and metastasizes to the lungs. |
| Symptoms: | Limping,
swelling, and pain of the affected bone, coughing and difficulty breathing after
metastases. | | Diagnosis: | X-rays
can be used for a presumptive diagnosis, but a definitive diagnosis requires a
bone biopsy. | | Treatment: | Bone
cancer is extremely painful and requires rapid decisions about treatment methods.
Bone cancer cannot be cured. There are a variety of treatments in use for osteosarcoma,
and new drug/surgery options and combinations are being developed. Chemotherapy
and amputation have been used and, while there is not guarantee that the life
of the affected dog will be prolonged, the quality of life can often be improved.
Lifespan after treatment can range from a few months up to 18 months depending
on the particular situation. | | Links: | | | |
