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Bone Cancer in Dogs - Canine OsteosarcomaBone cancer in dogs is rather common. Canine osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone tumor.
Osteosarcoma is highly malignant and are found mostly in the legs and arms (appendicular skeleton). Specifically, the common sites are the far end of the radius bone
above the wrist in the front legs or just above or below the knee in the rear legs. Other sites where osteosarcoma can be found are in the spine, jaw, skull and ribs.
Canine osteosarcoma usually develops deep within the bone and first appears as swollen areas, with or without pain. As it progresses, the pain will become more intense as
the tumor grows outward and the bone is destroyed from the inside out.
At the time of diagnosis, the bone cancer in about 95% of dogs have already metastasized to other parts of the body. Most dogs with canine osteosarcoma will die from the
metastasis of tumor to the lungs or other bones.
Without treatment, a dog diagnosed with osteosarcoma will succumb to the cancer in only one to two months. However, due to the intense pain at the site of the bone tumor,
the dog will probably be euthanized prior to this period of time.
The second most common primary bone tumor in dogs is chondrosarcoma, which is a cartilage tumor. It accounts for approximately 5% to 10% of all primary bone tumors.
Chondrosarcoma generally occurs on flat bones such as ribs or skull bones and is less likely to be fatal like canine osteosarcoma.
Other canine bone cancer tumors such as fibrosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma are rare and account for less than 5% of all primary bone tumors in dogs.
Signs of Bone Cancer in DogsThe signs associated with bone cancer in dogs may be non-specific; in addition, it depends on the primary site of the tumor. The first clinical sign of osteosarcoma in the limb is usually lameness of the affected limb. A firm swelling accompanied by pain may become evident as the tumor grows. Some dogs develop acute nonweight-bearing lameness caused by bone fracture. (The tumor weakens and destroys the bone structure resulting in brittle bones that fracture easily.)
Causes of Bone Cancer in DogsThe exact cause of bone cancer in dogs is not known. However, previous bone fractures, bone trauma, or chronic bone infections seem to be predisposing factors. Also, gene mutations, foreign bodies (e.g. metal implants, such as internal fixators, bullets, etc.), chemical carcinogens can contribute to the development of canine osteosarcoma. Canine osteosarcoma usually occurs near growth plates; therefore, factors that affect growth rates, such as diets that promote rapid growth in puppies, may also be a contributing factor to bone cancer in dogs. TopRisk Factors for Bone Cancer in DogsGender The risk of bone cancer is slightly higher in male dogs than females. In addition, the risk of osteosarcoma is about 65% greater for neutered males and 34% greater for spayed females. For dogs spayed or neutered before one year of age, the risk seems to be even higher. Size Canine osteosarcoma occurs more often in large and giant breeds. Specifically, dogs weighing over 75 pounds are at a greater risk to develop bone cancer than dogs weighing less than 75 pounds. TopDiagnosis of Bone Cancer in DogsDiagnosis is usually based on clinical signs, a physical examination and X-rays. A biopsy is usually not necessary since the radiographic appearance of bone cancer as seen on X-ray is rather characteristic and easily identifiable. A number of other tests are also required to check if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body such as the lungs and the liver. TopTreatment for Bone Cancer in Dogs
For canine osteosarcoma, which is the most common type of bone cancer tumor in dogs, the treatment of choice is amputation of the affected limb, followed by chemotherapy.
Amputation serves two purposes: first, it removes the primary tumor and prevents it from metastasizing, and secondly, it also removes the source of pain, and may therefore
dramatically improve the dog patient's quality of life.
If the lower part of the radius bone or the ulna (elbow bone) is affected and if the lesion is small, limb-sparing procedures may be used to save the cancerous leg. These
procedures involve replacement of the bone with a bone from a bone bank.
Sixty percent of dogs with bone cancer who receive treatment of amputation and follow-up chemotherapy can survive for up to one year, and 40 percent can live up to 2 years
after treatment.
In cases of inoperable bone cancer, or where the bone tumor cannot be completely removed, radiation therapy may be used before or after surgery. It is also often used to
provide pain relief from secondary bone tumors associated with metastases.
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Artemisinin for Canine OsteosarcomaFor canine osteosarcoma, recent studies have shown that the herb Artemisinin may be given to dog patients as part of a chemotherapy program. Artemisinin is an herb that has been used in Asia for years to cure malaria. It has been found that this herb can help to kill cancer cells in the body as well (both in people and dogs). Artemisinin can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy. It may also be used before radiation treatments, but should not be used within 20 days of radiation therapy, and should not be resumed until two months after the last radiation treatment. Cancerous cells contain high levels of iron which they need to reproduce their DNA during cell division. Artemisinin destroys cells with high iron levels while posing little or no danger to the normal cells. Artemisinin should be taken with food; essential fatty acid (e.g. flaxseed oil) can help absorption of the herb. High doses of pancreatic enzymes and CoQ-10 should also be used during Artemisinin therapy. However, this herb can be toxic if used improperly; therefore, be sure to consult a holistic vet if you would like to explore this treatment option further.Other Natural Remedies for Dog Bone CancerAlthough natural remedies such as herbs, homeopathic remedies, and natural supplements may not be able to destroy tumors, they are nonetheless effective in strengthening the immune system, making the body stronger to fight against diseases such as cancer. Some dog parents have reported success in using the herbal formula "Essiac" to treat canine cancer, while others swear by such remedies as the "Budwig Diet". For more information on these and other natural remedies for canine cancer, please visit our pages on Herbs for Cancer in Dogs and Dog Cancer Diet.Related Topics Dog Cancer Symptoms of Dog Cancer Conventional Cancer Treatment for Dog Patients Herbs for Cancer in Dogs Dog Cancer Diet References S. Messonnier, The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs (New World Library, 2006). A.D. Shojai, New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats (Rodale Press, Inc., 1999). TOP OF Bone Cancer in Dogs |
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