throwyourdogabone

Osteosarcoma is the most common bone tumor in dogs. When faced with this diagnosis, dog owners are often overwhelmed, scared and feel lost with nowhere to turn. BoneCancerDogs.org was created to provide resources, support and hope. The website has the most comprehensive information about the diagnosis and management of canine bone cancer, with updates regarding treatment options, oncology information and ongoing research trials. There is even an online forum for dog owners dealing with the disease.

According to Ana Cilursu, M.D., President of Bone Cancer Dogs, Inc., “Of the more than 10,000 cases diagnosed annually, 75% occur in the limbs, but bone cancer can also involve the spine, jaw, ribs, skull and other bones. The biggest challenge is early diagnosis. Many older dogs present with a limp, and are diagnosed with a sprain or arthritis, only to find months later that the underlying problem is bone cancer. In some cases the pain improves with anti-inflammatory medicines, further delaying the diagnosis. In addition to providing information, resources and support, we hope to educate all dog owners on the warning signs, to increase the rate of early diagnosis.”

Potential signs of bone cancer:

1. New limp, worsening of existing limp or swelling near a joint, reluctance to bear full weight on a limb(cancer in the limb)
2. New tooth problems, difficulty eating, swelling of the jawbone, etc. (cancer in the jaw)
3. Change in stance or gait or stumbling, “tripping”, “knuckling of paw”, difficulty with urination or defecation (cancer in the spine)
4. Hard, bony like mass overlying any bone (especially noticeable in cancer of the rib or skull)
5. Decreased activity level, listlessness, decreased interest in previously fun things, decreased appetite (potential signs of pain regardless of location)

It is important to request x-rays early on, even if symptomatic treatment such as anti-inflammatory medications and rest are recommended. When x-rays show typical changes of bone cancer additional testing such as bone biopsy may not always be necessary.

When a diagnoses of bone cancer is made:

1. Educate yourself about the disease. Knowledge is power!
2. Request basic blood work (blood count, kidney panel, liver panel) and chest x-rays to be performed. These will be necessary for future decisions about treatment options.
3. Ask your veterinarian for an oncology referral. Have copies of all labs and x-rays available for the consultation. If an oncologist is not locally available, use online resources such as Pet Cancer Foundation or ask the vet to arrange a telephone consultation with an oncologist. Many veterinary teaching hospitals have oncology departments that offer phone consultations.
4. Find an online support group.
5. Recognize that there is no wrong decision, ever, when dealing with bone cancer. Live each day with your dog to the fullest.

In memory of Ana’s dear dogs pictured above: Roddy, wearing the blue bandana and Maxine in the colorful one. Both Roddy and Maxine had Osteosarcoma but their lives were truly defined by the joy they brought not only to Ana and her husband Craig, but also by their years of service as therapy dogs.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 30th, 2009 at 2:27 pm and is filed under BoneCancerDogs.org, Canine Bone Cancer, Osteosarcoma in Dogs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.