Osteosarcoma: Bone Cancer in Dogs
Welcome to Goodna Vet, your trusted partner in managing bone cancer (osteosarcoma) in dogs. Osteosarcoma is a challenging diagnosis for any pet owner, but with our expert team and advanced treatment options, we're here to guide you through every step—from early detection and diagnosis to treatment choices such as surgery, amputation, and chemotherapy. Our focus is not only on extending the life of your beloved pet but also on ensuring the highest quality of life during their treatment and recovery. Explore services designed to provide compassionate care and support for your pet during this difficult time.
Dog Bone Cancer: Understanding and Treating Osteosarcoma at Goodna Vet
What is Osteosarcoma?
Osteosarcoma refers to a tumour that develops within the bone. In dogs, it's often found in the legs but can also affect the spine or jaw. This type of cancer is predominantly seen in larger breeds and commonly occurs near joints such as the knee, wrist, or shoulder.
Symptoms to Watch For:
A clear indicator of osteosarcoma in pets is limping or lameness in the affected leg. As the tumour enlarges, swelling becomes apparent, signifying the growth of the cancer. This condition is extremely painful, leading to the eventual disuse of the impacted limb.
Diagnosis:
Osteosarcomas can be identified with an X-ray, although tumours may need time to grow sufficiently for detection. For an earlier diagnosis, CT scans offer an alternative but at a higher expense.
Treatment Options:
By the time osteosarcomas are diagnosed, they often have spread, making management of pain a priority. While euthanasia is sometimes considered to alleviate severe discomfort, amputation can offer a pain-free solution, allowing pets to adapt remarkably well post-surgery. Artificial limbs represent a more recent, albeit costly, alternative. To extend your pet's life further, chemotherapy might be an option.
Cost of Procedure At Goodna Vet:
The cost of limb removal starts from $2,500, significantly less than the up to $6,000 you might find elsewhere.
We do offer payment plans through credit providers. Please see our payment plans section for more information.
Recovery and Aftercare
Most pets are ready to go home the day after surgery, often walking out of the hospital independently. Your pet will receive antibiotics and pain management medication for a smooth recovery. A follow-up visit is needed two weeks post-surgery for suture removal. Normal activities, like walks, can usually resume about a week after the operation. If chemotherapy is part of the treatment plan, it would start one to two weeks following the amputation.