Bone Cancer in Dogs 

Not all dog cancers are the same.  The soft and fatty tumors can develop on your older dog’s skin and often pose no harm to their overall quality of life.  However, the tumors that form internally may be harmful, painful, and can spread to other part of the body.  Unfortunately, bone cancer is one type of cancer.  Continue reading this article to learn more about bone cancer, the symptoms, and treatment involved.

When cell proliferation goes unchecked, cancer may occur.  Abnormal cells accumulate and form tumors depending on the organ from which they originate.  Bone cancer may cause cells within the bone to control and form large, painful lesions.

It is important to note the symptoms involved with bone cancer.  If your dog develops bone cancer, they may start limping as if they have a sprain in their leg.  When these bone tumors become larger, they can cause noticeable firm swelling that pushes skin upward.  This sort of swelling can be extremely painful and cause limping.  The bad thing is that bone cancers tend to eat away at the healthy bone, and this makes bone susceptible to fractures.

Treatment for bone cancer is very important.  Bone tumors are so aggressive because of their potential to spread to other parts of the body.  Surgery is necessary to remove the tumor.  It not only eliminates the chances of the cancer spreading, but it creates less impact for the bone itself.  If surgical removal is not possible due to the location of the tumor, chemotherapy may be an option.  Unfortunately, chemotherapy does not provide as long of a median survival time compared to surgery.

Bone cancer is one of the most severe forms of cancer.  Not only is it very painful for your dog to deal with, but it can spread to other parts of the body.  It is important to notice the signs early on so that you can address the issue sooner than later.