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Tumores y cáncer

Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)

A malignant, aggressive bone tumour. It is the most common bone cancer in dogs, especially in large and giant breeds.

Severe🐕 Dogs🐈 Cats

This may be a veterinary emergency

See your vet without delay if your large dog has lameness that does not improve or a swollen, painful area of bone.

Symptoms to watch for

  • • Persistent lameness that does not improve
  • • Firm, painful swelling on a bone, often near a joint
  • • Severe pain
  • • Possible fracture of the affected bone from a minor knock
  • • Lethargy and weight loss in advanced stages

Causes

A malignant tumour whose cause is not fully understood. Large and giant breeds (Great Dane, St Bernard, Greyhound, Rottweiler) are at much higher risk. It usually affects the limbs.

Diagnosis

X-rays plus a biopsy to confirm. Staging tests (chest) because it metastasises early, mainly to the lungs.

Treatment

Pain management (it is very painful), often amputation of the limb plus chemotherapy. The prognosis is guarded because of the tendency to metastasise. Pain control and quality of life are the priorities.

Prevention

Not preventable. Early detection of persistent lameness allows earlier intervention.

When should you see the vet?

See your vet without delay if your large dog has lameness that does not improve or a swollen, painful area of bone.

Consult a vet24 h emergency vets nearby

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.

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