Osteosarcoma in Dogs

Category: Cancer
Inheritance: Multifactorial
Breeds documented: 7
Published sources: 5

Overview

This bone cancer often starts in a leg's long bones, although it can also affect the jaw, ribs or pelvis. As an osteosarcoma tumor grows, it replaces healthy bone and can make the bone easier to break. Pain, limping and swelling can follow. The limb form often spreads to the lungs or other bones. Tumors elsewhere can cause different problems, such as trouble eating when the jaw is affected.

Signs to watch for

Limping or reluctance to walk
A firm swelling over a bone, often on a leg
Visible thinning of the muscles in one leg
Reduced appetite or changes in behavior

Most cases affect older dogs, although young dogs can also be affected.

When to get help Book a vet visit for persistent limping or a swelling that lasts or grows.

Diagnosis and tests

A vet examines the painful or swollen area and takes X-rays to look for bone changes. These images can suggest osteosarcoma, but a biopsy, a sample of tumor tissue examined in a laboratory, confirms the diagnosis. Chest X-rays or a CT scan, which creates detailed internal images, help check for spread to the lungs. Blood and urine tests assess overall health.

Breeds with documented risk

7 breeds

By breed size

2 Large
5 Giant

RottweilerLarge · Working Group
NewfoundlandGiant · Working Group
Saint BernardGiant · Working Group
Irish WolfhoundGiant · Hound Group
Spinone ItalianoLarge · Sporting Group
Scottish DeerhoundGiant · Hound Group
Pyrenean MastiffGiant · Miscellaneous Class

Inheritance

Multifactorial
Greyhound, Irish Wolfhound, Rottweiler
Several genes and the environment together set the risk. Diet, growth rate, weight and exercise can all play a part. There is no single DNA test. Screening the parents (for example hip or elbow scores) and choosing from lines with good results lowers the risk, but does not remove it.
As stated by PubMed: Zapata 2019

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.