Bone cancer or canine osteosarcoma in dogs is a condition that dogs come across due to abnormal, malignant growth of immature bone cells or osteoblasts. It is frequent in the limbs’ long bones, such as the femur, tibia, and humerus, but it can also occur in the skull, spine, ribs, and pelvis. Bone cancer spreads rapidly to other parts of the body, especially the lungs. osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer in dogs, approximately 85% of which are skeletal tumors.
What are the symptoms of bone cancer in dogs?
It is likely to mistake the early signs of bone cancer for minor injuries or arthritis. Osteosarcoma can develop in any bone despite the bone size. Thus, symptoms vary depending on the affected bone. If your furry friend shows the following symptoms, take him or her to the veterinary care immediately:
- Lameness or limping
- Swelling or a noticeable mass on the affected bone
- Pain and tenderness
- Reluctance to exercise or play
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Dehydration
- Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
- Lethargy
- Fractures
Causes of bone cancer in dogs

The exact causes of bone cancer in dogs have not yet been identified. Yet, it could be due to the combination of both genetic and environmental factors. Some breeds, diagnosed with bone cancer, have had genetic mutations and predispositions. Thus it suggests that it is a hereditary component.
Male dogs are often diagnosed with bone cancer. Moreover, it affects middle-aged to older dogs between seven and 10 years old. It does not mean that younger dogs are risk-free from bone cancer. They also get diagnosed with the condition, especially the pups of largely and giantly growing breeds. Here are some breeds with a higher predisposition to osteosarcoma:
- Rottweilers
- Great Danes
- Irish Wolfhounds
- Great Pyrenees
- Newfoundlands
- Bernese Mountain Dogs
- Saint Bernards
- German Shepherds
- Weimaraners
- Boxers
- Greyhounds
- Irish Setters
- Doberman Pinschers
- Golden Retrievers
How To Treat Bone Cancer in Dogs?

Before starting treatments, the vet conducts a series of tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of the bone cancer in your dog.
- Physical examination: Your veterinarian will physically examine your pup to evaluate his overall health and palpate the affected area for swelling or masses.
- Radiographs (X-rays): He may expose your dog to “Radiographs” to identify bone changes, such as destruction and new bone formation.
- Biopsy: A sample of the tumor tissue will be collected and examined to confirm the diagnosis of osteosarcoma.
- Advanced imaging: The vet will use advanced imaging such as CT scans or MRIs to visualize the tumor in detail and to plan the surgical treatments
Once the diagnosis has been confirmed with either way of examination, the vet recommends the following treatment options based on the pup’s condition.
The Treatment Options
- Surgery: The vet will recommend surgical treatment firsthand for osteosarcoma in dogs. Your dog may lose a limb as the affected limb will be amputated in the surgery. It sounds tragic, yet many dogs adapt very well to life on three legs and return to a normal lifestyle. Amputation surgery may not work in certain cases. Therefore, vets may use limb-sparing surgery for the treatment. It removes the cancerous section of bone and replaces it with a bone graft or metal implant.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is used along with surgery to remove any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of metastasis. cisplatin, carboplatin, and doxorubicin are some common drugs used in chemotherapy.
- Radiation therapy: This slows the growth of the tumor and helps manage pain if surgery is not an option. It targets the cancer cells directly and reduces tumor size.
- Pain management: Pain management is critical in cancers. Thus, your vet may prescribe medications such as NSAIDs, opioids, gabapentin, and bisphosphonates to alleviate pain in your dog.
Prognosis for Bone Cancer in Dogs
The health forecast of your pup affected with osteosarcoma depends on several factors, including the tumor’s location, size, stage at diagnosis, and the chosen treatment regimen. If he or she has been treated before a rapid spread, the chance of survival is high. Yet, if it’s otherwise, that means if it has dominated the lungs, lymph nodes, or another part of the body, it’s less likely to survive. The median survival time can extend to 10-12 months. 20% of dogs survive up to two years or longer post-diagnosis.
If your dog is prone to bone cancer, it will be up to you and your vet to determine what is the most appropriate course of action. Osteosarcoma is a severe condition. Nevertheless, new procedures that are underway give hope for your pup’s life.
You would not ever feel anything other than receiving a bone cancer diagnosis report of your pup. If it’s so, you have to stand by your dog and support him to fight against the fatal condition. Understanding the treatment options and working closely with your veterinarian will make a difference in your dog. Follow his guidelines as per your dog’s disease specifications. Pay attention to your pup and give it the right care. It will help your dog have a quality and fruitful life.