There are times when a dog that should be running around and taking a walk suddenly walks with a limp. This is called lameness, and when a dog shows lameness, the first disease that can be suspected is a surgical disease such as dislocation or fracture. However, there are many other causes of lameness. In this column, I would like to talk regarding osteosarcoma, which is one of the most serious diseases in terms of the cause of lameness.
Osteosarcoma is a tumor caused by the abnormal proliferation of cells that make and decompose bone. It is the most common malignant tumor among bone tumors in dogs. It can occur in various parts of the bone, such as the jawbone, pelvis, and skull. It can be found in older large dogs and is common in breeds such as Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Doberman Pinschers.
The most common symptom is pain or swelling in the affected area. Osteosarcoma starts deep inside the bone and grows outward, dissolving the bone and becoming increasingly painful. They may also appear lethargic and lose their appetite. If osteosarcoma occurs in the leg, it can cause quite noticeable swelling and give the appearance of lameness. In addition, it is difficult to walk due to pain, and as the bones become weak, even minor injuries can easily break the legs.
In this way, if a dog shows related symptoms, it is necessary to consider various factors and conduct an examination to determine the exact condition. The problem is that the cause of osteosarcoma is unclear, making it difficult to prevent the disease in advance. The metastasis is also quite high, and when diagnosed, it is often following metastasis has already progressed to the lungs or other organs.
If the tumor in your dog suddenly enlarges or if the tumor is hard to the touch, you must suspect a malignant tumor such as osteosarcoma. At this time, it is better to remove the tumor quickly so that it does not spread to other organs.
If it is decided to remove the tumor, it must be removed with a resection wider than the size of the tumor, taking into account the degree of metastasis and the location of the tumor. Occasionally, if life is in danger due to osteosarcoma, the affected part may be amputated, so accurate diagnosis and evaluation through examination are essential. Depending on the condition of the dog, drugs may be used to control pain and relieve symptoms, or chemotherapy may be performed.
For tumors, quick judgment and long-term management are really important. If you find a tumor in your dog, we recommend that you determine whether the tumor is benign or negative through a biopsy following excision and check for recurrence with regular examinations.
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