Health Condition

Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is an aggressive malignant bone tumor, most commonly affecting the limbs of large and giant breed dogs.

Detailed Description

Osteosarcoma arises from bone-forming cells and rapidly destroys bone tissue, often metastasizing to the lungs. It is the most common primary bone tumor in dogs, with a strong breed and size predisposition, and is highly malignant.

Common Symptoms

Lameness
Swelling over long bones
Pain
Reluctance to use affected limb
Pathologic fractures

Management Options

Amputation of affected limb
Chemotherapy
Palliative pain management

Frequently Asked Questions

Is osteosarcoma painful?

Yes, it is very painful and often the cause of lameness.

Can osteosarcoma be cured?

Cure is rare; treatment focuses on prolonging quality life.

Are both front and hind legs affected?

Forelimbs are more commonly affected, but any long bone can be involved.

Is early detection possible?

Early detection is difficult; prompt evaluation of new lameness is critical.

Condition Details

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Typical Age of Onset

Middle-aged to older dogs (median 7 years), but can occur as young as 2-3 years

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Testing Available

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Diagnosing Methods

Radiographs; Biopsy; Thoracic radiographs

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Preventative Measures

None known; early detection and prompt treatment are key

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Related Conditions

Other bone tumors, Bone infections (osteomyelitis)

Affected Breeds

Borzoi

Prevalence: 1.5% Severity: 5/5

Borzoi are among the top 10 breeds at risk for osteosarcoma, with subtle lameness often mistaken for injury due to their stoic nature.

Great Dane

Prevalence: 0.2% Severity: 5/5

Great Danes are among the top five breeds at risk for osteosarcoma, with a much higher risk than average-sized breeds.

Great Pyrenees

Severity: 5/5

Great Pyrenees, as a giant breed, have a higher risk of osteosarcoma than average. Sudden, severe lameness in middle-aged or older dogs should be investigated promptly.

Greyhound

Prevalence: 20% Severity: 5/5

Greyhounds have a much higher risk of osteosarcoma than most breeds, especially retired racing Greyhounds.

Irish Setter

Prevalence: 1.5% Severity: 5/5

Irish Setters have a moderately increased risk of osteosarcoma compared to the general dog population.

Irish Wolfhound

Prevalence: 17.5% Severity: 5/5

Irish Wolfhounds have a much higher risk of osteosarcoma than most breeds, with a median age of onset at 6.5 years.

Leonberger

Prevalence: 7.5% Severity: 5/5

Leonbergers, like other giant breeds, are at significantly higher risk for osteosarcoma compared to the general canine population.

Mastiff

Severity: 5/5

Mastiffs are at higher risk for osteosarcoma due to their size. Early detection is challenging, and prognosis is guarded.

Neapolitan Mastiff

Severity: 5/5

Neapolitan Mastiffs are at higher than average risk for osteosarcoma due to large body size and rapid growth.

Pyrenean Mastiff

Severity: 5/5

Pyrenean Mastiffs, like other giant breeds, have a higher risk of osteosarcoma. Sudden, unexplained lameness in middle-aged dogs is a key early sign.

Rafeiro do Alentejo

Severity: 5/5

Not well documented in the breed, but risk is likely higher than average due to large size.

Rottweiler

Prevalence: 12.5% Severity: 5/5

Rottweilers have a 4–5 times higher risk of osteosarcoma than average breeds, with an estimated lifetime risk of 12–15%.

Saint Bernard

Prevalence: 8.5% Severity: 5/5

Saint Bernards have a much higher risk of osteosarcoma than most breeds, with a lifetime risk estimated between 5-12%.

Saluki

Prevalence: 1.5% Severity: 5/5

As a large breed, Salukis have a higher risk for osteosarcoma compared to smaller breeds.

Scottish Deerhound

Prevalence: 17.5% Severity: 5/5

Scottish Deerhounds have a much higher lifetime risk of osteosarcoma than the general canine population, with a strong genetic predisposition.

Spanish Mastiff

Severity: 5/5

Spanish Mastiffs, as a giant breed, have a higher risk of osteosarcoma than average-sized breeds, with typical onset in middle-aged to older dogs.

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