Osteosarcoma- bone tumor in dogs!!

Every 8 out of 10,000 dogs in United States are affected by bone tumor. The condition, scientifically known as Osteosarcoma affects localized bone tissues and completely destroys it. The bones of the area are weakened; thereby increasing chances of bone fracture. The disease is more prominent among dogs of larger breeds to smaller ones. Though the root causes of the disease remains unknown, medical practitioners suspect that the disease is genetically predisposed.

The initial stages of bone tumor are characterized by pain often accompanied with lameness. It is advisable to consult a medical practitioner who may advice some radiograph test. The test results may show the area as lytic or the tissue may appear to have been broken.

Before initiating the treatment, it is equally important to asses the dog's health condition and if your dog has the ability to withstand the test. For this, blood count test, urinanalysis, nuclear bone scan, and other tests are necessary. A biopsy should also be conducted under local anesthesia. The sample is then examined to determine the cell type. Once detected, the patient undergoes chemotherapy. The treatment is effective is reducing pain and increases lifespan of the dog. But unfortunately, a proper cure for the disease is still not possible and still remains under the scope of research.