Bone Cancer (Osteosarcoma)

Health & Well Being
Bone Cancer (Osteosarcoma)

Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) is the most common type of cancer that affects the bones of dogs.

This cancer gradually eats away at the healthy bone tissue, leaving weaker, damaged bone which can break easily, even with normal activity. Affected dogs may have a noticeable hard swelling at the site of the cancer, or may simply go suddenly lame, almost overnight.

Bone cancer is mostly seen in larger breeds of dog with Greyhounds being the breed diagnosed most with this disease, followed by Rottweilers and Great Danes. Although most common in older greyhounds, the disease has no real age limits and can be seen in dogs of racing age, as well as in brood bitches and retired racers kept as pets. The risk of developing this disease increases with age, and one study in the UK found it accounted for almost 50% of all tumours seen in greyhounds.

Where is it commonly seen?

The most common sites for bone cancer to develop in the front leg are the shoulder and just above the wrist. In the hind leg the cancer tends to occur just above or below the knee/stifle.

The owner often reports that the dog has gone lame, and the area will often be swollen and painful to touch. Because it can appear so quickly, often owners assume the dog has simply hurt itself in the yard, or while exercising or playing with other dogs. The location of the swelling, amount of pain, and the appearance of the bone on x-ray are used to diagnose this disease. X-rays often show an area of bone that is very different from the normal bone above and below it, with a distinctive appearance described as ‘moth eaten’. Sometimes on x-ray it is also possible to see ‘pathologic’ fractures (breaks in the abnormal bone) which are the cause of a lot of the pain.

Confirmation of the diagnosis can be achieved via a bone biopsy or fine needle aspirate – where some of the cells from the affected area are removed and sent for examination by a pathologist.

What can be done if my greyhound has been diagnosed with Bone Cancer?

Unfortunately bone cancer is usually a very aggressive and nasty disease and malignant cancers can spread from their initial location to other places in the body such as the liver and lungs. Osteosarcoma is a type of cancer that spreads very early in the disease, often well before any signs or symptoms from the original tumour are visible.

Given this early spread, most dogs diagnosed with this disease have a very poor prognosis. It is estimated that most dogs will have a life expectancy of only a few months from the time of diagnosis. Treatment options include pain relieving medication, amputation of the affected limb, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Amputation of the affected limb is primarily done to control the pain associated with the area, and does not ‘cure’ the cancer. Without amputation, pain relief may work for a short time, but usually an inability to control the pain leads to the owner deciding to euthanase the greyhound. Greyhounds usually cope quite well with amputation, even though it seems to be a very drastic option. Amputation of the affected limb can increase the life expectancy from just weeks to an average of 4-6 months.

Chemotherapy is aimed at slowing the spread of the disease into other organs. Many owners do not consider chemotherapy because of the cost involved and the concern that their greyhound will suffer similar side effect to human chemotherapy patients (such as nausea and vomiting). Interestingly dogs are far less likely to suffer these types of reactions to the chemotherapy medication, and new chemotherapy drugs continue to be developed which are safer, more effective, and reduce the risks of unpleasant side effects.

Amputation followed by chemotherapy gives the best life expectancy, but the average survival time with this option is still only 10-12 months. If you are concerned that your greyhound has gone suddenly lame, especially if it is an older dog, it is important to have the dog checked by your veterinarian. They will be able to diagnose the problem, and discuss all of the available options and their likely outcomes with you so that you can make an informed decision.

Meet our dogs ready for adoption

All greyhounds adopted from GAP are de-sexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and health checked.

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Arrow

5 years old

Meet Arrow, this handsome boy is looking for his forever home. His loving nature and affection, he’s sure to bring joy and companionship to his family. Arrow thrives on attention and interaction, and hell reward his family with loyalty. Arrow is best suited to a household where he can be by himself, allowing him to settle in and become the beloved companion he is meant to be. He may be okay with another large or medium canine buddy. He might do well with kids 10+ who understand his boundaries and is respectful. If you are looking for a friendly, loving and confident doggo to join your family, Arrow is the perfect fit. Arrow has previously had a break in his right hand foot. This isn't causing him any trouble in his day-to-day life though!
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Hulk Smash

4 years old

Hulk is a smashing lad who is as soft on the inside as a marshmallow, we promise! The only thing he wants to crush, is your hesitation around welcoming him or one of his fellow hound heroes into your life! Hulk gets a little over exuberant at times, and needs to work on his lead skills, but this is an easy habit to overcome! If you are prepared to be patient and work with him, Hulk promises to protect and defend your heart until his last breath and beyond. He is friendly, puppyish, confident, and needs a yard to do his zoomies in and body slam those squeaky toys. He may suit living with children 10+, full time workers, and may do well on his own or with a medium or larger canine friend to take on the world with. He is a leaner, but is also independent, the perfect balance. So what are you waiting for? Come and meet him today, your love story might just be a knockout!
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Sam Iam

4 years old

Sam Iam the super sweet and social boy that just wants to please you and give you all loving that he has to give. Sam is good to walk on the lead and we think he may suit households that love to get out and about. We think he would be better in a home with a yard and no elderly or frail family members (incl. other dogs). We also think they might suit living with children 10 and above or another medium or larger dog as company. Sam has some Osteoarthritis which does affect his day-to-day life
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Libra

3 years old

Google tells us that Libras are "renowned for their captivating charm, quality elegance, and diplomatic spirit". We hope this sums up our Libra too! She's a social and friendly girl who adores doing zoomies, so a home with a backyard is a must for her. Even having a toe removed doesn't slow her down. She would likely suit a home with older children, as her excitable nature would make her a bit too lively for small kids or elderly owners.
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Bruiser

2 years old

Bruiser is a big puppy in an adult body! In new environments and with new people Bruiser can be a bit unsure and seems shy, but after some reassuring pats and some tasty treats, Bruiser will be an outgoing pup and your best friend in no time! Bruiser may suit living with or without another playful pup of similar size and children aged 15 years and older. We think Bruiser will do best in a home with a backyard so he can run and play in. Bruiser has successfully completed our onsite Behavioural Rehabilitation Program and is now ready for adoption! Bruiser has an old hock fracture, which doesn't affect his day-to-day life.
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Tremendous

5 years old

Meet Tremendous, the friendly and outgoing greyhound gentleman who's ready to bring joy and companionship into his new home! This charming boy has a big personality and loves to make new friends, both human and canine. Tremendous is a social and affectionate companion who will thrive in a family environment with plenty of love and attention. Tremendous is best suited to a home with kids aged 10+, who will appreciate his friendly nature and energetic spirit. He's looking for a household where he's the only dog or with a medium to large canine companion. Tremendous requires a home without small dogs or cats. With a loving family and a stable environment, Tremendous is sure to become a loyal and loving companion - if you're looking for a friendly and outgoing greyhound friend, Tremendous might be the perfect fit!
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Chevy Impala

4 years old

Meet Chevy Impala, the charming and unique greyhound gentleman who's looking for a home that appreciates his individuality. This boy is a bit aloof and independent, with a quirky personality that's sure to bring laughter and joy into his new home. Chevy is a loyal companion to those he trusts, and he'll reward them with affection and devotion. Chevy is best suited to a home with kids aged 15+, who will understand and respect his need for space and time to adjust. He's looking for a household where he's the only dog or with a calm and compatible medium to large canine companion. Chevy requires a home without small dogs. With a patient and loving family in a house with a yard, Chevy is sure to thrive and become a beloved member of the family - if you're looking for a loyal and affectionate greyhound friend with a bit of character, Chevy might be the perfect fit. Chevy has an autoimmune disease called Pannus, which is controlled with daily eye drops.
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Shifty

7 years old

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Meet Shifty, a 7-year-old boy who defies his age with his youthful energy and playful spirit. Don't let his mature years fool you - this lively lad is still a puppy at heart, always ready to burst into a zoomy or play with a toy. With his boundless enthusiasm and love for playtime, Shifty is the perfect companion for those who crave an active and entertaining furry friend. Despite his advancing years, Shifty shows no signs of slowing down. His tail still wags with excitement, and his eyes sparkle with mischief as he chases after toys or embarks on a high-speed zoom around the room. With his ageless personality and playful nature, Shifty is sure to bring joy and laughter into the life of his forever family. If you're looking for a fun-loving companion to keep you on your toes, Shifty is the perfect match! He may do best living as an only dog and a home with no children. He would prefer a backyard for his zoomies. He has successfully completed further training in our behavioural rehabilitation program and is now ready for adoption.
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