If your dog has been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, and you are considering pet euthanasia at home, the following information will be very helpful.
Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common bone tumor in dogs and is extremely painful. It can develop in any bone but is usually seen in the knee, shoulder, and wrist. While these locations account for 85% of bone cancer, it can also occur in the skull, (jawbone usually), backbone, and ribs.
OSA starts deep inside the bone, and grows outward. As is grows, it destroys the bone in the process. Lameness may start suddenly and be intermittent or constant, and get progressively worse over the period of several weeks. You may then see swelling as the tumor grows and replaces the normal bone. Tumorous bone can break very easily, so your dog may have a fracture with a relatively minor injury. This type of break is called a “pathologic fracture” and will not heal.
OSA occurs mostly commonly in older large breed dogs such as Rottweilers and Labradors. Signs and symptoms depend on the location of the tumor. If it is in the legs, lameness and swelling may be the first signs. If it is in the jaw, difficulty swallowing will occur and if it is in the spine, neurologic problems. Dogs with masses in their pelvis may have problems defecating as their first symptom.
As stated earlier, this is a very painful condition. Analgesic medications are used but are mostly ineffective for controlling the pain associated with bone cancer. Pet euthanasia at home allows for not having to move your dog, thus limiting pain and suffering.
If your dog has been diagnosed with OSA and he/she is suffering, please do not let them linger. The kind and humane thing to do is let them go; pet euthanasia at home allows a peaceful and painless transition.
