Vadar is a 6 year old, male neutered, Doberman pincher that was presented to Sylvan Veterinary Hospital with a 2 week history of intermittent limping in the right front leg. There was some soreness determined in the right shoulder during physical examination and x-rays were taken of the right and left shoulders. A lesion, characteristic of early bone cancer, was discovered in Vadar’s right arm near his shoulder. Further testing confirmed the tentative diagnosis of bone cancer.
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We most frequently see bone cancer in large and giant breed dogs. Most tend to be very aggressive, although there are some less aggressive forms. The majority of pets afflicted with bone cancer live anywhere from 3-6 months, depending on how advanced the disease is at the time of diagnosis (stage), and or how aggressive the form of cancer. Bone cancer is very painful and in advanced stages, treatment is usually directed towards pan relief by giving medications and or leg amputation. Leg salvage or amputation with follow up chemotherapy is successful in some cases of early detection.
At Sylvan, we have had 2 patients survive bone cancer, so survival is possible with early detection and treatment. Unfortunately, these cancers tend to be fairly advanced before diagnosis. Due to Vadar’s age, early stage of the disease, and type of bone cancer, It was decided to treat with amputation and follow up chemotherapy in hope for a cure.
Vadar is now 4 months out with no sign of Cancer. He is finishing up his last round of chemotherapy and doing great! We sure hope Vadar can beat his cancer.
