WHAT IS OSTEOSARCOMA?

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alaskan....@gocco.co.za

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May 28, 2007, 12:20:56 AM5/28/07

to Chat Forum - (AMBFSA) ALASKAN MALAMUTE BREEDERS FORUM OF SOUTH AFRICA

Anyway, after reading about the "scam", lets see what we can learn
from what is osteosarcoma!

In common terms it is called BONE CANCER.

After posting these questions to our Vet-on-the-Net, Dr. Gerry,
herewith his reply;

WHICH ANIMALS AND BREEDS ARE AT RISK?
Osteosarcomas are the most common primary bone tumours in dogs.
Typically it occurs most often in large breed and giant dogs with
Great Danes probably most often affected. The reason for this is
unknown. It is also more common in dogs rather than bitches. According
to the literature it does not appear to be heritable but of course
breed proneness do play an important role. Chronic and persistent bone
trauma in large dogs may play a role, but this merely a hypothesis.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
There seem to be two peak ages when these tumours appear: two years
and seven years, but it has been reported in dogs as young as six
months. The first thing clients usually notice is a painful swelling
in the following locations: the growth plate area of the end (distal)
radius (fore-arm). The top end (proximal) humerus, the distal femur
(thigh bone) and proximal tibia (shin bone) It is said that at the
time the owner first notices the swelling, in 90% of cases there has
already been microscopic spread of the tumours to the lungs. Diagnosis
is by radiographs or (more accurately) CT scans. A defenitive
diagnoses can really only be made with bone biopsies.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT?
The only treatment is amputation of the affected limb in most cases.
One may try salvaging the limb in cases of distal radius involvement
only. It is always advisable for appropriate chemo-therapy after the
operation.

IS IT PREVENTABLE?
Unfortunately none.

DOES VETERINARY SCIENCE HAVE A COMPLETE UNDERSTANDING OF THIS DISEASE?
Our understanding is certainly not complete, but the above answers to
your questions is the sum total of our understanding at the moment. I
often tell me clients that malignant tumours (or cancer if you like)
is the only completely curable chronic disease in both humans and
pets.

SHOULD ONE BE BREEDING FROM LINES AFFECTED?
Until we know more about the exact mechanisms why certain breeds are
more prone to this disease, I certainly wouldn't recommend worrying
about trying to eliminate certain families or lines in your breeding
programme. The breed size and rate of maturity may be more important
than breed or family line.