Dog Fibrosarcoma

This rare type of Dog Bone Cancer falls into the category of non – osteosarcomas. It is more difficult to diagnose than Dog Osteosarcoma – OSA and much less common. They originate from the fibrous tissues of any bone in a dog’s body. Diagnosis can be difficult. The cause is unknown and it is very rare when compared to the occurrence of fibrosarcoma.

Fibrosarcoma is most often found in older male dogs. There is one variety that does strike younger dogs, but is localized in the mouth – Dog Oral Fibrosarcoma. Fibrosarcoma affects the bones of the pelvis, skull and spine, but can also affect the legs of the animal.

Signs and Symptoms

• Dog Pain or lameness in the legs

• Swelling of bones

• Bleeding from the dogs mouth or Dog Bad Breath

• Any signs of difficulty eating or swallowing

Diagnosis

• Your vet will perform a complete medical examination which will include the following:

1. X-rays of any areas that are affected

2. X-rays of the lungs

3. Blood count and chemistry profile

4. Urinalysis will be done

5. The tumor will be biopsied

Treatment Options

• Removal of the tumor which usually includes resection of the bone that is affected

• Dog Radiation Therapy is sometimes used in certain cases to help with pain relief. This is not always successful

• Pain medication

• Dog Cancer Chemotherapy will be used in the rare instance of metastasis

Home Care

Any dog with cancer will need pain medications. Your vet will prescribe something to help your dog with pain and try to assure some comfort. This may be done during the period of diagnosing as well as after the surgery is performed on your dog.

Your dog’s activity should be greatly limited. This will prevent exacerbation of the pain as well as preventing a fracture that is a result of the Dog Cancer. The bone will be weakened by the cancer and care needs to be taken. There should be no play during this time. If you have stairs in your home, you should assist your dog when they have a need to go up or down. If you take your dog for a car ride, you should assist them in and out of the car as well. This may be a good time to encourage crate use. By providing a safe comfortable place for your dog to relax, there will be less risk of their overacting and further injuring themselves.

You should report any new bump, problems with your dog’s mouth or lameness to your veterinarian immediately. Most lameness is associated with injury to tendons or ligaments or arthritis. This is especially true in older dogs. Mouth issues may be due to gum disease, tooth decay, Dog Oral Osteosarcoma or Dog Oral Fibrosarcoma. It can also be due to cancer. If your loving dog is not relieved with rest, treatment of their teeth and medications administered for pain, X-rays should be taken to rule-out the potential bone cancer.

There is also the possibility that the fibrosarcoma cannot be removed with surgery. The prognosis can still be positive. This type of cancer rarely metastasizes to other parts of the body.

Suggested Products

Nu-Pet Vitamin & Antioxidant Wafers
Cancer Support Kit – Dogs
Mouth Drops for Dog Bad Breath

Additional Dog Cancer Pages

Dog Cancer | Dog Skin Cancer | Dog Bladder Cancer | Dog Pancreatic Cancer | Dog Bone Cancer | Dog Cancer Prevention | Dog Cancer Diagnosis | Dog Lymphoma Cancer | Dog Gastric Cancer | Dog Mast Cell Tumors