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Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer Originating from Bone Cells) in Dogs

Occurrence: very rare
Location of illness: General/Whole body

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 06.11.2025

Osteosarcoma is an aggressive and malignantMalignant means "cancerous" and is used to describe tumors or neoplasms that grow invasively and have the ability to metastasize. Malignant tumors can cause serious health problems in dogs and cats. form of bone cancerCancer refers to the uncontrolled proliferation of cells that can lead to tumors or spread throughout the body. Various types of cancer occur in dogs and cats, ranging from skin cancer to lymphomas. that originates from the bone cells and most commonly occurs in large breed dogs.

The most important facts at a glance

Osteosarcoma is the most common type of primaryPrimary refers to the first or original cause of a disease or condition, as opposed to secondary causes or symptoms that develop from it. bone cancerCancer refers to the uncontrolled proliferation of cells that can lead to tumors or spread throughout the body. Various types of cancer occur in dogs and cats, ranging from skin cancer to lymphomas. in dogs, primarily affecting the long bones such as the front and hind legs. This aggressive disease destroys bone tissue, leading to pain and weakening of the bone. The exact causes are unclear, but genetic factors play a role, especially in large breeds such as Great Danes and Rottweilers. Environmental factors and previous bone injuries may also increase the risk. Symptoms include pain, lameness, and swelling of the bones. DiagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is made by clinical examination, X-rays, and biopsies. Treatments often include amputationAn amputation is the surgical removal of a body part, usually a limb or part of a limb. In veterinary medicine, amputation is performed to relieve Pain or prevent the spread of diseases, such as cancer. of the affected limb and chemotherapyChemotherapy refers to the treatment of diseases, especially cancer, with chemical substances or drugs. It aims to kill cancer cells or prevent their growth, but can also affect healthy cells. to slow the progressionProgression refers to the advancement or worsening of a disease over time. It describes an increase in the severity or extent of the disease symptoms. of the disease. Radiation therapyRadiation therapy is the use of radiation, most often to treat cancer. It can be used to kill cancer cells or slow their growth without significantly damaging surrounding healthy tissue. can be used in certain cases for pain relief. The prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. is guarded, as the cancerCancer refers to the uncontrolled proliferation of cells that can lead to tumors or spread throughout the body. Various types of cancer occur in dogs and cats, ranging from skin cancer to lymphomas. metastasizes early, but survival time can be prolonged with treatment. PreventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. is difficult, but a healthy diet and regular veterinary visits can help minimize the risk. Research aims to identify genetic risk factors and develop new treatment methods, including immunotherapy and nutritional studies. These efforts are intended to improve the quality of life of dogs with osteosarcomas.

Causes

Osteosarcoma is the most common form of primary bone cancer in dogs, accounting for approximately 85% of all bone tumorsBone tumors are growths of tissue in the bone that can be benign or malignant. Malignant bone tumors are known as bone cancer and can originate in the bone tissue itself or spread from other parts of the body (metastasis).. It is a highly malignantMalignant means "cancerous" and is used to describe tumors or neoplasms that grow invasively and have the ability to metastasize. Malignant tumors can cause serious health problems in dogs and cats. disease that typically affects the long bones such as the front legs (humerusThe humerus is the upper arm bone that connects the shoulder joint to the elbow joint. It is an essential component of the human skeleton and supports movement and the transmission of force from the arm to the rest of the body. and radius) and hind legs (femurFemur is the technical term for the thigh bone. It connects the hip joint to the knee joint and plays a central role in supporting body weight and movement. and tibiaThe tibia, also known as the shinbone, is the larger of the two bones in the lower leg. It bears the weight of the body and is connected to the knee joint at the top and the ankle joint at the bottom.). The tumorA tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue that can be benign or malignant. Tumors can develop in any part of the body and affect various functions. tends to grow rapidly, destroying normal bone tissue, leading to pain and weakening of the bone.

The exact causes for the development of osteosarcoma are not fully understood, but genetic factors play a significant role. Large and giant dog breeds such as Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, Saint Bernards, and Rottweilers have an increased risk. Genetic predispositions and growth rate can also influence the development of the disease.

Another possible risk factor is exposureExposure refers to the Contact with or subjection to certain substances, environmental factors, or pathogens. In veterinary medicine, this can include Contact with toxins, allergens, or infectious agents that can cause health problems in dogs and cats. to certain environmental factors, such as chemicals and radiation, although further research is needed to establish a clear link. Previous bone injuries or surgeries can also be considered risk factors, as they stimulate cell division in the bone and thus could increase the likelihood of malignantMalignant means "cancerous" and is used to describe tumors or neoplasms that grow invasively and have the ability to metastasize. Malignant tumors can cause serious health problems in dogs and cats. transformation.

Symptoms

Very common symptoms:

Common symptoms:

The symptoms of osteosarcoma can vary depending on the location of the tumorA tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue that can be benign or malignant. Tumors can develop in any part of the body and affect various functions., but lameness and swelling are often the first signs. The lameness may occur suddenly and is often mistaken for an injury. The affected limb may be painful and swollen, which is caused by the tumorA tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue that can be benign or malignant. Tumors can develop in any part of the body and affect various functions. growth and subsequent inflammation.

Further symptoms include weight loss, loss of appetite, and lethargy. In advanced stages, the tumorA tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue that can be benign or malignant. Tumors can develop in any part of the body and affect various functions. can metastasize, meaning that the cancerCancer refers to the uncontrolled proliferation of cells that can lead to tumors or spread throughout the body. Various types of cancer occur in dogs and cats, ranging from skin cancer to lymphomas. spreads to other parts of the body, mostly to the lungs. This can lead to respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. distress and a deterioration of the general state of health.

In some cases, a pathologicalPathological refers to anything related to diseases or their processes. Pathological changes are those that deviate from the normal structure or function and indicate a disease. fractureA fracture is a break in a bone caused by physical force, such as a fall, blow, or accident. Fractures can range from simple breaks that do not require operative treatment to complex fractures that require surgical stabilization. may occur, in which the weakened bone breaks under minimal pressure. This is a serious symptom and requires immediate veterinary care.

Diagnosis

The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of osteosarcoma usually begins with a thorough clinical examination and a detailed anamnesis to understand the dog’s symptoms and medical historyThe medical history is the systematic collection of a patient's medical history through questioning. It includes information about previous illnesses, treatments, allergies, and lifestyle habits.. An important diagnostic step is the X-rayX-ray is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to create images of the inside of the body. It is often used to diagnose bone fractures, lung diseases, and other conditions. examination of the affected limb, which often shows typical changes in the bone, such as a mixture of bone condensation and degradation.

To confirm the diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients., a fine needle aspiration or a biopsyA biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small amount of tissue is removed from the body to be examined under a microscope for signs of disease. Biopsies can help diagnose cancer and other conditions. of the tumorA tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue that can be benign or malignant. Tumors can develop in any part of the body and affect various functions. can be performed. The obtained cells or tissue samples are examined microscopically to confirm the presence of cancerCancer refers to the uncontrolled proliferation of cells that can lead to tumors or spread throughout the body. Various types of cancer occur in dogs and cats, ranging from skin cancer to lymphomas. cells. A biopsyA biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small amount of tissue is removed from the body to be examined under a microscope for signs of disease. Biopsies can help diagnose cancer and other conditions. is usually required to make a definitive diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients., as other conditions such as infections or other types of tumors can produce similar X-rayX-ray is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to create images of the inside of the body. It is often used to diagnose bone fractures, lung diseases, and other conditions. images.

In addition, chest X-rays or a computed tomography (CT)Computed tomography (CT) is an imaging technique that uses X-rays and computer technology to create cross-sectional images of the body. It enables a detailed view of bones, organs, and other structures and is used for the diagnosis of injuries, diseases, and for planning medical interventions. scan can be performed to determine the presence of metastasesA metastasis is a secondary tumor that originates from a primary, malignant tumor in another part of the body. Metastases indicate that cancer has spread in the body. in the lungs or other organs. Early detection of metastasesA metastasis is a secondary tumor that originates from a primary, malignant tumor in another part of the body. Metastases indicate that cancer has spread in the body. is crucial for planning therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. and assessing the prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop..

Therapy

Treatment of osteosarcoma in dogs typically involves a combination of surgical procedures and chemotherapyChemotherapy refers to the treatment of diseases, especially cancer, with chemical substances or drugs. It aims to kill cancer cells or prevent their growth, but can also affect healthy cells.. AmputationAn amputation is the surgical removal of a body part, usually a limb or part of a limb. In veterinary medicine, amputation is performed to relieve Pain or prevent the spread of diseases, such as cancer. of the affected limb is often the first choice, as it removes the primaryPrimary refers to the first or original cause of a disease or condition, as opposed to secondary causes or symptoms that develop from it. tumorA tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue that can be benign or malignant. Tumors can develop in any part of the body and affect various functions. and relieves pain. Although amputationAn amputation is the surgical removal of a body part, usually a limb or part of a limb. In veterinary medicine, amputation is performed to relieve Pain or prevent the spread of diseases, such as cancer. may seem like a drastic measure, most dogs adapt remarkably well to life on three legs.

After surgery, chemotherapyChemotherapy refers to the treatment of diseases, especially cancer, with chemical substances or drugs. It aims to kill cancer cells or prevent their growth, but can also affect healthy cells. is often recommended to reduce the risk of metastasisA metastasis is a secondary tumor that originates from a primary, malignant tumor in another part of the body. Metastases indicate that cancer has spread in the body. and prolong survival time. The most commonly used drugs are carboplatin, cisplatin, and doxorubicin. These treatments aim to destroy remaining cancerCancer refers to the uncontrolled proliferation of cells that can lead to tumors or spread throughout the body. Various types of cancer occur in dogs and cats, ranging from skin cancer to lymphomas. cells and slow the progressionProgression refers to the advancement or worsening of a disease over time. It describes an increase in the severity or extent of the disease symptoms. of the disease.

In some cases, especially when amputationAn amputation is the surgical removal of a body part, usually a limb or part of a limb. In veterinary medicine, amputation is performed to relieve Pain or prevent the spread of diseases, such as cancer. is not an option, radiation therapyRadiation therapy is the use of radiation, most often to treat cancer. It can be used to kill cancer cells or slow their growth without significantly damaging surrounding healthy tissue. can be used for pain relief. This therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. can help shrink the tumor and improve the quality of life for the affected dog.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for dogs with osteosarcoma is generally guarded to poor, as it is an aggressive cancer that tends to metastasize early. Without treatment, most dogs survive only a few months after diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients.. However, with a combination of amputationAn amputation is the surgical removal of a body part, usually a limb or part of a limb. In veterinary medicine, amputation is performed to relieve Pain or prevent the spread of diseases, such as cancer. and chemotherapyChemotherapy refers to the treatment of diseases, especially cancer, with chemical substances or drugs. It aims to kill cancer cells or prevent their growth, but can also affect healthy cells., the medianMedian refers to the midline or center of the body or an organ. In veterinary medicine, the term can be used to describe the location of a structure in relation to the center of the body. survival time can be extended to 10 to 12 months, with some dogs living even longer.

The prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. is influenced by several factors, including the location of the tumorA tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue that can be benign or malignant. Tumors can develop in any part of the body and affect various functions., the presence of metastasesA metastasis is a secondary tumor that originates from a primary, malignant tumor in another part of the body. Metastases indicate that cancer has spread in the body. at the time of diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients., and the overall health of the dog. Dogs that have no visible metastasesA metastasis is a secondary tumor that originates from a primary, malignant tumor in another part of the body. Metastases indicate that cancer has spread in the body. at the time of diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. tend to have a better prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop..

Early detection and intervention can significantly improve the quality of life and prolong survival time, with regular veterinary visits and follow-up examinations being crucial.

Prevention

Since the exact causes of osteosarcoma are not fully understood, there are no specific measures to prevent this disease. Nevertheless, some general health measures can help minimize the risk.

A balanced diet and regular exercise are important to promote the general well-being and health of the dog. In large breeds, an adapted diet can help regulate growth and minimize stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. on the bones.

Regular veterinary examinations are crucial to detect and treat health problems early. In dogs with a genetic predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases. to osteosarcoma, owners should be particularly vigilant and have unusual symptoms checked out immediately.

Although complete preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. of osteosarcoma is not possible, these measures can help promote general health and increase the chances of early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients..

Outlook on current research

Research on osteosarcomas in dogs has made significant progress in recent years. One focus is on genetic analysis to identify the genetic markers that increase the risk of developing osteosarcomas. These studies are important to better understand the predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases. of certain dog breeds to this type of cancerCancer refers to the uncontrolled proliferation of cells that can lead to tumors or spread throughout the body. Various types of cancer occur in dogs and cats, ranging from skin cancer to lymphomas.. Breeds such as the German Shepherd, Rottweiler, and Irish Wolfhound have a higher incidenceIncidence refers to the number of new cases of a disease or condition that occur within a specific time period in a specific population group. It provides information about the risk of contracting the disease., which indicates genetic factors. By identifying specific genes associated with the risk of osteosarcomas, scientists hope to develop new preventive strategies and therapeutic approaches.

Another area of research focuses on the development of new treatment methods. Traditionally, osteosarcomas in dogs are treated with a combination of surgical removal of the tumorA tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue that can be benign or malignant. Tumors can develop in any part of the body and affect various functions., chemotherapyChemotherapy refers to the treatment of diseases, especially cancer, with chemical substances or drugs. It aims to kill cancer cells or prevent their growth, but can also affect healthy cells., and sometimes radiation. The challenge is to make these treatments more effective and less burdensome for the dogs. Researchers are investigating new chemotherapyChemotherapy refers to the treatment of diseases, especially cancer, with chemical substances or drugs. It aims to kill cancer cells or prevent their growth, but can also affect healthy cells. drugs and their combinations to improve survival rates and increase the quality of life of affected dogs.

Intensive research is also being conducted in the field of immunotherapy. This treatment strategy aims to use the dog’s immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. to attack and destroy the cancerCancer refers to the uncontrolled proliferation of cells that can lead to tumors or spread throughout the body. Various types of cancer occur in dogs and cats, ranging from skin cancer to lymphomas. cells. InitialInitial means beginning or at the start. In medicine, it can refer to the first symptoms of a disease or the first phase of a treatment process. studies with immunotherapeutic approaches, such as the use of cancerCancer refers to the uncontrolled proliferation of cells that can lead to tumors or spread throughout the body. Various types of cancer occur in dogs and cats, ranging from skin cancer to lymphomas. vaccines or adoptive T-cell therapies, show promising results. However, these therapies are still in the early stages of clinical trials, and further research is needed to confirm their effectiveness and safety.

The role of nutrition and lifestyle in the preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. and treatment of osteosarcomas is also being increasingly investigated. Some studies suggest that certain diets or dietary supplements may reduce the risk of cancerCancer refers to the uncontrolled proliferation of cells that can lead to tumors or spread throughout the body. Various types of cancer occur in dogs and cats, ranging from skin cancer to lymphomas. or improve the response to treatment. However, these findings are still preliminary, and further research is needed to make concrete recommendations.

In summary, research on osteosarcoma in dogs is progressing on several levels, with the goal of gaining a better understanding of the disease and developing new, more effective treatment approaches. Collaboration between scientists, veterinarians, and dog owners is crucial to achieve these goals and improve the quality of life of dogs with osteosarcomas.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is osteosarcoma in dogs? Osteosarcoma is an aggressive form of bone cancerCancer refers to the uncontrolled proliferation of cells that can lead to tumors or spread throughout the body. Various types of cancer occur in dogs and cats, ranging from skin cancer to lymphomas. that is most common in dogs. It mainly affects the long bones of the legs but can also occur in other bones.
What symptoms do dogs with osteosarcoma show? The most common symptoms include lameness, swelling, pain, and occasionally fractures at the affected sites. In advanced cases, weight loss, loss of appetite, and lethargy may occur.
How is osteosarcoma diagnosed in dogs? DiagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is usually made through a combination of physical examination, X-rays, and possibly a biopsyA biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small amount of tissue is removed from the body to be examined under a microscope for signs of disease. Biopsies can help diagnose cancer and other conditions. of the affected bone. Additional imaging such as CT or MRI can also be helpful.
What treatment options are available for dogs with osteosarcoma? Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the tumorA tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue that can be benign or malignant. Tumors can develop in any part of the body and affect various functions., followed by chemotherapyChemotherapy refers to the treatment of diseases, especially cancer, with chemical substances or drugs. It aims to kill cancer cells or prevent their growth, but can also affect healthy cells. to combat remaining cancerCancer refers to the uncontrolled proliferation of cells that can lead to tumors or spread throughout the body. Various types of cancer occur in dogs and cats, ranging from skin cancer to lymphomas. cells. In some cases, radiation therapyRadiation therapy is the use of radiation, most often to treat cancer. It can be used to kill cancer cells or slow their growth without significantly damaging surrounding healthy tissue. may also be used.
What are the prognoses for dogs with osteosarcoma? The prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. depends on various factors, including the location and size of the tumorA tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue that can be benign or malignant. Tumors can develop in any part of the body and affect various functions. and the stage of the disease. With aggressive treatment, some dogs can achieve a survival time of one year or longer.
Can osteosarcomas be prevented in dogs? There is no guaranteed method to prevent osteosarcomas, but a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding excessive stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. may possibly reduce the risk. Genetic factors also play a role, which is why the selectionSelection refers to the process of natural or artificial selection of specific individuals for reproduction, based on desired genetic traits. In breeding, this is applied to promote specific characteristics in dogs and cats. of healthy breeding lines is important.
Are certain dog breeds more susceptible to osteosarcomas? Yes, certain large to giant dog breeds, such as Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Irish Wolfhounds, have a higher risk of developing osteosarcomas.
What new research is there on the treatment of osteosarcomas? Current research focuses on genetic studies to identify risk markers, the development of new chemotherapyChemotherapy refers to the treatment of diseases, especially cancer, with chemical substances or drugs. It aims to kill cancer cells or prevent their growth, but can also affect healthy cells. drugs, and immunotherapies that use the dog’s immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. to fight cancerCancer refers to the uncontrolled proliferation of cells that can lead to tumors or spread throughout the body. Various types of cancer occur in dogs and cats, ranging from skin cancer to lymphomas..
How important is nutrition in a dog with osteosarcoma? A balanced diet can support general health, but specific dietary recommendations for preventing or treating osteosarcomas have not yet been sufficiently researched. However, a veterinarian can provide individual nutritional recommendations.
Are there alternative therapies that can help with osteosarcomas? Some owners consider complementary therapies such as acupuncture or physiotherapyVeterinary physiotherapy encompasses a range of treatment methods aimed at improving the mobility and well-being of animals through exercise, massage, and other manual techniques. to relieve pain and improve quality of life. However, these should only be used in consultation with a veterinarian.