Cancer is a scary diagnosis for anyone, and it can make guardians feel powerless to protect their fur-babies. Osteosarcoma can be particularly aggressive and challenging to treat. Veterinary professionals must often utilize a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and medications to fight the spread and symptoms of this disease. Limb sparing for osteosarcoma for dogs is one approach to surgical treatment, and it involves using delicate surgical methods, implants, and veterinary expertise in the hope of avoiding amputation of the limb.
All About Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is a form of cancer that affects bone. While osteosarcoma can impact any part of a canine’s skeleton, the limbs are some of the most common spots for tumors to occur. One of the most insidious aspects of osteosarcoma is its propensity to metastasize to other parts of the body and destroy the existing bone. Because it is so aggressive, osteosarcoma is often treated with a combination of equally aggressive chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical treatments.
What is Limb Sparing for Osteosarcoma for Dogs?
Limb sparing for osteosarcoma for dogs can involve a few different approaches used concurrently, but surgery is perhaps the most crucial aspect. These surgeries are much more delicate and complex than traditional amputation, as they require surgeons to remove cancerous bone while still keeping a functional limb intact. Veterinary surgeons performing limb sparing for osteosarcoma for dogs will often use a combination of implants, metal plates, and donor bones or bone grafts.
Setting Realistic Goals for Limb Sparing for Osteosarcoma for Dogs
As with any aggressive form of cancer, treatments for osteosarcoma are not always curative. Osteosarcoma can have incredibly high rates of metastasis and recurrence. When the cancer is caught early, amputation and limb-sparing procedures can be some of the best treatment options. Still, remission may not be a feasible goal for every canine. For some patients, limb-sparing procedures are simply intended to preserve limb function, minimize pain, and maintain a good quality of life for the remainder of the patient’s days. Discuss your companion’s condition with an experienced team of veterinary professionals to determine what the best course of action might be.
Trust Maryland Veterinary Surgical Services With Your Companion’s Health
Your companion’s health is important, and the team at MVSS is ready to provide the best care possible for your furry family. We are dedicated to combining comprehensive exams and assessments with informative and honest discussions of your companion’s care. Once we have worked with you to decide on the best course of action for your dog, our professionals will use their surgical expertise to work towards the goal of giving your companion an active and pain-free life. We are proud to serve loyal companions in Catonsville and Baltimore. To learn more about our services, give us a call at 410-788-4088 or visit us online. For more information and tips for pet health, follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.