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Treatment

The invasiveness of this type of sarcoma makes amputation (if possible) of the affected limb the treatment of choice. When appropriate, the patient should be treated with supportive chemotherapy. Pain medication will also be prescribed and administered as necessary.

Living and Management

After surgery, you should expect your dog to feel sore. Your veterinarian will give you pain medication for your dog to help minimize discomfort, and you will need to set up a place in the house where your dog can rest comfortably and quietly, away from other pets, active children, and busy entryways. Trips outdoors for bladder and bowel relief should be kept short and easy for your dog to handle during the recovery period. Use pain medications with caution and follow all directions carefully; one of the most preventable accidents with pets is overdose of medication.

Your veterinarian will schedule follow-up appointments with you for your dog every two to three months for the first year after diagnosis of the synovial sarcoma. After the first year your dog may be seen by your veterinarian every six months for follow-up exams, and to affirm that the cancer has not recurred. X-rays should be taken at each visit to check for local recurrence and to confirm that the cancer has not spread to the lungs.