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Treatment

The characteristic deep invasiveness of this tumor, along with the difficulty in distinguishing between the tumor and normal fatty tissue, makes removal extremely difficult. Poorly defined tumor margins, the edges of the tumor mass, may also contribute to the high recurrence rate after surgical excision has been performed. A high percentage of post operative patients suffer recurrence within 3–16 months, at a rate estimated at 36–50 percent.

There is an exception, and that is when a tumor has been located in one of the limbs and the entire limb removed. However, amputation of an affected limb is recommended only when quality of life is affected, since these tumors cause little inconvenience unless they interfere with movement, cause pressure-related pain, or develop in a vitally important site, such as a major blood vessel. Amputation is also recommended before growth of the tumor can cross an attainable surgical margin.

Radiotherapy can be beneficial for long-term tumor control. A median survival rate of 40 months was estimated in a retrospective study of 13 dogs, with only one dog euthanized. Dogs with measurable disease may only have stabilization of the tumor (meaning, no further disruption of health. Your veterinarian will prescribe only those medications that have a direct relationship to the treatment method, such as those that will stop or slow tissue growth.