Osteosarcoma

 

Osteosarcoma refers to a type of bone tumor that can be found in cats. Although it is rare, the disease is extremely aggressive and has a tendency to spread rapidly into other parts of the animal's body (metastasize). There are treatment options available, but generally the long term prognosis for the animal is poor.

 

The condition or disease described in this medical article can affect both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn more about how this disease affects dogs please visit this page in the PetMD health library.

 

Symptoms and Types

 

Many signs of bone cancer are subtle. They can include swelling, lameness, and joint or bone pain. In some cases, cats suffering from bone cancer will appear tired or have anorexia. Occasionally, cats will exhibit a mass growth on their body or a painful inflammation around the sight of the tumor.

 

Causes

 

Current knowledge of the disease has not linked genetics or gender to the condition, but bone cancer does appear more often in large to giant breeds of cats.

 

Diagnosis

 

Your veterinarian will use X-rays to view the mass, often using several angles to get an accurate picture. Other tests include biopsies, blood tests, bone scans, and CAT scans to view the bone areas, and the mass, if discovered. If the diagnosis is bone cancer, it is important to note that the prognosis is often unfavorable and that there are numerous side effects to the treatment options. Management on your part will be required.

 

Treatment

 

Chemotherapy is often used as a supplement to any surgical options to ensure that the disease has not spread into other areas of the cat's body, particularly the lymph nodes. In severe cases, limbs may need to be amputated to completely remove the bone cancer.

 

Living and Management

 

Activity will be restricted following any surgery. A pain management program and medications are frequently prescribed for the animal following surgery. Medications commonly work to manage pain and reduce inflammation. Ongoing management and monitoring of the cat's white and red blood cell counts will be recommended, and chest X-rays are often used to determine remission.

 

Prevention

 

There are currently no known prevention methods for bone cancer.