Pain Management For Dogs With Osteosarcoma
If possible the bones affected by the disease should be surgically removed.
Pain management for dogs with osteosarcoma. A new study on pain management during treatment of osteosarcoma in dogs yields promising results. Most frequently seen in large and giant breed dogs this aggressive bone cancer is known for rapid metastasis and. It s a good option because it provides pain relief while at the same time letting your dog still have a good quality of life. Many guardians are surprised to find out just how many tools veterinarians have to help with their dog s pain.
The first choice is always a limb sparing surgery. Even the strongest pain medications can not control the pain of osteosarcoma. Other pain relievers include tylenol with codeine for dogs only amantidine gabapentin tramadol amitryptaline minocycline or duloxetine. A single injection could provide pain relief and improved daily function for dogs with advanced cases.
Since osteosarcoma is a painful condition pain management is vital to your dog s quality of life. With no treatment most dogs with osteosarcoma will live three months after diagnosis and die from lung metastases the cancer spreading to the lungs. Ask your vet if surgery is an option for your dog. Pain management for canine bone cancer is possible and there are many ways to help relieve your dog s discomfort.
Osteosarcoma rapidly metastasizes usually to the lungs liver or kidneys so amputation without follow up chemotherapy will not extend a dog s life but it may be the only effective way of dealing with the pain letting the dog enjoy the time he does have left. However if amputation is not an option pain becomes the factor that causes their human companions to put them to sleep. Veterinarians often recommend amputation of an affected limb for appendicular osteosarcoma to resolve pain and prevent the spread of cancer. Galliprant is a similar drug that is another option.
Surgery is one of the main options for treating osteosarcoma. Bone cancer is extremely painful for canines so use of any combination of preferred methods will be beneficial in some way in helping to maintain a more manageable comfort level for your dog.