Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I have a curious question:
My dog's initial issue with her left rear leg came about after jumping up after a ball - later that day, when I went to lift her rear legs up into the Jeep, she cried out in pain. Initially, it was thought it was a CCL injury...but no, it was soft tissue sarcoma on her knee - several months later, it was more obvious to vets, it was a tumor vs a ligament injury.
I have since read several times about other dogs that the tumor/cancer/ seems to appear after some sort of injury.
Is the injury just a result of something that was brewing within or is the injury the cause of the cancer/tumor?
Thanks for any input!
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
Great question, thanks for asking! We recall hearing from at least one other member who's dog had a tumor develop at the site of a previous unrelated fracture, where a plate was installed actually.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
It has been documented that some tumors (especially osteosarcoma) can occur secondary to injury of the bone. The theory is that minor disruption of the bone matrix can lead to a place where cancer cells can develop. I have also seen a Mastiff who had a metal implant put in her leg and later osteosarcoma developed at the implant site (this has also been reported in dogs with metal implants for ACL repair). This may be why large/giant breeds are more prone to osteosarcoma, since they are harder on their bones and joints than smaller breeds. Of course sometimes it is a genetic problem (Rotties).
Other cancer types such a s squamous cell carcinoma occur secondary to inflammation so it is possible that there is a link there with other soft tissues tumors as well although I have not seen that documented.
Pam
Great info, thanks Pam!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm pretty sure Jack's tumor was the result of an injury...He tripped over a bone while playing which started his limping on and off for 8 months before we found the tumor (our doctor never found anything wrong with him during those 8 months, but we never had any radiographs done either...). So which came first...did his tripping cause the injury which led to osteosarcoma? Or did his injury occur because his bone was fragile because he already HAD osteosarcoma...we shall never know 😉
<3 Laura
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