My senior dog is limping. Could moth-eaten bone mean cancer?

Hi. There is an abnormality in the cores of the bone near shoulder. Cancer is a possibility, along with bone infections (bacterial or fungal), or inflammatory diseases. Unfortunately with her being older, cancer is higher on the list then younger pets. Based on this xray, we can't say for sure. I would recommend sending these x-rays to a radiology specialist, which your veterinarian can do. A bone biopsy can be done as well to determine if the changes are consistent w cancer. Good luck.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The fact that these biopsies have come back inconclusive does not mean that this is not cancer. Unfortunately, this is very likely an aggressive form of cancer. After seeing these images, my main concern is that this is possibly a tumor arising from one of the ribs or sternebrae such as osteosarcoma for instance. In one of the images I see that there is likely pulmonary nodules which are most likely due to metastasis or spread of this cancer. It is hard for me to advice further without being able to look at more images or know more about the case. I would encourage you to check in again with them as another biopsy could be performed. Also, if there is truly already signs of metastasis, the treatment options and prognosis are also limited. I would mention to them the possibility of being referred to a veterinary oncologist who can look at the case with more details and advice further. I really hope they can help you and your boy!

Osteomyelitis and osteosarcoma can look similar, but there are some distinct characteristics that can be seen on x-rays. The image you provided is very blurry, but I do see the lesion and it does look more suspicious of an osteosarcoma. This is not only because of the location (the knee is a common location for osteosarcoma), but also the fact that it is solitary and has not crossed the joint. However, a biopsy and histopathology is the only way to definitively diagnose the condition. Osteosarcoma is unfortunately a rather severe form of cancer that tends to spread quickly and cause a great deal of pain. If Ben is in good spirits though, then I would not advise euthanasia until he doesn't seem happy anymore. Considering that you are interested in more diagnostics and potentially treatment (there are treatment options for osteosarcoma), I recommend you ask your vet about this, or seek a second opinion. I hope that helps and I'm really sorry to hear about poor Ben.

I'm so sorry for Maggie's troubles. Unfortunately there is no way to differentiate between cancer, infection, or fungal disease in bones by x-ray alone. Maggie likely needs a a biopsy of the bone to determine what it is. Other diagnostic testing such as radiographs are ultrasounds of other parts of her body to assess for disease, full bloodwork can potentially give your veterinarian more clues as to what this may be. But for a definitive diagnosis biopsy and potentially culture of the bone may be necessary. Best of luck to Maggie and you; thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would agree that the primary differential based on this radiographs would be a primary bone tumor being osteosarcoma the most common one. However, other things such as a fungal infection depending on the state you live in, is also possible. The next step would be sampling of this lesion via fine needle aspiration or biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. If confirmed, therapy can be discussed at that time. I'm hoping for the best!

I am so sorry to hear about baxters diagnosis. I have unfortunately seen very young dogs with bone cancer before. Just like with humans we do not know why young dogs are sometimes affected. If he is doing great with the rest of his body have you all considered amputation. I have seen dogs do great with three legs!! Also a bone biopsy can help you get a diagnosis but does run a risk of breaking the leg. If you are really unsure I would recommend a second opinion to help you all make such a tough choice. Hope that helped.

I have had many cases where the dogs/cats limp but don't seem overly painful. I think if you do not want a bone biopsy amputation is the best way to go because even with an invasive fungal disease most of the time you cannot treat the bone properly and you amputated to remove the fungal infection.