My dog is limping and has a shoulder lump. Should I get a bone biopsy?

Poor Rosie! Yes, based on your description I agree that biopsies of the suspicious area would be the logical next step. Bone cancer is unfortunately common in Golden Retrievers, so I definitely recommend trying to get a diagnosis ASAP for the best chance of a positive outcome. Referral to a specialist for additional imaging studies could also be considered, if you would rather exhaust all non-invasive options first. If the biopsy does not show evidence of cancer, it may still provide some insight into what is causing her lameness issues so that she can be effectively treated.

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.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Abby. I am glad that she will see her veterinarian. She could have a cancerous growth, but hopefully it is a benign mass such as a cyst or other type of growth. A procedure known as a fine needle aspirate is commonly performed to diagnose a mass. The veterinarian will use a small needle to collect a sample of cells to evaluate under the microscope. Based on these results, treatment recommendations can be made. For example, if the mass appears cancerous, then surgery will be recommended. Bone cancer occurs in dogs, but is not common in the location shown in your pictures. So this is less likely. I hope this information helps!

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!

Endi is at an age where there is a potential a lump could be malignant. It's not as high as chance as it would be in a senior dog, but the possibility exists. I do think it's worth having the biopsy to be safe to find out what it is.

Please make an appointment to have Tammh seen by a vet as soon as possible. She is likely in pain, and may have a muscular or nerve injury, a fractured bone, a mass, or a foreign body in the leg. Your vet can assess the leg during the physical exam and may recommend x-rays to help determine the cause of Tammh’s limp. Pain medications meant for humans can be very dangerous (and even deadly) for dogs, so I do not recommend giving any to Tammh without consulting with your vet.

Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Since Hazel's shooting accident was so long ago, I wouldn't expect her current limp to be directly related to that injury. I suspect this is something new. It's difficult to say if the lump is the cause of her limping, but it's certainly possible. The lump could be related to an abscess (infection) secondary to a wound, or could be either a benign or malignant growth. It would be best to have Hazel seen by a veterinarian to determine the cause of her limp and the source of that lump on her shoulder. If it's an infection, she will need to go on antibiotics and the lump may need to be drained. If it's a cancerous growth, your vet can discuss the procedure and cost associated with having it removed. Regardless, this is not likely to be a problem that will resolve on its own so it's best to have Hazel seen by a vet. Hope this helps.