Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Surgical amputation options for dogs with bone cancer in limbs
By Borges RSM et al.·2025·Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Brazil·View original on Europe PMC →
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Original publication title: Surgical approaches to canine appendicular osteosarcoma part 1- anatomic landmarks and amputation techniques.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A dog with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, often requires surgery to remove the affected limb. This is the standard treatment and can involve different amputation techniques depending on whether the cancer is in the front or back leg. The surgery aims to remove the tumor completely while minimizing complications and the chance of the cancer returning. After the amputation, many dogs go on to receive chemotherapy to help prevent the cancer from coming back. With proper treatment, dogs can recover and lead a good quality of life post-surgery.
People also search for: dog osteosarcoma treatment · dog limb amputation recovery · canine cancer surgery options
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common primary bone neoplasm affecting dogs and the appendicular bones are frequently affected, accounting for up to 80% of reported cases. After tumor diagnosis and staging, surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy is the standard treatment of care. The purpose of this narrative literature review is to describe the anatomical landmarks and amputation techniques performed in the treatment of canine appendicular OSA, also using cadaveric models to demonstrate it. Surgical treatment options may include amputation of the affected limb, considered the standard of care. For thoracic limbs anterior quarter amputation, amputation with shoulder disarticulation, and midhumeral amputation. For pelvic limbs, amputation with hemipelvectomy, amputation with hip disarticulation, and midfemoral amputation. Anatomical knowledge is fundamental for performing a meticulous and correct technique, which allows a lower risk of recurrence and intra-operative and post-surgical complications.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Europe PMC: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/41340931