Principles of treatment for osteosarcoma.

Canine osteosarcoma accounts for 5% to 6% of all canine malignancies. A thorough workup is recommended to help clients make an educated decision about treatment options. Patients should be screened for concurrent diseases and early metastasis, as part of the diagnostic workup. Diagnostic techniques have improved to allow for more biopsy options. Once osteosarcoma is confirmed, there are many treatment options, both definitive and palliative, which can be offered to an owner. Amputation is no longer the only option that we can offer as treatment. Limb-sparing surgeries have become more common, and techniques in chemotherapy have significantly improved the median survival time in patients. Even if surgery is not an option, there are alternatives available to provide pain control and good quality of life. It is important to be versed in all the options to provide clients with the best possible recommendations.