Osteosarcoma in Greyhounds: Signs, Risk and Next Steps

Health

27 Apr

Not an easy read, but one we think every greyhound owner should have, just in case.

We hesitated over this post. Nobody wants to think about cancer when there's a long-legged dog snoring on the sofa beside them.

But osteosarcoma comes up again and again among greyhound owners, and almost everyone we know who has been through it says the same thing: they wish they'd known the signs sooner. So here's what we've learnt, as plainly as we can put it.

What it is

Osteosarcoma is a cancer of the bone. In dogs it most often affects the long bones of the legs, typically near the shoulder, the knee or the hock. It can be very painful, and it tends to be aggressive, which is why catching it early matters.

Why greyhounds?

Large, long-legged, long-nosed dogs are more prone to osteosarcoma, and greyhounds tick every box. A UK study of more than 900,000 dogs under vet care in 2016 found:

Higher riskGreyhounds were one of 11 breeds at increased risk, with almost 12 times the odds of crossbred dogs.
How many0.62% of greyhounds had osteosarcoma recorded that year, roughly one in 160.
Lurchers tooLurchers were also among the higher-risk breeds.
Body shapeLong legs, long skulls and being heavier than average for the breed were all linked to higher risk.
AgeAcross all dogs, the median age at diagnosis was 9.6 years, although it can appear in younger dogs.

A separate UK study of pet greyhounds found cancer was the most common recorded cause of death, at 21.5%.

In any one year, the great majority of greyhounds won't be affected. But it's common enough in the breed that every owner should know what to look out for.

The signs to watch for

A limp that doesn't go away, or keeps coming back
A firm swelling on a leg, often near a joint
Pain when the leg is touched, which may come and go
Reluctance to walk, get up or lie down

The tricky part is that a limp in a greyhound usually turns out to be something far less serious: a corn, a sprain, a torn nail. That's exactly why a lameness that hangs around deserves a proper look rather than another week of waiting.

If your vet suspects it

Your vet will usually start with an x-ray of the leg. A biopsy may be needed to confirm it. Because osteosarcoma often spreads, particularly to the lungs, they may also want to check the chest.

If it is osteosarcoma, your vet will talk you through the options. Depending on your hound, these may include strong pain relief, removing the affected leg, further treatment or referral to a specialist. Every dog and every family is different. There's no wrong choice made with good advice and a lot of love.

If amputation is suggested, it can be a shock. Many owners we know have been surprised by how well their greyhounds coped on three legs, but it's a decision to make with your vet, based on your own dog.

Looking after yourself

It's a lot to take in, often very quickly. Ask your vet to write things down, ask every question you have and take someone with you to appointments if you can. Talking to other owners who've been through it can help more than you might expect. You're not alone in this.

The short version

Most of the time, a limp is just a limp. But if your gut tells you something isn't right, trust it and get it checked. Nobody knows your hound better than you do.