The long plunger (lower right) is used to release the biopsy samples from the biopsy punch. Thesamples were submitted for histopathology and diagnosed as osteosarcoma. Osteosarcomais the most common bone tumor of dogs. Osteosarcoma has a high rate of spread to the lungsand other tissues. At the time of diagnosis, most osteosarcomas have already spread to thelungs. The early cancer cells are often not detectable on x-rays until they have grownto a significant size. Because of the high rate of spread, the treatment of choice forosteosarcoma is limb amputation and follow up chemotherapy. Withouth limb amputation, many dogs will experience spontaneous fractures at the site of the tumor, chronic painand discomfort, and a continuing chance for spread of cancer cells.bone cancer pictures
