Joint Cancer (Synovial Sarcoma) in Dogs
Key takeaways
Synovial sarcoma in dogs is a soft tissue cancer of the joints. This is one of the most common types of cancer that affects the joints and has a variable prognosis with treatment.
- Symptoms include swelling of the joint, limping, avoiding bearing weight on the affected joint, and progressive lameness
- Diagnostics include biopsy of the tumor, diagnostic imaging, and blood work
- Treatment primarily involves surgical amputation of the affected limb in conjunction with radiation or chemotherapy
- When complete surgical removal is not possible, radiation and chemotherapy can be used as adjunct treatments
- The prognosis is best in cases of full amputation and early stage tumor development with no metastasis
- In certain subtypes of tumors or in cases where amputation is not possible prognosis is poorer
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A closer look: Joint Cancer (Synovial Sarcoma) in Dogs
Cancer is defined as abnormal, uncontrolled cell growth that usually results in a mass of abnormal cells called a tumor. Tumors in the joints are generally referred to as synovial cancer, and cancers that arise in the joints are usually sarcomas, meaning they arise from soft tissue cells.
This is one of the most common cancers affecting the joints in dogs. It has a variable prognosis depending on the subtype of tumor and staging and generally requires amputation of the affected limb.
Any dog with sudden onset lameness needs prompt veterinary attention.
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Risk factors
Bernese mountain dogs and flat-coated retrievers have a higher incidence rate.
Symptoms can vary in severity and type depending on the staging and progression of the tumor.
The most commonly affected joint is the knee. Other common locations include the elbow, shoulder, wrist, ankle, hip, and toes.
Possible causes
The causes of joint cancer are currently unknown. Joints, tendons, and tendon sheaths are most commonly affected. As with all forms of cancer, genetic and environmental factors are suspected.
Main symptoms
Testing and diagnosis
After a physical examination and medical history, a number of tests can be done to determine diagnosis and staging;
- Diagnostic imaging
- Blood work
- Microscopic evaluation of a sample of cells from the swollen joint (fine needle aspiration and cytology)
- Biopsy
Steps to Recovery
Once joint cancer is confirmed, there are a number of treatment options depending on stage, location, and tumor type.
These include;
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Surgery
- Pain management
Surgery is the most common approach in joint cancer and generally involves full amputation of the limb above the affected joint.
Prognosis can vary depending on the subtype of tumor. Sarcomas are a locally invasive type of tumor, but do not always metastasize quickly. Approximately ¼ to ⅓ of affected dogs have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. If the tumor is caught early and fully removed, a complete cure is possible.
Prevention
There is no known cause of joint cancer and therefore prevention is not known at this time. Monitoring for overall changes in pet health and the status of any joint movement obstructions provides the best chance of catching tumors in earlier stages.
Joint cancer is not contagious.
Is Joint Cancer (Synovial Sarcoma) in Dogs common?
Synovial sarcoma is the most common joint cancer in dogs.
Typical Treatment
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Palliative care
