Nursing the canine with osteosarcoma resulting in coxofemoral disarticulation
Abstract
Osteosarcomas are malignant, aggressive tumours that are the most common skeletal tumours in dogs. This article outlines the condition and its management options. Canines who require coxofemoral disarticulation of the hind limb for the treatment of osteosarcoma require supportive and palliative nursing care. The veterinary nurse plays a vital role in patient care, including dietary intervention to prevent cancer cachexia and wound care. It is important that the dog is assisted with standing initially after the operation so that it can re-establish weight distribution and establish its first walk pattern with only three limbs. The nurse can educate the owner to follow a recovery plan to improve rehabilitation.
Osteosarcomas are malignant, aggressive tumours occurring mainly within the appendicular skeleton, and are considered to be the most common skeletal tumour in dogs (Moores et al, 2003). When cells are damaged, the injured site becomes abundant with changing cells that can display uncontrolled growth. Primitive cells of the interosseous bone called osteoid provide structural support within the body and play a role in the development of osteosarcoma; as the cells mature to create new bone they can become malignant tumours (Dernell, 2003).
There are three types of osteosarcoma:
A periosteal osteosarcoma is a bone surface lesion that includes cortical self-destruction, and a parosteal osteosarcoma is an osseous lesion adjacent to the bone with no cortical destruction (Dernell, 2003). Endosteal osteosarcomas derive from the medullary canal; periosteal and parosteal osteosarcomas derive from the periosteum (Liptak, 2010).
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