OK, we’ll admit that nobody wants to hear the word “fibrosarcoma” when talking about their pet. Still, the truth is, given all the things that could potentially be wrong with an animal, being diagnosed with “fibrosarcoma” certainly isn’t the worst! After all, Fibrosarcoma is technically a cancerous tumor, so it’s not like you shouldn’t be concerned; these “types” of cancerous tumors aren’t super aggressive.
Meaning that…
There is a perfect chance that your dog will be able to survive this diagnosis and will go on to live a long and happy life. This is why we wanted to take a moment and discuss precisely what Fibrosarcoma in dogs is and hopefully shed some light on what it might be like to own a dog who is suffering from this condition. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in.
Fibrosarcoma in Dogs
Fibrosarcoma is a tumor in the connective tissues or under the skin, aka in the fibers. And while it is technically a malignant or cancerous form of cancer, we don’t want you to get too upset right off the bat! This is because this is a type of cancer that usually takes a very, very long time to spread. If you’ve spotted a possible tumor, you should not worry just yet. Metastasis in Fibrosarcoma often takes a very long time – which is suitable for your dog’s prognosis.
Types of Fibrosarcoma
The thing to understand about Fibrosarcoma in dogs is that there are many different types that can also indicate the severity.
For example…
Bone cancer (osteosarcoma) and mouth cancer in dogs are called Fibrosarcoma. This is why one of the first things your veterinarian will ask you if you tell them that you suspect your dog may be suffering from a fibrosarcoma is…
“Where do you believe your dog’s fibrosarcoma is?”
Because the symptoms associated with bone cancer or osteosarcoma will likely be worse than a fibrosarcoma located just below the skin, the critical thing to understand, however, is that all “sarcomas’ are malignant, so even though some may not be as “serious” as others, a veterinarian should decide how and when your dog should be treated.
Symptoms of Fibrosarcoma
of symptoms and clinical signs, we’ll speak about the most common type of Fibrosarcohat just below the skin. These may include:
- Lump under the skin, in soft tissue, or on a bone (this is the most common).
- Pain near or off the bow.
- I am swelling in the area of the lump.
- Problems with motion (typically happens when the lump grows near a joint).
- Neurological problems (there are many; again, this can occur depending on the area of the lump).
- I have swollen lymph nodes near the lump.
Diagnosis for Fibrosarcoma
The only way to get Fibrosarcoma diagnosed in your dog is to see a veterinarian. The vet will typically biopsy the lump to see if it is Fibrosarcoma or another type of cancer. The biopsy will let your vet see the cancerous tissue and tumor cells under a microscope. During this, they may determine it to be spindle cell sarcoma or something else.
Treatment Options
Some options exist after your vet has established that the tumor type is Fibrosarcoma. In most instances, surgery is enough. Surgical tumor removal eliminates the cancer, and your dog is OK. However, in “advanced” cases, your vet may recommend radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or even limb removal to save your pet’s life!
We should also point out that…
Radiation and chemotherapy treatment techniques, when required, are lengthy and challenging treatments for your pet. Luckily, this is usually not necessary with basic Fibrosarcoma. Still, we would like to point this out as an added incentive to get you to visit your veterinarian when you suspect something isn’t “right.”
This could not only save your pet a lot of pain and suffering, but it could also save you a whole “bunch” of money! Also, it’s essential to know that if your dog develops a fibrosarcoma once, you should watch for any new growth. This means your dog is susceptible, and it will probably recur.
The first step is to visit the veterinarian!
As you may have gathered, we’re not vets or doctors. We know about Fibrosarcoma and other diseases and types of cancers, but we are not experts – and we aren’t trying to diagnose, treat, or cure your dog. So if you suspect your dogs or cats to have any health problems, you should take him/her/them to the vet! That’s the only way to get the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Cost of Treatment
You’re not taking to the vet right now because of the costs – and you’re right. If your dog has cancer (even one that could be called “less serious” like Fibrosarcoma), diagnosis and treatment can get pretty expensive. Biopsies, surgery, follow-up visits, and more – it all adds up. You’re probably looking at a total vet bill of over $ 1,500 (it could be much more if your dog requires radiation).
This is why we always recommend any pet owner to bring their pet to a trained veterinarian when they suspect that their pet may have a “medical issue” because early diagnosis always increases the likelihood that your pet will recover quickly and…
“Will generally reduce the cost of treatment as well!”
And since we’re talking about the cost of veterinarian care, we should also take a moment and recommend that you check out our Best Pet Insurance Companies article, where we discuss some of the pros and cons of owning a pet insurance policy on your pet.
“Spoiler Alert”
A qualified pet insurance policy in place if and when your pet becomes sick or injured could save you a bundle of money. So, what are you waiting for? Check it out and see if a pet insurance policy might be right for you!
