1. What is Bone Cancer Life Expectancy?

The life expectancy for dogs with bone cancer (osteosarcoma) varies based on treatment, tumor characteristics, and other factors. With aggressive treatment, average survival is about 12 months.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses veterinary data to estimate life expectancy:

Where:

• 12 months — Base survival with amputation and chemotherapy
• Treatment Factor — 1.0 (amputation+chemo), 0.7 (amputation only), 0.3 (palliative)
• Location Factor — 1.0 (limb), 0.6 (axial skeleton)
• Size Factor — Inverse relationship with tumor size

Explanation: The equation accounts for known prognostic factors in canine osteosarcoma.

3. Importance of Life Expectancy Estimation

Details: Understanding likely survival helps owners make informed treatment decisions and prepare for their pet's care needs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Select treatment type, tumor location, and enter tumor size in centimeters. Results are estimates - individual cases may vary.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the most important factor in survival?
A: Treatment type - dogs receiving amputation plus chemotherapy typically live longest.

Q2: How accurate is this calculator?
A: It provides population averages - individual dogs may do better or worse than predicted.

Q3: What about metastasis?
A: This calculator assumes no visible metastasis at diagnosis. Metastatic disease reduces survival.

Q4: Are there breed differences?
A: Large/giant breeds are more prone to osteosarcoma but treatment response is similar across breeds.

Q5: What about pain management?
A: Proper pain control is essential regardless of treatment choice and can improve quality of life.