Why is my 9-year-old German Shepherd's hock swollen? Is it cancer?

Question

Hello, My 9 year old German Shepherd has a swollen hock on one leg. We first noticed it several months ago when he was brought in for a physical exam. Our first thought was that it could be bone cancer. Shortly after we got him when he was a puppy the breeder notified us that his father had died of bone cancer. The vet took an xray and did not notice anything that would make it look like cancer. Over time he has noticeably has lameness in that one leg. What are other possible issues it could be? Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | neutered | 9 years and 3 months old | 95 lbs

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM · Accepted Answer

Unfortunately , even if your vet did not see cancer lesions in the hock, your dog could still have bone cancer. I would have Gunner x-rayed again about 2 months after the last x-ray. He could have arthritis, but your veterinarian should have seen that on the x-ray. At this time he may need prescription NSAIDs for the pain. If this is not getting better, your vet may need to do a bone biopsy to determine whether there is bone cancer or a bone infection that is causing this.

Why is my 9-year-old German Shepherd's hock swollen? Is it cancer?

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