Cancer is the leading cause of death in older dogs and quality of life management alongside oncological treatment is the central welfare challenge for affected animals.
Canine cancer welfare management requires honest assessment of what treatment is achieving for the individual animal. Curative intent treatment for cancers like osteosarcoma involves significant welfare costs during treatment - surgery, chemotherapy, radiation - that may be justified if good quality of life results. Palliative care focuses on maximising comfort and quality time rather than extending life at any cost to welfare. Pain management for bone and other painful tumours is welfare-critical and should not be withheld due to prognostic concerns. Quality of life assessment tools help owners and vets make decisions that genuinely serve the dog's welfare interests rather than owner emotional needs.