Finding Solutions for Giant-Breed Dogs with Osteosarcoma

Appendicular osteosarcoma is a highly invasive primary bone cancer of the limbs in dogs. This aggressive cancer, if not caught early, can spread rapidly to other sites of the body. Standard-of-care treatment often includes limb amputation to stop cancer spread as well as to minimize acute pain. While limb amputation can be curative for some dogs, this surgical intervention is not suitable for all canine patients, especially those with large body sizes. Targeted radiation may help these patients, but structural damage caused by the cancer often results in pathologic fractures even after treatment. Researchers will evaluate a method to estimate fracture risk in giant-breed dogs after targeted treatment. The team also will assess the efficacy of a special implant designed to stabilize the bone post treatment in these patients. If successful, findings from this study will provide veterinary oncologists with much-needed tools to better care for giant-breed dogs diagnosed with appendicular osteosarcoma.