Canine Bone Cancer

Osteosarcoma is an aggressive cancerous tumor that develops in the bone cells of a dog and rapidly spreads throughout the body resulting in death. There is currently no cure.

• 10,000 dogs diagnosed with osteosarcoma each year.
• Osteosarcoma occurs 10x more frequently in dogs than humans.
• 20% to 50% greater risk for male dogs.
• Accounts for roughly 5% of all canine tumors and 85% of all canine bone tumors.
• 80% of dogs die within two years of diagnosis and in 90% of cases, the cancer has already spread upon diagnosis.
• 4,000 - 8,000 dogs die annually from metastatic disease.

Osteosarcoma is linked to rapid growth and it is more common in large and giant breed dogs.

To counteract this trend, large and giant breed puppy food has reduced levels of available energy, designed to slow the time needed for large breed puppies to reach their maximum size.

Believed to be fundamentally a genetic disease, there is currently no definitive connection between family members, yet osteosarcoma is certainly more prevalent in some breeds.

• 75% - 85% of osteosarcoma cases occur in the limbs.
• 15% of all Scottish Deerhounds die from osteosarcoma.
• Dogs over 80 lbs. are 60 times more likely to develop osteosarcoma than dogs weighing less than 75 lbs.
• Two of the most common causes that can be linked to osteosarcoma in dogs are rapid growth and blunt bone injury.

The most common symptoms of osteosarcoma include swelling, visible lameness, joint and bone pain, and even bone fractures caused by the weakening of bones due to the osteosarcoma growth. If you notice your dog limping or in pain, you should immediately contact your vet.



Using an X-Ray, MRI, or CT scan to identify the location of a tumor, a surgeon will then perform a biopsy on the tumor to collect cells to determine if it is indeed osteosarcoma.

"Leg of Life"

Currently, the most effective standard of care, if the tumor occurs in a limb, is to amputate to prevent the spread of the cancerous cells. When combined with adjuvant chemotherapy survival rates can be improved.

• 1 Year: 50% of dogs treated with the current standard of care survive at least 1 year (or 10% of a lifetime).
• 2 Years: 20% of dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma who have the limb removed and undergo chemotherapy treatment, survive more than two years.
• 5-6 years: Some dogs can live 5 or more years after the standard treatment.

$5 Million for 5 Years of Research

Morris Animal Foundation has committed $5 million to new research, funding the next five years in the battle against osteosarcoma in dogs.

Rapamycin

A bacterium-derived drug that has traditionally been used to prevent rejection in organ transplants. It works by preventing the activation of T cells and B Cells. A previous study found that Rapamycin showed promise in the treatment of osteosarcoma in dogs. Two offshoot clinical trials are currently underway to study the effectiveness of rapamycin in the post-surgery treatment of metastatic disease.

Human Clues

Recent studies have shown that the fibroblast growth factor signaling pathway is abnormally activated in a variety of human tumors. Morris Animal Foundation researchers are investigating the role of this pathway in bone cancer spread and its potential as a new therapeutic target.

Tailoring Treatment to Individuals

Cancer gene signatures have been shown to be good predictors of how a tumor will respond to a specific chemotherapy drug.

With the continued support of Morris Animal Foundation by Orvis and people like you, answers to treatment and survival of osteosarcoma in dogs are within reach.

Visit morrisanimalfoundation.org for more information about the fight against osteosarcoma and Morris Foundation’s many other projects.

You can help in the fight against canine cancer through the Orvis Cover Dog Contest. Visit orvis.com/coverdog to get started.