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Santa Susana High School

Canine Osteosarcoma

Andrea Magat
CP English 12 P1
White
October 30, 2015

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Introduction
For my senior project, I am creating a pamphlet on the topic of canine osteosarcoma, or
bone cancer in dogs to spread the word on how an owner can be more emotionally and mentally
prepared for the following steps to come. I am doing this particular project because I was greatly
affected by the death of my dog, only 6 years of age, from this cancer. I had my dog since I was
10 and we had to put him down in June of 2015 when I was only 16. I am emotionally close to
this topic because my dog was a large part of my life and he became a routine for my family
from feeding him to walking him. I am spreading the word on cancer and how an owner can be
emotionally and mentally prepared for the following steps. In my pamphlet, it will also include
facts and statistics of bone cancer. My pamphlet will be generated using graphics with the
program, Adobe Illustrator, introduced to me by my friend. Although the program is new to me, I
expect my acquaintance to guide me into the correct direction. My pamphlet will be available in
Dr. Rons Animal Hospital and I am excited to push this matter forward. Regarding the topic of
osteosarcoma, my prior knowledge was very limited. However, I was informed of the side effects
of the medicine and the physical effects of the bone cancer because I have witnessed them
firsthand.
Doing my senior project on canine osteosarcoma is a learning stretch for me because not
many people talk about canine bone cancer, period. The only way for me to expand my horizon
on the topic is to study it myself because I do not learn about cancer in a school environment. No
one has informed me about bone cancer in dogs until my dog was diagnosed with it. This
research will make me have more insight on the topic. Because of my lack of information, I have
problems around every surface of the topic because I do not have a strong understanding of the
biology, the higher risks, symptoms, treatments, medicine, or prognosis. I need to know how the

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cancer operates and all of its core facts to have a full understanding of it. I will be studying the
biology and foundations of the cancer to have a sense of what really goes on microscopically
because I never knew how it occurred. I will be researching which dogs have highers risks to see
if there is a diversion between particular dogs and who should watch out for it. I will read upon
symptoms and treatments to inform others how to looks out for the beginning stages of cancer,
and the options dog owners have once they are diagnosed. I will study the types of medicines
that are generally prescribed to lessen the pain in dogs. Finally, I will research its prognosis to
summarize how long a dog can live to prepare the dog owners of how much time they have left.
All of this new information will benefit me on creating my pamphlet.
The Overall Meaning of Canine Osteosarcoma
Canine osteosarcoma is a evidently a problem that starts at the microscopic level and can
spread from the bones to other organs of the body, causing it to be life threatening. This cancer
is the most seen bone tumor in the U.S. today (Oncology Service). These pets are statistically
fifteen times more prone to osteosarcoma than human beings (Bone Cancer in Dogs). Even
though dogs have higher chances, only 1% of the U.S. dog population have it (Gorlick, Chand).
That is 8,000 diagnoses of the cancer every year (Osteosarcoma). 80-90% of tumors is
osteosarcoma (Anfinsen, Grotomol, Bruland, Jonasdottir). These tumors generally originate
inside the bone when a mesenchymal cell that produces osteoids, organic portion of the matrix
(Gorlick, Chand). It is mainly formed through genetics or through rapid growth of the puppy
(Bone Cancer in Dogs). It is mainly found in the front limb and less common in the legs
(Oncology Service). However, 50% of tumors are found near the knee (Gorlick, Chand). The
median age of acquiring osteosarcoma is 7 years (Anfinsen, Grotomol, Bruland, Jonasdottir). On
the contrary, no matter what age, 90-95% of the time, the cancer can spread to other organs of the

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body, especially the lungs. This is called metastasis (Oncology Service). The different stages of
osteosarcoma depends on metastasis, whether or not the cancer has spread to the other parts of
the body (Bone Cancer in Dogs). It is recorded that dogs with bone tumors located at the
humerus can have a larger survival time (Bergman, MacEwen, Kurzman, Henry, Hammer,
Knapp, Hale, Kruth, Klein, Klausner, Norris, McCaw, Straw, Withrow). It is evident that the
cancer affects a handful of dogs every year and is statistically proven to erupt in certain areas.
Every cases varies and because of that, the study of canine osteosarcoma is not exact.
The Type of Dogs with Higher Risks
Some dogs have a larger risk of acquiring osteosarcoma than others, depending on many
factors, including sex and weight. However, aside from these risks, any dog can have it.
According to the sex of the dog, male dogs have a 20-50% more chance of having osteosarcoma
than females dogs (Bone Cancer in Dogs). Dogs with heavier weights have a larger risk of
attaining osteosarcoma (Bergman, MacEwen, Kurzman, Henry, Hammer, Knapp, Hale, Kruth,
Klein, Klausner, Norris, McCaw, Straw, Withrow). There was an experiment in Norway
demonstrating that bigger breeds obtain the disease more often than the smaller breeds
(Anfinsen, Grotomol, Bruland, Jonasdottir). It is most common in dogs near the age of 8 and
who are more or so 90 pounds (Bone Cancer in Dogs). More specifically, if a male dog is
neutered before the age of one, it doubles their chances of having osteosarcoma. This is the same
result as if a female dog were to be spayed because sex hormones are well-known for affected
the skeletal structure of dogs (Sanborn). Although any breed and dog can obtain osteosarcoma,
dogs who are heavier, taller, older, and fixed are proven to increase their risks.
The Symptoms

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There are three leading visible symptoms that can alert dog owners of osteosarcoma. The
primary symptom of osteosarcoma is lameness that can develop after tiring activities or over a
longer period of time (Oncology Service). After diagnosis, it is visible that the dog can have
trouble walking where the swelling takes place (Osteosarcoma in Dogs). Another sign of the
tumor is after the tumor has been initiated, so there is swelling where the lesion or wound takes
place (Johnson, Runyan, Grier). Some dogs have the case where, there is no swelling visible, but
a fracture has already occurred in the bone (Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer) in Dogs). A fracture
occurs due to the hematoma, the assemblage of blood in a tissue or organ, spreading quickly into
bordering tissues and joints (Ebeid, Amin, Abdelmegid). These symptoms are the most recorded
and the easiest to see for dog owners. The symptoms benefit the owners from knowing the cancer
before it is too late.
The Treatments
Treatment varies based on the severity of the case and the dog owners preferences of
what to do. The veterinarian suggests what treatment has the best solution, however, the dog
owner has the last say on what action to take. After the x-ray on the affected region, comparing
whether or not it is cancer or just an infection, it is recommended to get another x-ray of the
dogs lungs to be acknowledged whether or not the cancer has spread there, too (Osteosarcoma
in Dogs). Chemotherapy is a strongly suggested treatment if the cancer had already spread
("Chemotherapy in Veterinary Medicine"). An obvious side effect of chemotherapy, however, is
the destruction of healthy and normal tissue (Oncology). Another common treatment is
amputation (Cekanova, Rathore). Amputation is the most effective way of eliminating the pain
(Oncology Service). However, partial limb amputation needs maintenance for multiple
prosthetics can be used (Limb Amputation). If the tumor is not as severe and did not affect

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surrounding tissue, then another treatment is limb sparing, where the bone of the cancer is
removed and replaced with a bone graft (Osteosarcoma in Dogs). Another option is radiation
therapy. Radiation therapy positively affects 70% of the dog population, but a downside is that
fracturing of the bone is a risk. (Bone Cancer in Dogs). In the long run, treatments can prolong
the lifespan. Every treatment can help decrease the high level of pain and make it tolerable,
however, there are downsides, to every one.
The Types of Medicines
The medicine prescribed by veterinarians to most dogs is usually NSAIDs, nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs. NSAIDs are usually given as the primary painkillers for dogs, like after
surgery, and veterinarians rarely give another form of medicine (Pain Medications for Dogs).
This type of medicine can also be used for osteoarthritis, which is incurable (Innes, Clayton,
Lascelles). The purpose of NSAIDs is to decrease the swelling and pain (Pain Medications).
They decrease inflammation by blocking prostaglandins, which cause the swelling in the first
place (Veterinary Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs). Risky side effects are digestive
liver and kidney problems (Pain Medications for Dogs). More side effects are vomiting, lack
of appetite, and diarrhea (Veterinary Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs).The safety and
efficiency of NSAID relies on the dosage and varies with other types of treatments (Innes,
Clayton, Lascelles). Dogs can react poorly to NSAIDs and can have changes in behavior,
redness, and stomach problems (Pain Medications for Dogs). However, NSAIDs are usually
taken by themselves. It is important to take caution of all these side effects that come with these
medications.
The Prognosis

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The prognosis for every dog is evidently different between each scenario, however, there
are many objectives that can be taken to extend the life of the dog suffering with osteosarcoma.
In general and after diagnosis, dogs can live up to 2-3 months. However, about 20-25% can live
up to two years with treatment (Osteosarcoma in Dogs). Approximately 35% of dogs live up to
1 year (Bergman, MacEwen, Kurzman, Henry, Hammer, Knapp, Hale, Kruth, Klein, Klausner,
Norris, McCaw, Straw, Withrow). Altogether, only 20% of dogs with osteosarcoma live longer
than two years (Cekanova, Rathore). With treatment such as, chemotherapy and amputation, it
can prolong the dogs life for two years. However, chemotherapy lasts for about 6 months at
most (Oncology Service). Even with treatment, metastasis can occur in the body, which cannot
be prevented. The main cause of death is from metastasis in the lungs through tumor migration
and entry into secondary organs (Gorlick, Chand). Once again, metastasis can be detected
through x-rays. In one case, osteosarcoma is the main leading cause of death for Golden
Retrievers (Sanborn). In general, after its diagnosis, the cancer takes a rapid toll on the health of
the dog and the dog usually only has months of survival.
Conclusion
With all of my in-depth research, I have a better understanding of what was happening
inside my dog. I fully understand biologically what he was going through and how it affected
him. I can now see my experience with my dog on a larger scope and compare it with the general
dog population. Creating this pamphlet, although seems like a small task, takes a high level of
knowledge inside and out. Having my senior project visible for all the incoming dog owners to
see on a desk satisfies me because I know that I am diffusing my knowledge and my experience
to others. I enjoy sharing my story about my dog, even though it still saddens me. It gives me the
chance to put my story to use and prepare other dog owners of what I wish I knew.

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The research will make the process creating my senior project go more smoothly because
I not only have the experience, but the knowledge of what was happening behind it. Knowing the
biology will be easier for me to explain the beginnings of the cancer in my pamphlet. I
researched higher risks because I need a stronger foundation with what types of dogs are prone to
the cancer. I am now informed to which kinds of dogs are affected more. I studied the symptoms
that come with the cancer so that I can prepare the dog owners what to look for. I can list what
three types of symptoms are the most common. I researched treatments and medicines, because
those factors are very important to the healing process of dogs who have osteosarcoma. In my
pamphlet, I will have to include this information because this has to do with payments.
Furthermore, I went into depth of the prognosis and sum up the outcome of this cancer has on
dogs to better prepare the dog owners what to expect. With this knowledge, I can create my
pamphlet on the facts, science, and statistics of bone cancer. I am actually involved and informed
about the cancer and not the result itself. I researched not only a subject of canine osteosarcoma,
but the entire topic itself so that I can have the most out of my project. My pamphlet will benefit
me because I have learned the most I can about this cancer on a high school level. I will also
spread my findings of this cancer so that many more dog owners are aware of its existence and
severity.

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Works Cited
Anfinsen, Kristin P., Tom Grotmol, Oyvind S. Bruland, and Thora J. Jonasdottir. "Breed-specific
Incidence Rates of Canine Primary Bone Tumors." Canadian Journal of Veterinary
Research. Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, n.d. Web. 18 Sept. 2015.
Bergman, PJ, EG MacEwen, ID Kurzman, CJ Henry, AS Hammer, DW Knapp, A Hale, SA
Kruth, MK Klein, J Klausner, AM Norris, D McCaw, RC Straw, and SJ Withrow.
"Amputation and Carboplatin for Treatment of Dogs with Osteosarcoma: 48 Cases (1991
to 1993)." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 10.2 (1996): 76-81. 18 Sept 2015.
"Bone Cancer in Dogs." Bone Cancer in Dogs. American Kennel Club Canine Health
Foundation, n.d. Web. 18 Sept. 2015.
Cekanova, Maria and Rathore, Kusum. "Animal Models and Therapeutic Molecular Targets of
Cancer: Utility and | DDDT." Dovepress. Dove Press Ltd, 14 Oct. 2014. Web. 19 Sept.
2015.
"Chemotherapy in Veterinary Medicine." OncoLink. Veterinary Hospital of the University of
Pennsylvania, 5 June 2013. Web. 18 Sept. 2015.
Ebeid, Amin, Abdelmegid. Limb Salvage Management of Pathologic Fractures of Primary
Malignant Bone Tumors. Cancer Control, Jan 2005. Web. 21 Oct 2015.
Gorlick, Richard, and Chand Khanna. "Osteosarcoma." Journal of Bone and Mineral Research
25.4 (2010): 683-691. Np., 2010. Web. 15 Sept 2015.
Innes, John F., J. Clayton, and B.D. X. Lascelles. "Review of the Safety and Efficacy of
Long-term NSAID Use in the Treatment of Canine Osteoarthritis." ResearchGate. N.p.,
Feb. 2010. Web. 18 Sept. 2015.
Johnson, Runyan, Grier. Canine Osteosarcoma: A Review and an Experimental Treatment

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Regime. Iowa State University Veterinarian Vol 43. Oncology Commons, 1981. Web. 15
Oct. 2015.
Limb Amputation. ACVS. American College of Veterinary Services, 2015. Web. 16 Nov 2015.
Osteosarcoma. National Canine Cancer Foundation, 2006. Web. 21 Oct 2015.
Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer) in Dogs. Pet Education. Petco Wellness, n.d. Web. 15 Oct 2015.
"Osteosarcoma in Dogs." Small Animal Hospital. University of Florida Health, n.d. Web. 14
Sept. 2015.
Oncology. Oncology. North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, n.d
Web. 16 Nov 2015.
"Oncology Service." Osteosarcoma. Washington State University, n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2015.
"Pain Medications." Pain Medications. College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Colorado State University, n.d. Web. 16 Sept. 2015.
Pain Medications for Dogs WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 21 Oct 2015.
Sanborn, Laura J. "Long-Term Health Risks and Benefits Associated with Spay / Neuter in
Dogs." Long-Term Health Risks and Benefits Associated with Spay / Neuter in Dogs
(n.d.): n. pag. National Animal Interest Alliance. 14 May 2007. Web. 17 Sept. 2015.
Veterinary Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
FDA, 17 Oct 2014. Web. 21 Oct 2015.