Comprehensive Treatment Options for Dogs with Osteosarcoma

UNDERSTANDING OSA

Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common bone cancer in dogs, especially large and giant breeds. It’s aggressive and often spreads (metastasizes) to the lungs or other parts of the body. While it’s devastating to hear, there are several treatment paths that may help extend your dog’s life and improve their quality of life. Read more about osteosarcoma.

STANDARD TREATMENT OPTIONS

1. Amputation

• Purpose: Removes the primary tumor to relieve what some refer to as excruciating, and slow spread.
• Considerations: Most dogs adapt well to life on three legs, even large breeds.
• Cost Estimate: $5,000–$8,000 (varies by location).

2. Chemotherapy

• Most Common Drug: Carboplatin.
• Purpose: Targets cancer cells that may have spread microscopically.
• Schedule: Typically 4–6 rounds.
• Cost Estimate: $800–$1,500 per treatment, depending on location.

IMMUNOTHERAPY & EMERGING TREATMENTS

1. ELIAS Cancer Immunotherapy

• How it Works:
  • Cancer cells are harvested during surgery.
  • A personalized vaccine is created from those cells.
  • Apheresis (blood filtering) collects T cells, which are trained to recognize the cancer.
  • Trained T cells are re-infused to fight the cancer.
• Cost Estimate: $9,500+ (plus exam and bloodwork costs).
• Availability: Limited to trained veterinary centers.
• Learn More About This Cutting Edge Immunotherapy: ELIAS Animal Health

2. Yale Vaccine

• How it Works: It trains the immune system to recognize and target EGFR and HER2 proteins, commonly overexpressed in aggressive cancers like osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, and mammary carcinoma.
• Cost Estimate: The vaccine itself is free in clinical trials, but exam, administration, and travel costs apply.
• Limitations: Limited availability across the U.S.
• Find locations: Yale Vaccine Trial Info

3. TORIGEN Immunotherapy

• How it Works: Uses your dog’s own tumor cells to create a vaccine.
• Availability: Available through select veterinarians.
• Learn more: TORIGEN for Pet Owners

4. Immunocidin®

• How it Works: An immune system booster used for OSA and lymphoma.
• Learn more: Immunocidin Info

HOLISTIC & SUPPORTIVE CARE

1. Integrative Veterinary Care

• Example: Dr. Judy Jasek
  • Focuses on nutrition, detoxification, and immune support alongside conventional treatments.
  • Learn more: Dr. Judy Jasek’s Website

2. Whole-Body Support

• Nutritional support, supplements, ozone therapy, and mistletoe therapy may complement traditional treatment.
• Always consult with a holistic or integrative veterinarian before starting.

CLINICAL TRIALS

Some veterinary schools and research institutions run clinical trials that may reduce treatment costs.

• Check for available trials near you: AVMA 2025 Clinical Trials Listing

1. Ardent K9-ACV + Checkpoint Inhibitor Vaccine (Clinical Trial)

How it Works:

• How It Works:
  • Uses your dog’s own tumor cells (autologous vaccine) combined with a checkpoint inhibitor (CD200AR-L) to train the immune system to recognize and fight osteosarcoma cells.
  • Aims to provide a safer, immune-based alternative to chemotherapy, with fewer side effects.
  • Dogs in the trial receive 3 rounds of the vaccine series, 21 days apart, with follow-up exams at 4, 6, and 8 months.
• Availability:
  • Only available through clinical trial participation.
  • Dogs are randomly placed in the vaccine group or the chemotherapy group after amputation.
• Cost:
  • Varies by trial site; often trials offer reduced or subsidized costs.
  • Pre-screening, travel, and post-treatment check-ups may carry additional fees.
• Learn More or Find a Trial Site:
  • Ardent Regenerative Medicine
  • 1.800.365.9168

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TREATMENT PATH

There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each family’s decision is personal, based on:

• Your dog’s overall health
• Your budget
• Your dog’s quality of life
• Travel and treatment availability

Listen to your dog.
If they still have joy, energy, and love for life—fighting might be worth it. If they’re showing signs of being tired or in pain, honoring their comfort may be the most loving choice.

FOLLOW DIOR’S JOURNEY

If you’re looking for real-time updates and lived experience navigating this diagnosis, follow Dior’s journey here:
👉 Dior’s Story & Updates

• May 22–23, 2025 – A Conversation That Brought Peace
• May 21, 2025 – The News We Prayed For
• May 20, 2025 – The Waiting Game
• May 19, 2025 – One Step Forward, Three Steps Back
• May 18, 2025 – Searching For Hope