Understanding Osteosarcoma

Information provided by BluePearl Oncology Spring, TX.

What Is Osteosarcoma?

Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common bone cancer in dogs, making up 85% of all skeletal tumors. It primarily affects large and giant breeds like Great Danes, Rottweilers, and Golden Retrievers, and tends to occur in middle-aged or older dogs. The most commonly affected areas are the limbs, especially the long bones.

While the exact cause is unknown, suspected risk factors include:

• Breed/genetic predisposition
• Rapid growth in large breeds
• Bone trauma or infection
• Past radiation exposure

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Treatment Approaches

1. Curative Intent Treatment

The goal is to remove the tumor and delay the spread of cancer, offering the best chance for extended survival and quality of life. This often includes:

• Amputation to remove the primary tumor and relieve pain
• Chemotherapy (Carboplatin) to target microscopic spread
• Median survival with surgery + chemo: ~10–12 months
  • ~40% alive at 1 year
  • ~20% alive at 2 years

Starting chemo within 5 days of surgery has been shown to improve survival outcomes.

2. Limb-Sparing Surgery

• An option for dogs who cannot tolerate amputation.
• Carries a higher risk of complications like infection, breakdown, or tumor regrowth.

3. Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (SRT)

• Provides pain relief and may slow tumor progression.
• Requires 3 treatments and may be paired with chemo.
• Median survival: ~8 months
  • Available at Texas A&M Small Animal Hospital, not BluePearl Spring.

4. Palliative Care

• Focuses on comfort and pain management rather than extending life.
• Options include:
  • Palliative radiation therapy
  • Zoledronate, a bone-strengthening drug
  • Pain management with medications like Carprofen and Gabapentin
• Median survival: 1–5 months

5. Amputation Alone

• Without chemo, median survival is 4–5 months.

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Immunotherapy Options

While not yet widely adopted, BluePearl Spring is open to assisting with various immunotherapy options.

Consult with your oncology team to discuss if these are appropriate for your dog.

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How BluePearl Spring Supports You

BluePearl Oncology in Spring, TX works with pet parents to:

• Evaluate treatment options
• Provide cost estimates
• Coordinate with specialty teams like Texas A&M
• Support ongoing care with a compassionate, collaborative approach

If you are located in the Houston or Greater Houston area and would like to consult with their team:

📍 BluePearl Specialty + Emergency Pet Hospital – Spring, TX
1646 Spring Cypress Road, Spring, TX 77388
📞 832-616-5000
🔗 Learn More or Request an Appointment

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 28, 2025 – Still Waiting, Still Hopeful
• 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