Bone cancer??

[pnance]

Anyone have any experience with osteosarcoma (sp??), bone cancer? They suspect a friend of mines dog might have it. She goes in for a bone biopsy tomorrow to confirm, but based on x-rays it's highly probable, so I'm trying to get what info I can for her.

[dragondawg]

The basic treatment is amputation followed by Chemotherapy. If more than one limb is affected and/or the owner does not elect amputation, then Chemotherapy alone.

Osteosarcoma reference (http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_canine_osteosarcoma.html)

This reference lists the combo of Carboplatin, and Doxorubicin. The Carboplatin has a high probability of severe nausea and the dog should be pre-treated, and treated for a couple days afterward with Zofran (expensive). The Doxorubicin my Lymphoma puppy never had much problem with. I gave her Metoclopromide (cheap) and Cimetidine to counter any nausea. Coenzyme-Q administration helps decrease the cardiotoxicity of Doxorubicin per human trials.

Osteosarcoma is very responsive to anti-angiogenesis drugs which for the most part are still coming online for humans. An older try in dogs is the :

Navy Protocol (http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2002-07-24-cover-cancer_x.htm)

Start supplementing the dog's diet with fish oil. The Omega-3 fatty acids have a mild anti-angiogenic , and a mild anti-inflamatory effect. Stay away from as much carbohydrate in the diet as possible - no more ice cream at night! ;)

The latest research indicates the bisphosphonates (e.g. Fosamax) which is primarly used to prevent bone reabsorption in geriatric humans, definitely slows down the Osteosarcoma in the bone, lessens bone fractures, and pain. Ask for it as a supportive treatment! It can be pricey.

Good luck to your friend's puppy and its upcoming struggle against cancer.

[countrycowgirl]

yes I do but not with dogs that is the kind of cancer that my father has in his mandable

[pnance]

Thanks dragondawg! That's some great info and I'll pass it along to her. She herself is an MD so isn't unfamiliar with some of the standard treatments, but in humans not animals. She meets with the surgeon this morning for final confirmation and to determine how far it's spread.


Thanks again!:)