Knowledge Hub
Access valuable information to help pet owners and veterinarians improve canine health and quality of life.
Bone Cancer Research
The AKC Canine Health Foundation supports research that enhances our understanding of the basic behavioral.
Read MoreBone Cancer in Dogs
Introduction Bone cancer can occur as a primary disease (originates from cells that normally reside in the bone space) or as a metastatic disease (spreads from cancers that arise elsewhere). In humans, most bone malignancies are metastases that arise from tumors outside the bone (breast, prostate). Primary bone tumors are less common, and osteosarcoma (primary […]
Read More02215: A Cancer Vaccine for Canine Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is a malignant cancer that carries a very poor prognosis in most large breeds of dogs. The standard of care treatment for osteosarcoma is surgery followed by chemotherapy. Unfortunately, a large number of these osteosarcomas undergo early metastasis (spread) even with early surgical intervention and chemotherapy. Infections of the surgery site, especially when limb-sparing […]
Read More
Bone Cancer is Highly Heritable in Irish Wolfhounds
Introduction Bone cancer, also known as osteosarcoma, in dogs is an aggressive cancer that typically affects the leg bones of middle-aged to older large dogs. Some breeds, such as the Irish Wolfhound, have a high rate of bone cancer at a younger age (less than five years old), suggesting a significant genetic influence. With funding […]
Read More03019: Evaluation of a Targeted Anti αvβ3 Integrin Near-InfraRed (NIR-) Dye for Controlled Resection of Naturally Occurring Soft Tissue Sarcomas in Dogs
Soft tissue sarcomas are among the most common neoplasias of the skin and underlying tissue encountered in dogs. While they rarely spread to other organs, they tend to invade the surrounding tissues and grow unpredictably. Unfortunately, the surgeon cannot delineate these extensions by vision or touch, making it practically impossible to determine the true tumor […]
Read More03262: Dual Energy Computed Tomography and Bone Resorption Markers in Dogs with Appendicular Osteosarcoma Treated with Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy
Osteosarcoma is the most common bone tumor in dogs that is commonly treated with amputation and intravenous chemotherapy. For some dogs, amputation may not be the most appropriate treatment option and limb-sparing treatments are sought after. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has been utilized to ablate tumor cells while leaving the affected limb intact and […]
Read More
New Researchers Tackle New Strategies for Canine Bone Cancer
Hypothesis Osteosarcoma is a serious and aggressive bone cancer that mostly affects large, older dogs. It causes painful swelling and weakens the bone, often leading to fractures. Standard treatment usually involves removing the affected limb and giving chemotherapy, but sadly, fewer than half of dogs survive beyond a year after diagnosis. Researchers believe that the […]
Read More03015: The Immune and Molecular Landscape of Canine Osteosarcoma at the Single-Cell Level
The focus of this project is bone cancer (osteosarcoma), and the results will be especially relevant to large and giant dog breeds, and to mixed breed dogs with these breeds in their ancestry. Large dogs have an elevated risk to develop osteosarcoma, but there is little information available that can predict the speed at which […]
Read More03266-A: Development of a Novel Diagnostic Test for Canine Osteosarcoma Using Raman Spectroscopy
Osteosarcoma (OSA) is a type of aggressive bone cancer that mainly affects large-breed purebred dogs. It is the most common bone cancer in both dogs and humans, but survival rates have not improved much in many decades. More than 90% of dogs with OSA already have cancer that has spread to other parts of the […]
Read MoreProgress Continues in the Development of a New Treatment for Canine Bone Cancer
Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone cancer diagnosed in dogs, usually affecting the limbs of large and giant-breed dogs and mixed breeds. Unfortunately, cancer spread to the lungs (metastasis) is common with this disease. Recommended treatment involves removing the tumor by amputating the affected limb or use of limb-sparing surgical techniques followed by chemotherapy. […]
Read More01726-A: Identifying Growth Factors That Promote the Spread of Osteosarcoma
Grant Status: Closed Grant Amount: $11,135 Stuart Helfand, DVM; Oregon State University April 1, 2012 – September 30, 2013 Sponsor(s): Golden Retriever Foundation Breed(s): Irish Wolfhound Research Program Area: Oncology – Osteosarcoma Donate to Support this Research Program Area Project Summary The ideal cancer treatment would destroy all cancer cells at the site where the […]
Read More0002629: Clinical and Immunological Outcomes in Dogs with Osteosarcoma Treated with Intratumoral Interleukin-12 Microspheres
Appendicular osteosarcoma, or bone cancer of the limbs, is an important tumor in dogs representing nearly 10 percent of all canine cancers. Despite progress in treating canine osteosarcoma using a combination of limb amputation and chemotherapy, life expectancy is not usually extended by more than 6-10 months compared to amputation alone. Death is due to […]
Read More03032-MOU: Early Detection of Canine Osteosarcoma
Primary bone cancers (called osteosarcomas) affect more than 8,000 dogs, and possibly as many as 50,000 dogs per year in the United States. Although the risk for bone cancer is greatest in large and giant breeds, it is a health concern for many breeds. The impact of the problem is highlighted by the fact that […]
Read More02642-A: NF-kappaB Inactivation Enhances Apoptosis in Canine Osteosarcoma Cells
Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common cancer originating in the bone in dogs. Current treatments for OSA range from quality of life focused care, such as pain management, to amputation and chemotherapy. Unfortunately, regardless of the path pursued, very few dogs are cured of this cancer. Quality and quantity of life are limited in patients […]
Read More03095-A: Cell-Specific Expression of MicroRNAs in Primary and Metastatic Canine Osteosarcoma
Tumors arising from bones (osteosarcoma) are common and highly aggressive cancers in dogs. Even with limb amputation surgery and chemotherapy, most dogs with osteosarcoma live less than a year, usually because the cancer spreads to the lungs. Investigators are studying small molecules called microRNAs, in tumors, blood, and other bodily fluids. Changes in levels of […]
Read More00826-A: Percutaneous Cryoablation in Canine Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone tumor of dogs. This cancer most often affects long bones (radius, humerus, femur, and tibia) creating significant pain and lameness in affected dogs. The most common treatment for this disease is limb amputation that results in average survival times of 4 months without, and 12 months with, postoperative […]
Read More
What is the Best Age to Spay/Neuter Your Dog? It Depends.
Introduction Dog owners want the best for their pets, especially when it comes to long-term health. A new research breakthrough funded by the AKC Canine Health Foundation reveals that the timing of neutering (spaying or castrating) can significantly impact a dog’s risk of developing joint disorders and certain cancers. This study provides breed-specific and weight-based […]
Read More
Canine Osteosarcoma Early Detection: Preliminary Results from the COED Study
Primary bone cancers (called osteosarcomas) affect more than 8,000 dogs, and possibly as many as 50,000 dogs per year in the United States. Although the risk for bone cancer is greatest in large and giant breeds, it is a health concern for many breeds. While osteosarcoma is treatable, only 30-40% of dogs that receive the […]
Read More