Grace Lee

A Comprehensive review on canine osteosarcoma and treatments

Started Oct. 16, 2025

Abstract or project description

Cancer is a diverse group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth, tissue invasion, and tumor formation. It can affect a wide range of organisms, including dogs. In the canine population, cancer represents a significant health burden. Approximately one in four dogs develops cancer during their lifetime, and nearly 50% of dogs over the age of ten are affected, accounting for up to 27% of canine deaths. Common canine cancers include lymphoma, bone tumors, and skin tumors, among which bone cancer is particularly aggressive. Osteosarcoma accounts for approximately 85% of primary bone tumors in dogs, while the remaining cases include chondrosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, and hemangiosarcoma. The development of osteosarcoma is strongly associated with genetic predisposition, especially in large and giant breeds such as Scottish Deerhounds, Rottweilers, Greyhounds, and Irish Wolfhounds, as well as with prior bone trauma, radiation exposure, healed fractures, and chronic osteomyelitis. Current treatment strategies primarily involve surgical intervention combined with chemotherapy, with immunotherapy and palliative care as additional options in selected cases; however, long-term prognosis remains poor due to the aggressive metastatic nature of osteosarcoma, particularly to the lungs. This review provides a broad overview of canine bone cancer with a specific focus on osteosarcoma, emphasizing its prevalence, risk factors, and current treatment approaches.