Adjuvant Chemotherapy Is Associated With Prolonged Survival Time in Small-Breed Dogs Undergoing Amputation for Appendicular Osteosarcoma.

Vet Comp Oncol. June 2025;23(2):161 - 167.

Stefano Zanardi¹, Silvia Sabattini², Federica Rossi³, Matteo Rossanese⁴, Paolo Buracco⁵, Vincenzo Montinaro⁶, Marina Aralla⁷, Alfredo Dentini⁸, Elisa Pizzi⁹, Enrico Volpe¹⁰, Giovanni Tremolada¹¹, Laura Marconato¹²

¹ Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy.; ² Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy.; ³ Anicura Clinica Veterinaria dell'Orologio, Bologna, Italy.; ⁴ Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK.; ⁵ Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.; ⁶ Anicura Clinica Veterinaria Malpensa, Varese, Italy.; ⁷ Pronto Soccorso Veterinario Laudense, Lodi, Italy.; ⁸ Anicura Clinica Veterinaria Tyrus, Terni, Italy.; ⁹ Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy.; ¹⁰ Clinica Veterinaria Concordia, Venezia, Italy.; ¹¹ Flint Animal Cancer Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.; ¹² Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy.

Abstract

Adjuvant chemotherapy is a well-established treatment for large-breed dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma; however, it is unclear if it improves outcomes in small-breed dogs due to limited focused studies. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the oncologic outcomes of dogs weighting less than 15 kg with appendicular osteosarcoma that underwent curative resection with or without postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. Endpoints were time to distant progression (TTDP) and overall survival (OS). Medical records from multiple institutions were reviewed, and 43 dogs were included in the analysis: 17 underwent surgery alone and 26 also received adjuvant chemotherapy. The median TTDP for all dogs was 265 days, with no significant difference between treatment groups. The median OS for all dogs was 270 days, and it was significantly different between amputated dogs (150 days) and those also receiving adjuvant chemotherapy (353 days, p = 0.002). In our cohort, osteosarcoma in small breeds behaved as aggressive as in large breeds. Adjuvant chemotherapy may prolong survival. Future randomised studies are needed to provide definitive evidence on the necessity of adjuvant chemotherapy to address metastatic spread in small-breed dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma.

Keywords

amputation; canine; chemotherapy; osteosarcoma; prognosis; small breed;

Article Tools:

Medline

Email to me

Archives Highlights:

Cryptorchidism in dogs and cats presented for elective gonadectomy: A descriptive cohort study of 306 animals treated between 2018 and 2023.
5,476 dogs and 11,559 cats were presented to the same facility for elective surgical castration, suggesting a cryptorchid incidence of 3.21 % for dogs and 1.12 % for cats. Cryptorchid testes were more commonly observed in the inguinal area than in the abdomen, and were more frequently located unilaterally on the right side in both dogs and cats.

Nursing care of the small animal oncology patient. Part 2: pet carer support
This article outlines how RVNs can alleviate caregiver burden, facilitate shared decision-making, and provide practical and emotional support throughout the oncology journey.

[Disease Caused by Filoviruses: An Update].
The Marburg and Ebola viruses belong to the Filoviridae family and are known to cause emerging zoonotic diseases. These viruses have a high case fatality rate and are easily transmissible from person to person, which makes them capable of triggering outbreaks, including in non-endemic regions, and are also considered agents of bioterrorism. This review aims to improve clinical knowledge and the approach to suspected cases of FD. Improved surveillance and preparedness for potential global outbreaks are essential measures to effectively respond to these public health threats and to ensure that healthcare professionals are well-informed and prepared to deal with these diseases.

Feline blood donation: Description and adverse reactions from 29 201 donation events between 2019 and 2023.
Adverse reactions were uncommon (0.29%, 2.88/1000 donor events) and most commonly were cardiorespiratory (0.08%, 0.75/1000 donor events) or behavioral (0.06%, 0.62/1000 donor events). The only risk factor significantly associated with adverse reactions was conscious donation, with conscious donors 4.4 times more likely to have an adverse reaction.

Limb amputation for feline appendicular bone tumors results in excellent recovery outcomes and high owner satisfaction with a low incidence of complications.
Time to return to walking without support was < 3 days in 69.7% of cats and 3 to 7 days in 16.7%. Activity level changes were reported as no change in 75.8% of cats. There were no behavioral changes in 92.3% of cats. Quality of life following amputation was recorded as excellent in 82.4% of cats. Owner satisfaction was reported as very satisfied, moderately satisfied, or satisfied in 98.5% of cats.