Bone Cancer Dogs, Inc. is a 501(c)3 tax exempt charitable corporation organized under the Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Law

of the State of New Jersey. Our mission is to fight canine osteosarcoma by: providing funding to nonprofit

organizations for research related to the curative and palliative treatments, educating and raising public awareness of the prevention and treatment of

osteosarcoma, and offering hope and support to those who are dealing with bone cancer in their dogs.

We BELIEVE that dogs and their families do not have to battle this disease alone. Together, We Can Make a Difference!

To Make a Donation: Bone Cancer Dogs, Inc.

a 501(c)3 nonprofit organizationPO Box 58

Leeds Point, NJ 08220© 2009 Bone Cancer Dogs, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

If your dog has been diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer)

You do not have to battle this disease alone. . .

Bone Cancer Dogs can help.www.bonecancerdogs.org

“Abby” - Limb, Amputation

“Black Bart” - Limb, Amputation

“Maggie” - Limb, Amputation

“Taz” - Limb, Amputation

“Kodiak” - Jaw, tumors surgically debulked

Knowledge is Power

The best defense against this horrible disease is awareness, early detection and treatment. Bone cancer occurs most often in the leg bones of larger dogs, but can appear in pelvic, shoulder, spinal, jaw, skull, facial or rib bones. The most common symptoms of bone cancer are lameness and pain. Trouble chewing, trouble swallowing, facial swelling or nasal discharge could be signs of bone cancer in the jaw, skull or facial bones. A hard lump on a rib could be a sign of bone cancer in the ribs. In the limbs, persistent lameness may be the only sign of bone cancer. Sadly, many dogs are diagnosed after weeks or months of lameness attributed to sprains, arthritis or other joint problems. In the early stages, routinely prescribed anti-inflammatory medications may provide some pain relief, delaying the diagnosis even further.

Diagnosis

Most cases of bone cancer can be diagnosed with X-rays and the treatment plan can be decided without further testing. Chest X-rays should be done to determine if visible lung metastases are seen, and to assess the heart (if there are underlying medical problems.)

Important! Take notes and don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions. You are your dog’s advocate. Ask your local vet for a reference or referral to an oncologist ASAP. Investigate State Veterinary Teaching hospitals as many do have oncology programs. Investigate the following veterinary oncology web sites:

http://www.vetcancersociety.org http://vsso.org

Treatment

There are many options once bone cancer is diagnosed. In the past several years we have seen huge progress in the treatment of this disease. Thanks to excellent research, new surgical techniques, such as limb-spare surgery fortumors in the front limbs, along with various chemotherapy and radiation protocols have been developed.

Whenever feasible, amputation or resection are recommended; and in many cases chemotherapy is also planned. Current statistics show the greatest survival rates with a combination of amputation and chemotherapy.

Amputation? My Dog has Bone Cancer… Why Bother ?

The first way to attack this disease is to address the pain. Amputation provides permanent, definitive pain relief. It may even be curative in 10% of cases. Amputation actually prolongs life, because without it, the pain will eventually become unbearable and lead to a very difficult and final decision. While losing a leg is disabling to a human, losing one leg out of four does not usually restrict a dog’s activity level. After recuperation from surgery, running and playing are still possible.

When Surgery is not an Option

Conservative yet aggressive therapy for non-surgical candidates includes radiation therapy, the use of intravenous or oral bisphosphonates and alternative oral chemotherapy regimens, and pain management.All bone cancer dogs benefit from a change in diet, reducing carbohydrates which cancer cells need to grow. Holistic medicine is a valuable part of treatment, with the addition of supplements that strengthen the dog’s immune system.

Fighting cancer is not about “how much time will my dog have?”….. it is about “how much quality time will my dog enjoy.” If you, or SOMEONE you know, have a dog with bone cancer, please visit our web site: http://www.bonecancerdogs.organd our affiliated online support group: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/bonecancerdogs

“Riggs” - Limb, Amputation“Keno” - Limb, Amputation

There are no wrong decisions, ever.

Hope is one of the best drugs

out there.

Cancer is a word, not a sentence.

Living with cancer; not dying from cancer.

It is what it is; all you can do is all you can do.

Never give in, never give up.

Every day is a lifetime.

Spirit Guide Jogger, dx Aug 2002 - fought hard and inspired us until she

passed - July 2004

“Albion” - Limb, Limb-Spare Surgery

“Foster” - Limb, Amputation