PALLIATIVE RADIOTHERAPY FOR CANINE APPENDICULAR OSTEOSARCOMA

Abstract

Fifteen dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma (presumptive diagnosis, n = 6 dogs; biopsy confirmed, n = 9 dogs) were treated with palliative radiotherapy. Treatment entailed a total of three 10 Gy fractions of 60 Co radiation delivered over a three week period on days 0, 7 and 21, for a total dose of 30 Gy. Twelve dogs experienced improvement in limb function 7–22 days after the start of treatment. Long term followup was available for nine of the twelve responders. The duration of response was 17–288 days (n = 9 dogs; median = 130 days; mean = 116 days). Response duration did not appear to be related to initial tumor size. Palliative radiotherapy can result in improved limb function in dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma.