Scotty Busto’s Journey 

Scotty first came to BVH in March 2024 with a limp in his left hind leg. After a series of X-rays, ultrasound scans, and bone biopsies, he was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a common but aggressive bone tumor in dogs. This marked the beginning of Scotty’s journey towards recovery.

What is Osteosarcoma?

Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone tumor in dogs and is known for its aggressive nature. It primarily affects the leg bones of larger breeds, such as Greyhounds, and Rottweiler’s, and is usually diagnosed in middle-aged to elderly dogs, though it can occur at any age.

This type of cancer can develop in any bone, but 75-85% of cases occur in the limbs. Osteosarcoma starts deep within the bone, causing increasing pain as it grows and destroys healthy bone from the inside out. Over time, this leads to lameness, which typically worsens over 1-3 months. The weakened, tumorous bone becomes prone to fractures, even with minor injuries.

How is Osteosarcoma Diagnosed?

Osteosarcoma is diagnosed using X-rays to identify the primary tumor, followed by additional imaging—such as X-rays and ultrasounds—to check for cancer spread. In Scotty’s case, there were no visible signs of metastasis, which was a positive sign. However, due to the aggressive nature of osteosarcoma, it’s generally assumed that microscopic spread has already occurred by the time the tumor is detected in the bone.

How is it Treated?

Treatment focuses on two key goals: managing pain and combating the spread of cancer.

Managing Pain

Pain management is crucial, as osteosarcoma causes severe discomfort. Most dogs are euthanased because of the pain rather than the cancer itself. Since the tumour in the limb is the primary source of pain, removing the affected limb (amputation) resolves the pain in 100% of cases. While some pet owners are hesitant about amputation due to its impact on mobility, dogs typically adapt remarkably well to life with three legs. Scotty’s amputation allowed him to resume his playful, active life pain-free.

Fighting the Spread

Although amputation effectively addresses pain, it doesn’t stop cancer’s progression. This is where chemotherapy comes in. Chemotherapy is the best option for extending a dog’s life by targeting the spread of cancer.

At BVH, our chemotherapy protocol involves administering an intravenous chemotherapy agent every 4 weeks for a total of four sessions. Throughout this process, we perform regular blood tests and imaging to monitor the dog’s response and ensure they tolerate the treatment well. Scotty completed his chemotherapy in October 2024, and so far, there’s been no sign of cancer spreading.

Without chemotherapy, dogs with osteosarcoma typically live 3-5 months after managing pain. With chemotherapy, the average survival time increases to about 400 days, significantly improving their quality of life.

What’s Next for Scotty?

Following his initial chemotherapy, Scotty has started a maintenance chemotherapy regimen known as metronomic chemotherapy. This involves administering a low-dose chemotherapy medication daily. This treatment aims to slow the spread of cancer cells and prevent them from recruiting blood vessels to support tumor growth.

During this phase, Scotty will visit BVH regularly for routine blood tests and imaging. These check-ups allow us to track his progress and ensure he remains healthy and happy.

Scotty’s Bright Future

Scotty has been a brilliant patient. His journey highlights the importance of early diagnosis and a proactive treatment plan for dogs with osteosarcoma. Thanks to the combination of amputation, chemotherapy, and ongoing care, Scotty is back to enjoying life with his loving family and his favourite veterinary team cheering him on.

If you notice any signs of persistent lameness or unusual pain in your dog, don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian. Early intervention can make a world of difference, just as it did for Scotty Busto.

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