We are proud to announce that principal photography has begun on our next documentary My Friend: Standing Strong, a full-length feature on canine osteosarcoma.
Osteosarcoma (OSA) makes up about 5% of all canine tumors, but is by far the most common bone tumor of the dog. Signs of this aggressive bone cancer are subtle, such as minor lameness, a hitch in the dog’s gate, a bit of swelling and maybe even some joint pain. As in all cancers, early detection is important, so shining a light on symptoms so that owners can be proactive is one of the many reasons we decided to tackle OSA in this, our third canine cancer project.
Because of the aggressiveness of OSA, many owners are faced with very frightening choices. Amputation of the affected limb is quite often necessary, leaving owners in turmoil. Chemotherapy is needed due to the cancer’s high rate of metastasis. The average life expectancy with amputation and chemotherapy is about one human year, but the equivalent of seven dog years.
We want to show dog owners that there is more to this disease than amputation. Dogs are resilient and as some say are born with three legs and a spare. Osteosarcoma is not the end of the world for your dog, it is just a new beginning, whether it is amputation or limb-sparing there is a solution and an option for everyone.
