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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Samarium treatment eased lameness in dogs with bone tumors

By Barnard, Sandra M et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2007·Gladesville Veterinary Hospital, Australia·View original on PubMed

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Original publication title: Samarium Sm 153 lexidronam for the palliative treatment of dogs with primary bone tumors: 35 cases (1999-2005).

Species:
dog

Plain-English summary

A group of 35 dogs with primary bone tumors received a treatment called samarium Sm 153 lexidronam to help relieve pain and improve their quality of life. After the first dose, about 63% of the dogs showed less limping within two weeks, while some had no change or got worse. The average survival time for these dogs was around 100 days, with a few living over a year. This treatment may be a helpful option for dogs with bone tumors that cannot be treated with surgery.

People also search for: dog bone cancer treatment · samarium for dogs pain relief · dog limping after tumor diagnosis

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate survival times and palliative effects associated with the use of samarium Sm 153 lexidronam in dogs with primary bone tumors. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 35 dogs with primary appendicular (n = 32) or axial (3) bone tumors. PROCEDURES: 1 to 4 doses of samarium Sm 153 lexidronam were administered at a rate of 37 MBq/kg (16.8 MBq/lb), IV. Response to treatment, measured by lameness improvement, and survival time were determined. RESULTS: Of the 32 dogs with appendicular tumors, 20 (63%) had an improvement in the severity of lameness 2 weeks after administration of the first dose of radioactive samarium, 8 (25%) had no change in the severity of lameness, and 4 (12%) had a worsening. Overall median survival time was 100 days, with 3 dogs (8.6%) alive after 1 year. Median survival time for the 32 dogs with appendicular tumors was 93 days, with 3 (9.4%) alive after 1 year. This was not significantly different from the median survival time of 134 days for a historical cohort of 162 dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma that underwent amputation as the only treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that samarium Sm 153 lexidronam may be useful in the palliation of pain in dogs with primary bone tumors that are not candidates for curative-intent treatment.

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Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17571994/