Canine Bone Sarcoma: Estimation of Relative Risk as a Function of Body Size

Abstract

Larger canine breeds are subject to excess relative risk of primary bone sarcoma. Based on comparison of normal population samples and the 404 cases studied, the risk of bone sarcoma among giant dogs (over 80 lbs.) is estimated to be no less than 61 times the risk among small dogs (<20 lbs.), and possibly as high as 185 times the risk for small dogs. A preliminary indication of increased risk of cancer other than bone sarcoma among larger breeds complicates interpretation of bone sarcoma risk values; if the larger breeds are subject to a greater probability of clinical attention for all types of cancer, the actual risk of bone sarcoma among giant dogs may be as low as 29 times the risk among small dogs. Among giant dogs the risk of bone sarcoma is estimated to be no less than 5, and possibly as high as 30, times the risk of cancer other than bone sarcoma. Study results indicate the excess risk of bone sarcoma is characteristic of the larger breeds as a group rather than of one or several particular breeds.