Research shows that surgery alone, estimates Canine survival at less than 10% after 12 months, while adding a chemotherapy regimen after surgery can increase the chance of living another year by 50%, surviving another 2 years by 30%, or possibly allowing a 15% chance of remaining cancer free altogether (Withrow, S., 2001). Harley’s family decided to engage in chemotherapy.

Dr Sue Downing was chosen as Harley’s Oncologist. A graduate of Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine, small animal medicine and comparative oncology at Purdue University, Dr Downing is a Diplomate (Board Certified Oncologist) of the ACVIM in the specialty of oncology who now works at VCA ASEC in Los Angeles.

Dr Downing has a strong empathy for the family of those facing Canine Osteosarcoma since beginning in 1995, Dr. Downing also fought to save the lives of three of her own dogs who each were also diagnosed with osteosarcoma, so is well-acquainted with treatment options for osteosarcoma, as well as the personal challenges of battling this devastating disease.

Dr Downing outlined Harley’s chemotherapy treatment plan in a gentle, caring, manner that inspired hope and confidence in Harley and mom Christy. She explained that chemotherapy is usually much better tolerated by dogs than humans and that Harley would receive a regimen of 6 treatments of a chemotherapy agent called Carboplatin, infused intravenously once every 3 weeks after blood work to monitor my kidneys, liver, and bone marrow function was drawn.