Osteosarcoma research is about to get a big boost in funding. That’s because the Petco Foundation and the Blue Buffalo Foundation have partnered to sponsor a $1 million grant for Morris Animal Foundation to help fund the foundation’s research initiative to study the most common bone cancer in dogs. “Morris Animal Foundation continues to invest in groundbreaking osteosarcoma research, and we are deeply appreciative of the Petco Foundation and the Blue Buffalo Foundation for their support of this important work,” said John Reddington, DVM, PhD, president and CEO of Morris Animal Foundation. “This grant will help in our efforts to develop interventions to improve quality of life and survival time for our canine companions with this devastating disease.” Current osteosarcoma statistics are grim, Morris says, reporting that: 10,000 dogs are diagnosed in the United States each year 4,000-8,000 dogs die every year from metastatic disease In 90 percent of dogs, osteosarcoma already has spread upon diagnosis 80 percent of dogs die within two years of diagnosis While safe and effective treatment options currently are available to treat the primary cancer, better treatments are needed to stop metastasis. The new grant will help fund innovative approaches to combat metastatic osteosarcoma. Recently funded studies at Morris Animal Foundation have zeroed in on ways to optimize chemotherapy selection, control pain, and find new therapeutic targets, all aimed at improving treatment outcomes. “The Petco Foundation, established in 1999, is focused on creating a better world for animals,” said Susanne Kogut, executive director of the Petco Foundation. “Osteosarcoma research holds the promise of improving treatment for dogs with this disease, giving them healthier lives and more time with the families that love them.” The Blue Buffalo Foundation was established in 2003 with a specific focus on cancer research. “So many of us have lost beloved pets to this deadly disease, and we are committed to advancing science that will make a difference in the fight against pet cancer,” said David Petrie, president of the Blue Buffalo Foundation. “We are pleased to partner with Morris Animal Foundation to fund innovative studies that will not only help our companion animals survive cancer, but thrive and have good lives.”
