Osteosarcoma Project Summary
Research Proposal Summary

Osteosarcoma in dogs Summary

This will be an observational study of 30 dogs suffering from canine osteosarcoma receiving homeopathic treatment as an adjunct to conventional treatment. 

​The survival times for dogs receiving homeopathy plus conventional treatment will be compared to established survival times of dogs receiving conventional treatment only. Survival time means from diagnosis to euthanasia.

This study will set up systematic scrutiny of treatment outcomes of 30 dogs referred by veterinary surgeons with a confirmed diagnosis. Whilst no causative link between treatment and outcomes can be drawn from an uncontrolled trial, observational studies can provide useful information about what is occurring in practice.

However results will be interpreted with caution, as higher numbers of participants are needed to overcome random effects in estimating the direction and magnitude of treatment effects.

Objectives of the study

The objective is to systematically record the life span of dogs diagnosed with osteosarcoma receiving homeopathy as adjunctive care to conventional treatment regime and to compare these results with the most authoritative data available on conventional survival times, subject to variables such as site, stage and size of tumour, metastasises, age of dog, and chemotherapy agent/s. The results will be written up and submitted for publication to a peer review veterinary science publication.

Principal investigator (PI)
Dr Sue Armstrong  MA VetMB VetMFHom CertIAVH MRCVS RsHom
Address: Ornhams Hall, Boroughbridge, YO51 9JH
Phone: 01423 314120  Email:  [email protected]

Sue Armstrong became a registered member of the Society of Homeopaths in 2007 and has been treating Human patients first in Harrogate and then from her premises in Wetherby ever since.

Sue’s dream was to provide a facility for humans that provides exceptional quality integrative healthcare in a peaceful, calm environment. At the centre we currently offer homeopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture. Ornhams Hall provides the perfect setting for the centre.

The property is a listed building and as such we are unable to provide ramp facilities, however, we will make alternative arrangements for any client who requires a venue with wheelchair access.

Potential impact on homeopathic veterinary research

​If the results obtained with five dogs previously treated solely with homeopathy by the PI, can be replicated, then it will be become clear that homeopathy could offer potential for extending life for dogs diagnosed with canine osteosarcoma.

The PI’s aspirations for research into homeopathic treatment of dogs diagnosed with osteosarcoma are:

​To improve the quality of life and to extend the life expectancy of dogs diagnosed with osteosarcoma
To provide further evidence of the efficacy of homeopathy in serious life threatening clinical conditions where conventional therapy alone has limited success.

Recruitment strategy

​The opportunity to receive homeopathic treatment in the study. 

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​Owners please click here for more information and application form

Veterinary surgeons please click here for referral information and form

All dogs meeting the inclusion criteria will be accepted into the study. Recruitment will close after 30 dogs have entered the study or after 18 months, whichever is soonest.

Inclusion criteria

​Dogs with diagnosis of osteosarcoma confirmed in the last three weeks by the referring vet. Diagnosis of osteosarcoma will be confirmed by a specialist vet’s report based on clinical signs and imaging. Histopathology results will be recorded but are not mandatory.

Dogs in the study will be receiving conventional treatment from the referring vet as follows:

​Dogs on palliative conventional treatment only i.e painkillers such as NSAIDS and opiates.
Owner’s agreement to attend two consultations (minimum) at Wivelscombe with the dog and to provide feedback on the dog’s progress

Exclusion criteria

Concurrent disease, reported by owner or referring vet or identified during physical examination, that is likely to prevent the dog from living one year, and dogs with evidence of gross metastatic disease.

Pre-entry assessment

​There will be a pre-entry assessment by the PI.

To read full proposal page click here