Two Dogs with Bone Cancer: Hunter and Princess’s Focused Ultrasound Story
Key Points
- Tasha’s Doberman Pinschers were diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a bone cancer common in large-breed dogs.
- She shares how both dogs were treated in focused ultrasound clinical trials at Virginia Tech.
Osteosarcoma is an aggressive bone cancer that rarely affects people but commonly affects large-breed dogs. Standard care for dogs usually includes amputation and chemotherapy. At Virginia Tech, Joanne Tuohy, DVM, PhD, and colleagues have dedicated years to studying how focused ultrasound could be used to treat these deadly tumors. She is currently conducting clinical trials to explore the use of histotripsy, a noninvasive focused ultrasound technique that mechanically disrupts tumor tissue, to treat osteosarcoma.
We recently spoke with Tasha Hoover, whose two Doberman Pinschers, Hunter and Princess, were both diagnosed with this cancer. The dogs each took part in different stages of focused ultrasound clinical trials at Virginia Tech.
Tell us about your dogs and their diagnoses.
I got Hunter as a puppy, and he was laid-back and mellow. He loved spending time with our Rottweiler, who would lick his ears, and he was always affectionate. I also foster with a Doberman rescue, which is how I got Princess. She is so energetic and playful. I like to say I failed at fostering her, because from the moment I met her, I knew she was staying with me.
Hunter and Princess were both diagnosed with osteosarcoma and enrolled in clinical trials at Virginia Tech. Hunter participated a few years ago, and Princess was diagnosed in March of this year.
How did you first learn about the focused ultrasound trial?
With Hunter, my veterinarian gave me a few options and recommended Virginia Tech because it was within driving distance. I was already familiar with the school because I had actually studied biology there in hopes of becoming a veterinarian. When I connected with Dr. Tuohy, she spent so much time walking me through the details. I liked knowing that no matter the outcome for Hunter, his participation could help future dogs as well.
What was Hunter’s experience like?
Hunter was seven years old when he was diagnosed. He had a large, advanced tumor in his back leg. At that time, the trial protocol was one ultrasound treatment regardless of tumor size. Hunter responded well – his lungs were clear, and he had five or six rounds of chemotherapy. Sadly, he passed away suddenly from a heart attack one evening, which we believe was not a result of the trial. Despite that loss, I was grateful for the care he received and for the opportunity to contribute to research.
And Princess’ diagnosis was more recent. Tell us about her.
Princess was diagnosed earlier this year, just after she turned four, and her case was unusual. We discovered the osteosarcoma almost by accident while her veterinarians were conducting imaging for another concern. Within two weeks she underwent focused ultrasound treatment at Virginia Tech.
What was the actual treatment sequence?
Princess took part in a different clinical trial. In this study, participants underwent histotripsy first, then the limb was amputated shortly thereafter. The team at Virginia Tech is studying whether histotripsy can stimulate the immune system against osteosarcoma, with the hope of helping the body control microscopic spread. The amputation, while life altering, helps to remove the fragile bone damaged by the tumor and bring pain relief.
How has Princess handled recovery?
She has bounced back quickly. She had a front-leg amputation, which is supposed to be more challenging, but she was walking that same night. The next day she was pulling me on the leash, ready to go home. Now you would hardly know that she’s missing a leg. She runs, jumps into the car, and chases squirrels in the yard. Her lung x-rays remain clear, and she’s not on any pain medication. My goal has been to give her a good quality of life, and she’s thriving.
What do you love about Dobermans?
Dobermans are often misunderstood as aggressive dogs, but they’re actually very affectionate and people oriented. They’re called “velcro dogs” because they stick close to their humans. They can be protective, but they’re also silly, loving, and loyal. I think they’re just wonderful dogs.
Learn More
To find more focused ultrasound veterinary clinical trials at Virginia Tech, search their website.
This patient story was adapted from November 2025 Curing with Sound podcast, Advancing Cancer Research with Histotripsy: Insights from a Canine Osteosarcoma Trial