My Dog Has Osteosarcoma: Should I Allow Amputation?
ByHi Everyone.
Osteosarcoma is a common cancer in the dog. Most of the time it occurs on the long bones of the legs in large breed dogs. And most of the time a veterinarian or veterinary oncologist will recommend amputation of the affected leg.
You will likely have some strong feelings about it, as one who loves a living, breathing being facing the removal of a limb.
This is a heavy duty question. Since it has a lot of emotional charge for those interested in preventing pain and suffering, it can be a hard choice. The choice warrants careful contemplation to make sure you are able to cope with the situation.
At least two factors should be considered. The first is life quantity, which is also life expectancy. The second is life quality, which of course is how good life is.
Let’s look at life quantity first, or life expectancy.
First, get an idea of the average life expectancy of your dog. Be careful with this. These numbers are just averages, just like they are for people. There is an excellent review of dog life expectancy here.
Once you have ascertained what a dog’s potential life expectancy is, you need to weigh how much more time are we looking at for your dog. Your vet can help with this by discussing the impact of your pet’s individual health problems.
We want to see whether, at the time of diagnosis, your dog has already reached the expected life length for most dogs like yours.
If your dog is close to what one would expect for average life length, the motivation or payoff for the surgery should be considered carefully. If your dog is not yet there, one might consider going ahead with the surgery.
It should be noted that most dogs with this kind of cancer do not survive beyond a year, with amputation alone (read more here).
However, this does not mean that your dog will pass away within a year, as you have access to continued treatment from your vet, oncologist, and the information contained here. There will be more in upcoming publications being edited right now.
One last intangible is your particular dog’s personality. Some dogs just have this will to live, and sometimes one can perceive this pretty clearly. They just want to keep going. They are driven. This will to live, a tenacity, boosts lifespans. Remember to consider this factor too.
That’s life quantity.
This is the first step. Next we look at life quality on three legs. We will look a little at the surgery itself, some issues that affect life quality on three legs, and more.
I will post more on this issue in the next entry.
Regards,
Dr Dressler
About the Author
Dr. Demian Dressler, DVM is known as the "dog cancer vet" and is author of Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Beyond Surgery, Chemotherapy & Radiation. Visit his blog and sign up free to get the latest information about canine cancer. Go to http://DogCancerBlog.com.
73 Comments
November 2nd, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Thanks so much for such an honest and professional opinion about amputation for dogs. I also had osteosarcoma, and lived a wonderful life on three legs from 11/06 to 10/08, almost a full two years. My parents and I encourage anyone who finds themselves in the unfortunate situation of coping with this disease, to consider amputation as the best way to immediately end the pain of bone cancer, and allow for even a shorter period of time together with their furry family member.
November 2nd, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Oops, I meant to say, “allow for even just a little while longer together….”
November 5th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
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The TPH chemical array has killed more Americans than every terrorist since the beginning of time.
The petrochemical bisphenol-a, or BPA, causes precancerous tumors and urinary tract problems and made babies reach puberty early.
Every gas pump has a label on it that oil and gas causes cancer and a host of lethal medical problems.
Archeologicial digs show that ancient peoples living near tar pits got cancer.
When there is an oil spill, you are not allowed on the beach because most agencies classify oil as toxic.
A study of childhook leukemia in England mapped every child with the diserase and found they all occurred in a circle, in the center of which was a gas station.
Alberta’s oil sands are one of the world’s biggest deposits of oil, but the cost of extracting that oil may be the health of the people living around them. High levels of toxic chemicals and carcinogens have been found in the water, soil, and fish downstream of the oil sands. The local health authority of Fort Chipewyan, Alberta comissioned the study in response to locals’ claims that the oil extraction projects upstream were damaging the health of citizens. Petrochemicals and their byproducts, such as dioxin, are known to cause an array of serious health problems, including cancers and endocrine disruption.Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) is a term used to describe a large family of several hundred chemical compounds that originally come from crude oil. Crude oil is used to make petroleum products, which can contaminate the environment. Because there are so many different chemicals in crude oil and in other petroleum products, it is not practical to measure each one separately. However, it is useful to measure the total amount of TPH at a site.TPH is a mixture of chemicals, but they are all made mainly from hydrogen and carbon, called hydrocarbons. Scientists divide TPH into groups of petroleum hydrocarbons that act alike in soil or water. These groups are called petroleum hydrocarbon fractions. Each fraction contains many individual chemicals.
Some chemicals that may be found in TPH are hexane, jet fuels, mineral oils, benzene, toluene, xylenes, naphthalene, and fluorene, as well as other petroleum products and gasoline components. However, it is likely that samples of TPH will contain only some, or a mixture, of these chemicals. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that one TPH compound (benzene) is carcinogenic to humans. IARC has determined that other TPH compounds (benzo[a]pyrene and gasoline) are carcinogenic to humans.
Benzene causes leukemia. Benzene as a cause of leukemia had documented since 1928 (1 p. 7-9). In 1948, the American Petroleum Institute officially reported a link between this solvent used in many of their industries used and cases of leukemia in their workers. Their findings concluded that the only safe level of benzene exposure is no exposure at all (2).
The largest breast cancer incidents are in Marin County, California which is tied to the air, water and ecosphere of the Chevron Oil refinery right next door.
The oil industries spend tens of millions of dollars on fake pundits and disinformation to make sure the above information is never known by the public. Cure Cancer: Stop oil. It is a national security need in more ways than one.
March 3rd, 2009 at 9:42 pm
My rotweiller has osteosarcoma in the mouth. I refused the surgery. I have him on tetracycline (14 pills per day) as I found in my research that it shrinks tumors in dogs. It is working so far and with the K9 Immunity and Raterdex for pain. His tumor has shrunk and he is running around like a puppy again.
March 7th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Great news!
Keep up the good work,
D
March 10th, 2009 at 6:17 am
My dog was recently diagnosed with Osteosarcoma a few weeks back. I went with the difficult decision of amputation of the limb (right front leg). Since then I am happy to report that she has adjusted very quickly to running around on 3 legs and has has even started wrestling with my other dog again. I had a VERY rough time going with the amputation because of my own pshycological thoughts. If anyone has any questions about this terrible disease and or the surgery please don’t hesistate to shoot me an email. BrandonKofer@hotmail.com
March 10th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
We went ahead with amputation for our dog with Osteosarcoma. We’re now deciding on whether to pursue chemotherapy treatments? Anyone with a success story either way?
March 10th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
Consider functional nutriments professional cooperative supplement trial:
http://functionalnutriments.com/clinical-trials/how-to-apply/
Best,
Dr D
March 10th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Brandon,
great news and great input. Thanks!
Dr D
March 13th, 2009 at 1:09 am
My dog Charlie is a 2 1/2 yr old Bernese Mountain dog. He was just diagnosed with bone cancer about a month ago in his right hind leg. The tumour characteristics are so rare (as confirmed by a bone biopsy) that the vets have been unable to clearly classify the cancer as osteosarcoma…all they have been able to tell us is that it is a very agressive cancer and is being classified as terminal. Let me also mention that a little over a year ago, Charlie underwent total hip replacement surgery to correct displaysia due to a fractured pelvis when he was just 1 month old. Needless to say, Charlie has been through so much in his short lifespan this far and has had to live with a very high threshold for pain for most of his life. My husband and I are not financially able to provide Chemo to Charlie but we were struggling with the thought of amputating him. We are just so concerned, with what he has go through so far until now, whether or not putting him through another surgery is the best for his ‘quality of life’. The vets have estimated that Charlie would have approximately 4 months left but that his leg, due to the size of the tumor and the biopsy, is at risk of a pathalogic fracture at any time…we don’t know what to do. We are faced with the possibility of euthanizing to prevent further pain and discomfort in Charlie before anything worse happens. I do have to mention though that Charlie has a love for life like I’ve never seen before and he is a fighter. Any advice anyone has to offer would be so very appreciated. Thank you, Tania
March 13th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Thank you for responding to a question about Jake, my rottweiler, a few wks ago. Sadly I had to euthanize him yesterday, but I want to share w/ you & your readers some 20/20 hindsight. I’m so glad I amputated his front leg & humerus–he obviously felt better within 2 days & adjusted easily to 3 legs. But I very much regret doing the 4 trmts of chemo. The oncologist said he’d probably live 6 mos without it & possibly 18 mos if we did it. He only lived 4 mos., and that was w/ a clear x-ray of the lungs & no lymph node involvement from the day we did the amputation. Yesterday both lungs were full of cancer, to the point his breathing was labored, & the surgeon said he maybe had 2 wks left. The chemo bill was $2600, and I truly believe w/ your diet, supplements, K-9 Immunity from Aloha Medicinals, & pure water, all of which he had, he would have lived longer with no chemo AND his quality of life would have been better. And if I were going to ever do chemo again(which I won’t), I would only allow one treatment each of the 2 drugs, instead of 2 each, which they alternated. Do you know of any real cases where these chemo drugs have actually helped a dog w/ osteosarcoma? I’m so glad you’re sharing the ill-effects of too-early spaying & neutering. We wouldn’t want to sterilize a child at age 5. Jake had already been neutered at a young age when I rescued him off the streets around age 1, and he only made it to age 5. Please also share w/ people how harmful the Rabies vaccine is to German Shepards, in particular, and to always request a killed vaccine only. My holistic vet, Dr. Norman Ralston, practiced 57 yrs. & taught me to only give one type of vaccine at a time, a month apart, & ONLY when they’re healthy. He said most will last a lifetime–he was not a big fan of vaccines. They are an insult to the immune system, & can cause cancer at the injection site, especially in cats. I had never given Jake one, but someone probably did when he was neutered. Thank you, Dr. Dressler, for writing this much-needed book & all that you’ve been doing for the animals. We absolutely have to be educated in order to stand up to some of the vets that are misguided in order to be our pets’ best advocate. Kat Meyer
March 13th, 2009 at 9:36 pm
Tanya,
This sounds very, very hard for everyone involved. Here may be a solution:
http://functionalnutriments.com/clinical-trials/how-to-apply/
Touch base with your vet, have them fill it out and fax it in so you can get started. You can combine it with k-9 immunity and transfer factor.
best,
Dr D
March 13th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
Kat,
I am so sorry for your Jake. Sending you all my best in this sad time of departures.
Remember there is a part of Jake that is indestructible, and that part of you will be with that part of him…again.
Thinking of you
Dr D
March 17th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
My dog was diagnosed yesterday with osteosarcoma in her front leg. Is there anything I can do or any information someone can help me with in making her quality of life better? Shes 10.5 years old and I dont want to see her suffer.
March 19th, 2009 at 12:41 am
Brian,
this is a huge, massive question…I do not know where to start.
I’ve got to refer you to the book
http
March 22nd, 2009 at 1:34 am
http://dogcancersurvival.com
March 23rd, 2009 at 1:17 am
Dr Dressler
my dog was just 2 weeks back diagonosed of bone cancer inhis front right hind leg
the vets as usuall suggested amputation or chemo
after reading your articles,feel there is a treatment besides the above
treatments
all thanks to you…there is hope for my dog and i am praying that god sees us thru this
i have enrolled for functional nutriments
pls can ou tell me if k9 immunity and transfer factor will be good for him and where can i get them
pallavi
india
March 23rd, 2009 at 1:19 am
Dr Dressler
i have enrolled for functional nutriments
pls can ou tell me if k9 immunity and transfer factor will be good for him and where can i get them
pallavi
india
March 26th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
новости спорта
Go on this way. You’ll find an interesting issue to develop.
vozingrangder
April 7th, 2009 at 9:57 am
My rottweiler/husky mix was diagnosed with possible osteosarcoma 3 weeks ago and underwent amputation of his left front leg and shoulder almost one week ago. He’s still recovering from the major surgery but is getting around on 3 weeks and trying to chase buses. He just turned 6 years old, 88 lbs. I’m inclined to not pursue chemo and he’s been on a totally allergy/holistic diet for the past 3 years. Any thoughts/suggestions etc. Am I making the right choice. He’s also on thyroid medication and hates his periodic blood tests. We hae to sadate him for those and I’m concerned that the remaining time will be spent in vet offices and stressed out. Thanks.
April 15th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
Deborah, this is a complex question. You need to become confident in your decision making. As I talk about in the book, osteosarc usually has spread by the time amputation is done. This means it will likely be present later, in your dog’s chest often. This is not a guarantee, just a probability. It sounds like life quality for your dog is a big factor, and you should pay attention to this. If his last 6 months is absolutely miserable due to stress, what is the point of treatment after all?
I will answer your question in more detail in the webinar:
http://mydogvet.com
Best,
D
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:26 pm
My 6yr, 170# St Bernard, Simon has just been diagnosed with osteosarcoma. I have scheduled a chest xray for Monday. My question is simply this: do you or anyone on this forum have experience with an extra large breed dog front leg amputation? I am ready to do it if only to eliminate his pain (I am not pursuing chemo). Any advice or things to consider would be so helpful at this point. I am considering K9 immunity and transfactor, but at 170# it will be pretty expensive.
Thanks in advance.
June 1st, 2009 at 4:21 am
Dear Dr. Dressler,
I found this blog for osteosarcoma and do not find anything for liposarcoma. I have this message under Do Numbers Really Matter Blog.
I thought to try this blog.
I have learned as of May 29th, my Jack Russell, Abby has liposarcoma in her right foot below her so called wrist. It is between her toes and removal of middle toes would make her imbalanced and no guarantee they could get it all. I have had a 2nd opinion by the University of Wisconsin Veterninary Science School with an Oncologist and finalized the diagnosis after roundtabling with their pathologists.
Originally, the diagnosis leaned toward liposarcoma with Abby’s vet and the biopsy was read by a different lab. UW wanted a definite diagnosis and consider it now at this time soft tissue low-grade. My options, I am told are amputation as early as possible for full recovery. This is including her shoulder. She is otherwise healthy and 10 1/2 years old. There has been lymph node testing to rule out melanoma prior to the final diagnosis and a lung xray. Those are negative.
Abby is a very athletic dog and I am told that radiation could be an option but a portion of the paw would need to be radiation free to keep the support of the foot. They would run the risk of not radiating all the cancerous tissue and destruction of the foot. Also, chemo does not affect this type of cancer.
She does have 2 lipomas 1 on her right side by her chest and an area closer to her hind leg below her ribs on the other side. The apirations confirmed this.
I am having a very hard time comprehending that her whole right leg and shoulder will be amputated in the next 2-3 weeks to have full recovery. At this point it is slow growing but told that if I wait another month they would need to have another chest xray to determine if it metastisized.
I am interested in learning all I can about this cancer and so far I have learned that it is rare, for Abby it is in a difficult spot and if there is amputation now, she will live to be her normal age intended and die of something else.
I am interested in obtaining thoughts on this and not finding how to have contact with you. I would be interested in alternative treatment and diet changes to insure the rest of her life be cancer free and if you think amputation is the only option. I am told dogs do well on 3 legs but the thought bothers me. I would be interested in downloading your book and need to understand if there is more than amputation available for recovery.
I have read some of the comments and not finding any relating to my situation. Thank you in advance for any suggestions.
Kathleen
June 7th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
This is Kathleen again and I have not yet found anything regarding Liposarcoma nutritionally or alternatively to amputation. My dog is scheduled for surgery on Wednesday. All notes seem to be for Osteo sarcoma. Any suggestions? Thank you in advance. Kathleen
July 17th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
My 6 yr old Newfie was just diagnosed with osteosarcoma — right front leg. A follow up chest x-ray the next day showed no metastasis. Bone samples were taken to confirm but the report is not back yet. I am most concerned about whether she will be able to carry herself on 3 legs if we allow amputation. She had medial patellar luxation surgery when she was just a year old, and her other kneecap is “loose”. If we don’t amputate, is there any point in chemo? It’s been suggested to us that chemo can hold off the cancer spreading for a while. But is there really any adequate pain control? How do we know she is not in agony now? Also, does anyone have even a ballpark figure of what chemo would cost on a dog this size? (139 pounds)
July 26th, 2009 at 9:13 am
Carol,
short story: I would consider the amputation. This is a very good question that I would like to answer on this month’s webinar:
http://www.mydogvet,com
Chemo does indeed help and doubles expected life length after surgery.
Dr D
August 3rd, 2009 at 4:14 pm
TO: those considering amputation
We adopted a Doberman, Token a little over a year ago. He is about 7 years old, 70 lbs and on 3 legs. We adopted him 14 months ago which was 4 months after his amputation & chemo for bone cancer. He is a LOVE and quite a fast runner on 3 legs. He never ceases to amaze us as well as all the neighborhood kids. I’ve never known him with 4 legs and don’t see him having any problems with his missing leg – in fact, we don’t even notice he is missing his leg. I write this for a couple reasons- I am sure it was a traumatic decision for the original owner to remove the leg – the concern was her as he is one happy dog! The other is to offer hope -as he is 18 months out from his surgery & chemo.
All the best
August 13th, 2009 at 5:50 am
I have a very active 9 yr old Great Dane that just got diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Because of his age should i consider only doing the radiation and not the amputation? I’m just not sure. Like I said he is very active still. 3 long walks a day and based on x-rays and ultrasounds he is perfectly healthy on the inside. so I am wondering if I should pursue radiation or amputation and chemo.
Thanks Doc,
Jen
August 15th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Dear All
Thank you for all you post’s it is a great help, Gracey (7 year old Lab) has been diagnosed just over a month ago. Osteosarcoma in the front left leg, she is swimming to get rid of a few extra kg then we will discuss the option of amputation. Thank you for the reassurance that this is possible with wonderful results. She is on Homeopathic-therapy treatment and natural chemo will start this week, with acupuncture and magnetic therapy. She is a real fighter and her spirit is still high, we have had a few bad days but mostly good.
Please keep talking about your success stories it is really encouraging
September 18th, 2009 at 9:03 am
Dr. Dressler,
My 10-yr-old, 70-lb. mixed-breed dog has been diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the upper bone (femur?) of the hind leg. X-rays of the chest did not show that it had spread. Our amputation scenario is complicated by the fact that we believe she already has torn cartilage in her other knee. I fear that after amputation she will blow the single back leg out and be crippled. She loves to go for walks and runs in the yard. Any thoughts would be appreciated. (She may have Akita or German Shepherd in her, perhaps some Lab, but amazingly, it’s obvious she has Basenji in her also!)
September 28th, 2009 at 3:25 am
My dog was just diagnosed w/ cancer. German shephard/chow, 11 years old. He’ still lively on the 3 legs and in minimum pain w/ the pain meds. His leg is swollen to 2x it’s normal size. Swelled that fast in 2 days I think from the vet moving it around during the exam. Should we amputate? And, when is the time to conisder putting him down? I can’t put him down now as he still loves to go get the paper for me and still has his personality. I’m going to miss him terribly!!
October 24th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
This week my 10 year old English Mastiff has been diagnosed ( the vet says he is 90% sure) with osteosarcoma. I am devastated. There is just so much to consider. My husband and I want to obviously do whatever we can to keep her with us as long as we can, but I am so concerned about what amputation and chemo will do to her. If I knew that it may be a couple of difficult weeks for her, then she would be ok I think the decision would be clear. I am so afraid of making the wrong choice for her. She had surgery in June to remove an abscess and it took her a while to really recover from being put under. I would appreciate any advice. Thanks
Maureen
October 25th, 2009 at 8:01 am
Maureen, I am so sorry your Mastiff has to go through this. As you pointed out, this is a very open-ended question. Surgery, chemo, diet, pain control, life quality enhancement, immune stimulation, supplements, personal philosophy and more are all part of the equation. As it turns out, this weeks webinar (www.mydogvet.com) is on OSA, and you might find it useful.
Best,
Dr D
October 27th, 2009 at 8:52 am
My 3 year old Choc. Lab was just diagnosed with a poorly differentiated sarcoma. It is in her knee area. A chest xray was done and showed no spread of the cancer. She was lame on the same leg a year and half ago. We had xrays done and it did show something, but so minor, that the vet didn’t biopsy it at that time. He wants to amputate her leg. I have two questions. Will she be able to play ball again? She lives to play and plays very hard. Secondly, being that this has obviously been going on for over a year, is it possible that it could have spread anywhere other than her lungs. The vet said that the cancer could be microscopic in her lungs and not picked up on an xray. Is there any other way to find out if it is in her lungs?
November 3rd, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Now I am feeling guilty…..Corona was diagnosed with cancer in her foot. She is a 13 year old boxer and they said she could have her foot removed….but I thought not going through all that and keep her happy and comfy for the rest of her life would be better…I see people saying their dogs are doing well with three legs…the Vet even said I made the right choice, but it’s hard……when do you know you’ve made the right choice? Her foot now is really bothering her she is biting at it and is not walking on it and it is swollen and leaking fluid and blood…when is it too much for her to handle…Dogs are so giving and waggily taily it’s hard to know…;0(
November 5th, 2009 at 8:43 am
My dog is a spayed lab/mix, about 50 pounds, and has just turned 12. Despite some arthritis in her legs, she still loves life…loves to play tug-of-war and likes swimming to fetch frisbees. She has recently been diagnosed with osteosarcoma of the front of her lower jaw. She also has a spot on one of her lungs, however a biopsy can’t be done, as it’s in a dangerous area. The vet recommends a mandible removal operation, plus an operation to remove one/third of one lung, followed by 4 rounds of chemo.
Even with all these procedures, the vet expects her to live for less than a year. I took her to a homeopathic vet for a second opinion, however the homeopath says that nothing can be done until the cancer is removed. However, if the cancer is removed, the homeopath is optimistic that with the right supplements, my dog could live for another 2 or 3 years…which would be fantastic, providing she isn’t in pain. I realize we’re near the end of the road, but my dog seems too full of life to throw in the towel. My questions are these…will the mandible removal and lung chamber removal operations cause long term pain? Or will she get over it, and enjoy the rest of her life?
Dave
November 6th, 2009 at 11:14 am
I have a 6 year old great pryanise/new foundland/pit mix. 6 weeks ago he started limping on his right rear leg. 4 weeks ago the vet did x rays and said there was a tumor in his leg just below his knee. We had the biopsy done, but they were unable to get any of the tumor cells. He said they tested for infection and a couple other things and with all that being ruled out it was cancer. Austin doesn’t use his leg at all now. He gets around pretty good for a 95 lb guy who was already a little over weight. I believe that his weight is ok now, because he was 105 before this and the vet wanted him to lose 10 lbs. I have him scheduled for amputation on Tuesday 11-10. I am so worried, but reading about others situation I’m feeling a little better about recovery. I’m not sure how to take it being cancer/terminal with no actual proof. My vet said he is 95% sure, and he is probably right, but I just can’t put a sentence on Austin like that. He was ok up until the last couple of days where he is laying around alot, and whinning a little. (he is extrememly talkative) Is there any chance that they could be wrong about the terminal diagnosis? Could removing his leg actually end the problem? Will he need any other treatment after the amputation or is that all up to us? I’m sorry if I’m rambling I’m just so torn as I sure many others facing this decision were. I guess I just don’t know what to expect after the surgery.
November 8th, 2009 at 11:59 am
Dear Dave, assuming no complications, the procedures would normally produce pain-free life after recovery. I would also consider cisplatin-impregnated beads made by Royer. Have your vet check it out. Good for implantation at the cancer site, with or without removal of the cancer.
Good luck
D
November 11th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
My mixed breed rescue (some kind of lab/newfoundland mix suspected) was tentatively diagnosed with Osteosarcoma today after xrays following a 3 week period of increasing limping. He is sending xrays off to Auburn Univ. Vet radiology to see if they confirm his diagnosis. He did tell me the various options, but didn’t seem too keen on any of them in terms of the benefit derived at the expense to the dog. I have been researching internet for hours, in search of a glimmer of hope. I am a school teacher, so finances are somewhat a factor, but if there were real hope I would find a way. To me, the question is how worth it would it be to put him through some serious sounding procedures? Vet didn’t even sound like he was in favor of amputation, due to his size (down to 103 from 115). How do these large dogs fare with amputation (front right)? And how much time does it get them? Am I just postponing the inevitable?? He is putting no weight on that leg as of today, hobbling on 3. Any advice would be tremendously appreciated.
November 12th, 2009 at 7:25 am
Angela,
I am going through something very similar. My name is Brandi, I posted on 11-6. Yesterday we had Austins right rear leg amputated. We went and saw him last night and he was a lot better than I had expected. He was trying to stand already. Of course with the pain meds he was pretty shakey. They were going to keep him until friday, but when the vet examined him today he said he was recovering remarkably and he could come home today. It is a scarey wound, but very clean. Everything I found in my research said we would have a more difficult time than our pootch as far as recovery goes.–as it seems. I don’t have a lot of information but I can let you know after this weekend how things are going. Your story and ours are so similar that I was drawn to try to help. We were given the same diagnosis, but when they sent the biopsy of the bone to the lab they were unable to confirm. Our vet said they were unable to pull any of the cells from the actual tumor. I was having a very difficult time with accepting with out proof. From what I understand Austin is terminal, but it sure feels like a second chance for him to be himself again. We have spent approx. $1800.00 so far including the amputation. Maybe your vet will be will to let you make payments if you decide to go forward. I truely wish the best for you and your dog. One other thing I was told is that there isn’t a wrong decision at this point just do what you think is best for you and your pet.
November 12th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Brandi,
Thank you. It is an odd kinship you feel with someone else experiencing the same struggle, isn’t it? I adopted Eagle, and his kennel mate Brooke, from a no-kill shelter where the pair had lived for 3 years. No one wanted to adopt the big black dogs. They have enriched my life to a degree I could not have imagined. The thought of losing Eagle feels like losing a friend. Other than the limp, he is frisky, great appetite, acts like old self- so it’s hard to accept that he has this horrible cancer. I will say a prayer for you that this weekend goes well- do keep me posted! I guess we are in “wait” mode until they get confirmation on diagnosis based on the xray (we are in Florida; they sent xray off to Auburn Univ. Vet Hosp). I wish you well- thank you for responding. I cried all day & night yesterday and just feel sad. Nice to be able to talk to someone who understands. You hang in there, too!
November 17th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Angela,
Good afternoon. I just had a couple minutes and wanted to touch base with you. How is Eagle doing? Did you get the results back yet? We are on our 6th day and all seems to be going well. On saturday he slipped on the carpet, yelped, and then started bleeding a little. (maybe a shot glass through out the night) We found out that he popped a stitch, but no biggie. Austins vet said he is doing remarkable. I am a nervous wreck but trying to be tough. The second biopsy did come back as cancer so now we are just hoping to live out the rest of his life as full and happy as possible. Try to be strong.
November 17th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Hi Brandi- I’m glad Austin is recovering well- that makes me hopeful! Well, today the local vet had received a fax from the University vet out of state- I guess they still suspect osteosarcoma, but don’t necessarily rec. a biopsy. It is looking like the best consideration at this time is amputation (front leg- tumor is at wrist), then sending it out for biopsy to determine specific type of cancer/prognosis. Our local vet can do it & send to them for biopsy. Or we can go out of state (about 4 hrs) to the univ. vet (they can do biopsy on site during the amputation surgery). Did your local vet do the amputation for Austin? That’s the direction I’m leaning, just b/c i feel comfortable with him and the logistics make it easier. So was it just a few days Austin stayed at vet post-op? Thanks Brandi!
November 19th, 2009 at 6:11 am
Angela,
Austin stayed over night after his surgery. We did have our local vet do the amputation. We also did the biopsy on his leg prior to amputation, but it was inconclusive. When they did the amputation they sent in his leg and they redid the biopsy and found the cancer for sure. He told us that it had not reached his lymph nodes and that meant that the cancer had not attacked any of his other organs yet. He said that it would travel through his blood so when we were at the end it would be fast. We are 8 days post op and he is 95% back to himself. When do you have Eagle schedualed for surgery. We will say a prayer for you and Eagle. Let me know how things go. I am truely glad that we made the decision to amputate. He has so much life in him now with out the pain of the bone cancer. On the lighter side, he tries to scratch with is phantom leg and it is pretty funny. Also, I don’t know if you found it but there is a web site called Tripawds that I was able to get a lot of information from. Take care.
Brandi
November 20th, 2009 at 7:20 am
Hi Brandi & Angela, I will say prayers for you & your dogs. I had to have my Rottweiler’s front leg amputated a year ago because of osteosarcoma in the elbow joint. It made him feel so much better, almost immediately, & he got around great within a week. My friend & I folded a beach towel, put it under his stomach to support him as we each held one end to take some of the weight off as he learned to hop around. I didn’t know dogs could be so stoic, until I saw how much better he did after afterwards. He had been losing some muscle weight prior to the diagnosis, due to too many carbs in his diet. I changed him to Taste of the Wild kibble,along w/ steamed green vegetables, Vital Choice salmon oil, K-9 Immunity, & either turkey, chicken or grass-fed beef, Curcumin & a few other nutrients suggested by Dr. D, & he gained 7 lbs. of muscle & seemed to be the picture of health, until I listened to a less-than-ethical oncologist & allowed 4 rounds of chemo,started about a week after amputation. He had clear margins on his biopsy & they amputated the shoulder blade, as well, to go a joint above the tumor, but also to help w/ balance. It traveled to his lungs in 4 mos. & was causing him to breathe differently–that’s when I knew it was time to end the battle & make it easy for him. I like the idea of the implanted beads(I didn’t know about those until now), but I think Jake would have actually lived a little longer had I not done the chemo treatments & proably felt better & had a more vital body. Cutting out the carbs in his diet & giving those nutrients made a HUGE difference. He was only 5 & had always had a better than average diet, but it was lamb & white rice(not so good). He was a rescue & had been neutered too young(which is one of the biggest contributing factors). Please tell your friends to wait until 12-18 months to spay or neuter, in order to let their bodies & immune systems develop fully. We wouldn’t sterilize a child @ age 5! I have a 15 yr young GermanShep/Lab male that I waited until he was about 1 before I neutered, & he’s very vital & healthy. Blessings, Kat
November 26th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
Hi Brandi, hi Kat! Well, it has been a hard week emotionally. I drove my big boy Eagle 5 hours Monday to Univ. of Florida vet hospital, where my local vet referred me. They did their own evaluation & were certain it was textbook osteosarcoma (right front wrist tumor). He stayed overnight & they amputated the following day (Tuesday). Meanwhile, I was feeling terrible about having to leave him & drive back home. That was a lousy feeling. As of yesterday, he had gotten up some but still not urinated. So they kept him another day & my husband will make the drive back to pick him up tomorrow. I don’t know how I feel about chemo yet, but right now we are planning on it. I think I’m desperate to try whatever they suggest. They did place a port during surgery, for ease in administering the chemo (vs. hitting a vein each time). We’ll see how it goes- I just cannot wait to have him home! I have heard that diet changes will be beneficial, so i’m def. willing to do that. And we may try the chemo & just see. I love having people like you guys to talk to about all of this. It’s great support. Brandi, how is Austin faring?
November 30th, 2009 at 7:57 am
Kat, can you tell me more about your experience with chemo? That is what they are recommending post-amputation for Eagle- would start in a week or so at time of suture removal. I keep reading pros & cons and just don’t know.
November 30th, 2009 at 9:03 am
Angela,
Hopefully Eagle is back home now. The next couple weeks may be kinda tough on you emotionally try to be every where for him. They told us to try and treat him as normal as possible to keep the depression down. Austin had a few days of moping around day 8. He went back to the vet Wednesday 11-25 and they took out the stiches and gave us the all clear on him going full throttle. Everything looks bright right now. We won’t be going chemo, I would rather not put him through that. I just wanted to improve the quality of life he has left, and face the inevitable when the time comes. Do keep me posted on Eagle’s progress. We will continue to pray for yall.
December 1st, 2009 at 12:37 pm
I’m crying as I write this message. Our collie cross Buffy is likely to have to be euthanised tomorrow as she has suddenly lost the ability to use her back legs.
Almost a year ago she was walking across our garden when her left front leg just broke with no warning and no injury having caused it. You can’t imagine the awful noise she made. The vet couldn’t repair it and referred her to a specialist who confirmed it was likely to be bone cancer and amputation was possible but costly and they couldn’t guarantee she would live more than a few months without chemo. She isn’t insured, but we went for the amputation and no chemo/radiotherapy. We also obviously had tests performed to ensure they were right with their diagnosis.
She adapted very quickly to having just one front leg and charged around with our cocker spaniel like nothing had changed. She continued to go upstairs until we used a stairgate to stop her for fear of her falling. Up until last week she continued to hop up onto the sofa to sleep. She just had a fun and pretty active weekend at Centerparcs a week ago. By Friday just gone she could barely walk. The vet has stated that he feels we will not get her back up and walking again, and she needs us to lift her to walk anywhere. He’s taken her off of Metacam and put her onto something call Tramadol but wants to see her tomorrow as he feels it won’t have any affect. We are heartbroken and don’t want to lose her but have to put her first.
This is doubly heartbreaking as our previous dog, also a collie cross, developed a tumour on her front left leg and also had an amputation. Again, we had blood tests, xrays, second opinions, etc.
She too lived a year without chemo and made the most of it, but I just wonder how it can happen twice? Although our other dog is of a smaller breed, I’m now worried if something has caused this in both our dogs and if she’s at risk too.
I really feel for all of you going through this. We never regretted amputation with either dog, strangely the same leg on both, and they lived full and active lives without missing out on anything. We also found that regular visits to a hydrotherapy pool are beneficial and they love it!
We’re really going to miss Buffy and are afraid of buying a large breed of dog again in the future for fear of this happening to another.
Sorry to ramble, but needed to say it all. Good luck to you all with your loved ones x
December 10th, 2009 at 9:07 am
Dr. D. I wrote you back in April, 2009 re: my rottie/husky with osteosarcoma in his right front leg. My indecision was regarding chemo after the amputation. Went with amputation – no chemo. Major is still alive and doing wonderfully. He runs and plays like a puppy again. I have him on a raw high protein/low carb “cancer diet” but because he’s also allergic to just about everything the diet is mainly fish. Just wanted you to know that I have no regrets about forgoing chemo and Major’s quality of life couldn’t be better. I don’t think he even knows he’s missing a limb. 9 months and counting.
December 13th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Deborah,
I am very pleased to hear that Major is doing so well! Great news.
Best,
Dr D
December 20th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Well, Tuesday will be 4 weeks post-op for Eagle. I was really nervous when we first brought him home- he’s a big boy at over 100#. First day home he slipped coming in house & I was so worried. But, it seemed like after that first day he quickly “understood” to go slowly going in/out door and on certain surfaces. I did go buy some large area rugs for our non-carpeted areas, which seemed to help him with traction and give him confidence. He was up to speed in no time. The biggest difference I noticed was when the stitches finally came out 2 weeks later- I think he was healing very well and it also probably felt better not to have stitches “pulling.” He seemed very frisky & much like his old self. We haven’t taken him on walks- just letting him out in our fenced yard. But today, we were taking our other dog for a walk & when Eagle saw us getting the leash out, he came hopping over, tail wagging, begging to go. It was like the old Eagle. I could barely keep up & was a nervous wreck. We intentionally took him on a deserted path where we knew we would not encounter other dogs/people/cars- he was literally galloping on 3 legs. It did my heart good to see him so full of vigor. We kept it very short, much to his protest, as we didn’t want him to overdo. But he was very happy and I’m so glad he gets some of these moments. We did do round 1 of chemo 2 weeks ago- he did amazingly well. Never sick, never once acted like it bothered him in any way whatsoever. I think we will continue the treatments as long as it stays that way. If he ever gets sick or seems to experience ill effects, we will stop. I do not want him in agony anymore. So, for now, that’s the plan. His appetite is voracious and he seems very happy & healthy right now. I have no regrets about the amputation whatsoever- it has given him the opportunity to be pain-free and have some good days. We are ready to stop all of this, however, at the point it seems to be doing him more harm than good. Right now, it’s been good.
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Dear Angela,
This is great news. Keep up the good work!
Best,
Dr D
December 23rd, 2009 at 7:23 am
Angela,
That is so great to hear!!! They are amazing creatures!
Brandi
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:37 am
My vet has recommended artemisinin for a osteosarcoma treatment for my 86 lb. labrador retriever.
Is artimisia annua the same herb?
January 9th, 2010 at 12:25 pm
My 11 yr old retriever/husky mix is facing amputation in 2 days . She has chondrosarcoma in her rt rear upper leg, very close to her pelvis. They can’t tell my 100% that there is no osteosarcoma from the biopsy. I am so afraid If i am making the right decision. I know alot of dogs get by well on 3 legs, but I dont want to put her through this and have her die in a few months. Her xrays of her lung and heart look good and all of her blood work. She is a very active dog otherwise but clearly is not feeling well lately. They said without surgery we are looking at only a few months. I even have her on vitamins and herbs to help her immune system. Amy comments or suggestions please let me know. JNLMCGILL@GMAIL>COm
January 9th, 2010 at 5:45 pm
Dear Luanne,
One of the aspects of medicine is that you are contracting (paying) a veterinary professional to help guide your decisions. Implicit in this agreement is a leap of faith that has to be made on your part that you are being given good advice. If you have any doubts, before you accept a recommendation, get a second opinion. This is one of the first steps I write about in the Dog Cancer Survival Guide. There is very little harm that is done in getting two opinions which is my best advice to you.
Good luck
Dr D
January 11th, 2010 at 11:49 pm
Dear Dr.Dressler,
I am awaiting biopsy results for my dear dog Ida Mae, whose doctor believes she has Osteosarcoma in her front right leg. I have had a difficult weekend, needless to say, but have done as much research as possible to educate myself in preparation of receiving bad news. One of the things that I have read said that younger dogs (those younger than 7) usually have a shorter survival time than older dogs. I found this information to be alarming and frightening, since my Ida is about to turn 4. I also spoke with her doctor tonight to go over some questions that I had about the disease and what exactly I may be facing in terms of treatment and it was an overwhelming discussion to say the least… she tells me that in the ‘best case scenario’ Ida would live 1 to 2 years post amputation, but more than likely it would be 4 to 10 months. I am writing to hear your take, as I saw your video in which you stated that canine cancer was not a death sentence. I will do anything in my power to help my sweet Ida live as long and as comfortably as possible. Chemotherapy was recommended as a first step after surgery. Then what? My hope is that this tumor is benign, but in the case of cancer, I hope that the tumor has not spread to the lungs and that it can be caught. Can you tell me how fast these tumors grow and what I should look for in my dog to indicate possible spread?
Thank you for all that you do,
Martina
January 12th, 2010 at 7:00 am
Martina,
I know it must be hard for you right now. I posted a message back in October about my 10 year old mastiff with osteosarcoma. I did a lot of research as well, it was mentally exhausting because you just want to do the right thing. I believe that every case is different when considering osteosarcoma. I found many many success stories through my research. My husband and I were given so many conflicting opinions that we just didn’t know what to do. We had 2nd and 3rd opinions. One of the vets said why would you even consider doing surgery on a 10 year old dog, and that we were basically hospice. Needless to say, just that attitude pushed my husband and I to the point of sobbing. Angel, our beautiful English Mastiff, was 130 pounds, so we were concerned with amputation and chemo. We spoke with people that had 90 pound dogs that had the surgery and did very well. I think every case is different and finding a vet that you trust is a huge help in this situation. Every dog takes chemo differently and adapts to amputation differently. So try not to get caught up in the negative portrayl of osteosarcoma (if that is what it is). The best thing you can do is to take all the information presented to you, and do what you think is best for Ida Mae. The best news will be that it is not osteosarcoma!! Good Luck
January 12th, 2010 at 6:05 pm
Glad to have found this site. My heart goes out to all of you who have dogs diagnosed with cancer. Our Benny (about 10, a 35 lb. unknown mix) was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his upper left front leg in October, 2009. We’re lucky to live within commuting distance of Colorado State University, one of the few places in the US that has stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) as an available treatment. We opted to go with it, and Benny was determined to be a good candidate. Within 1 week of the SRS, his limp had diminished substantially, and soon afterwards, went away altogether. He’s also receiving chemo every 3 weeks (Carboplatin), and we are doing some supplements per Dr. Dressler’s book. Benny’s back to being a happy, active dog (the chemo treatments cause him to be a bit under the weather for a few days), and we are very, very glad we went with the SRS. It’s not indicated for all osteosarcomas, it’s expensive, and it’s available in only a few areas, but I would urge you to explore it as an alternative to amputation.
January 13th, 2010 at 5:27 am
Tami,
That is so great! So with SRS there is no surgery?? I did not come across that when I was looking at treatments for our dog with osteosarcoma. We live near Cornell University, they specialize in cancer treatments for dogs, but the only thing suggested was amputation and chemo. That is such a great story to share. It gives people hope at a time when they could really use it
Maureen
January 13th, 2010 at 7:08 am
Thanks, Maureen! We don’t know his long term prognosis(we may have a better idea of his progress next week, when they’re planning to do another bone scan or CAT scan, not sure which). But we’re certainly delighted with the results so far. SRS involves a very strong and focused beam of radiation, so you’re right – no cutting. The only side effect was that a small patch of fur fell out at the entry point. I was describing SRS to a friend who recently had the “Cyberknife” procedure for his prostate cancer, and he said his procedure sounded very similar to SRS.
I think the Animal Specialty Center in Yonkers, NY is another place where SRS is available, and someplace in Florida may be another. CSU helps with accommodations for those coming in from long distances for treatment.
From what I can tell in terms of criteria, the dog needs to be otherwise healthy (several aspects of the treatment require general anesthesia), no biopsy or other treatment methods should have been done, and there must be no spread of the cancer to other areas. The configuration of the cancer within the bone is also important, because the limb is forever weakened following treatment. They’re able to assess from the configuration whether the dog will be at high risk of limb fracture afterwards. The survival rate of SRS + chemo seems to be equivalent to amputation + chemo.
I haven’t really figured out whether our choice to go with SRS was motivated purely by concerns about Benny, or whether our own feelings about amputation colored our decision. I do feel now, from reading the stories posted here and elsewhere, that most dogs will do just fine with 3 limbs. If Benny hadn’t qualified for the SRS, we absolutely would have gone with amputation + chemo.
Maureen, best wishes to you and to every person/everydoggie going through this.
January 14th, 2010 at 11:23 pm
Maureen,
Thank you for replying. I am really having a horrible time with this. My vet’s colleague, a surgeon at our animal hospital, called me on Tuesday evening to discuss the results of the biopsy. It actually came back clear, but she was still suspicious and trying to rule out any trauma or fungal infection that may have looked like a tumor on the x-rays. I felt relieved at first, but the doctor continued saying that she was very suspicious and would have to give the x-rays and the biopsy results to a oncology specialist at a special clinic about an hour away from us. Last night I finally heard back and the news was grim. My vet said that I had one of two choices – go ahead and amputate now or do a second biopsy. I don’t know what to do yet, although I am leaning towards the amputation surgery since I know that the longer I wait the more aggressive the tumor will become.
With all of the research I am doing, I am seeing most dogs 8-11 years of age when diagnosed with cancer. My dog is about to turn 4. She is also a mix breed dog – pitbull and something else – and I never in the time that I’ve had her (since she was about 2 weeks old) have had a medical problem. Needless to say, I am devastated by the possibility of my dog having cancer and all that my doctors are telling me — that with amputation I will buy her some time and with chemotherapy and radiation (which I have NO idea how I’ll ever be able to afford) her ”best case scenario” is only 1 to 2 years. Is this always true? Is there no such thing as a cure, or taking all of the cancer out with the amputation?
I am so completely overwhelmed with everything right now and to make matters worse I need to decide what to do this morning. We will most likely do a second x-ray, but as it stands 4 doctors have said it is osteosarcoma. I think I will go ahead and amputate and hope for the best…
I want to hold onto some hope that my dog will be okay. I certainly need more time with her. Several months is not enough and it is not something that I am prepared to hear ever. My dear, sweet Ida Mae means so much to me and it just breaks my heart to think of what I am going to put her through, but at the same time she LOVES life and is such a strong, spirited dog. It has been difficult for myself and our doctors to diagnose her even because she never cries, but the limp she showed last week was clear. Now the limp is gone and she seems fine, but it makes me worry… what if the cancer has already spread? What if this is the first of ”intermittent limping” episodes? What if we don’t catch the cancer soon enough and I lose her within months of the surgery? It’s too much to bare…
I have so many questions and so many concerns. I want to do what is best for Ida Mae, of course, and I am glad that I found this site to help educate myself and make decisions.
January 15th, 2010 at 5:51 pm
Martina,
I know, it is so absolutely overwhelming. I had the exact same questions and worries. There is so much to consider, and you just want to do the right thing. I just ached for my mastiff. I have to say, it is confusing how Ida Mae’s biospy was clear and yet those vets are saying osteosarcoma. Our vet had mentioned the fungal thing, but we did not live in an area where it was possible. He had mentioned that they are so close in characteristics, that it was hard to be sure without the biopsy. I kept praying that it was that, just antibiotics, what a dream!!!! I would think the biopsy is a plus. I know it is hard right now, and I am so sorry. There are dogs that do well with amputation and chemo if that is what yiu decide. Has Ida Mae had a chest x-ray? With osteosarcoma, it likes to go to the lungs. Our vet did that first and it was clear, so that was good. Not a sure thing, but good that it had not spread. How about blood work? Our vet knew right away that it was osteosarcoma, without a biopsy because of the change in the x-ray after one week. Have you come across the arthritis that mimics osteosarcoma as well? Do they have her on the heavy hitters for pain? Once my dog started limping, they gave her pain medicines and pills for swelling. Is Ida Mae on meds? Hang in there, and don’t make yourself crazy. I know how you feel with wanting to amputate and try to get it before it goes any farther, if it is osteosarcoma. I have my fingers crossed for you- take care
February 16th, 2010 at 7:39 am
Looking for advice. My 9 year old Rottie has been limping for a month now. When we first noticed the limp, we took her to the vet, and they figured it was an ACL tear. They had us keep her restrained, and put her on some pain meds. We have been doing that for 1 month now, and took her back last night for a second set of X-rays, and complete (sedated) exam of the knee. The vet (and several other Dr’s at the practice) seem to think now that it is Osteosarcoma. They sent her x-rays off to a radiologist for confirmation. The vet talked with us for a long time about the next steps, and the options…
It sounds like the next step is a very invasive procedure to take a bone sample for testing? Is that the only way to truly diagnose this? So it sounds like we are putting her through this now, and then possibly an amputation too? This is horrible! We lost our 15 year old Lab mix exactly 2 months ago, and were just now begining to get over that, and now this. I have done a lot of crying in the past 24 hours.
Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated!
February 17th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
Robin, I too just got the bad news that my 9 yr old Rottie has got Osteosarcoma in her back leg, I thought she had pulled a muscle as she had been not putting a lot of pressure when standing still on her back leg. only 3 weeks earlier I had had blood tests done to make sure I caught anything early as I know the average age for Rotties is around 10 yrs old. she was not even limping at that time. Well bone cancer does not show up on blood test! I now have her on pain killers, the vet said there is only a 40% chance that if we take her leg the cancer is not already in another part of her body, chemo is not pleasent for humans or dogs, as she is 9 yrs old and I don’t have $1800 as some people have stated the cost would be for surgrey, chemo, meds, I have made the choice to just keep her comfortable and on the first sign of true discomfort I will let her go, I would not want to go thru it, the amputation does not concern me as I already have a 3 legged dog, it the afterwards that concerns me, so I will not make her do it, just so I can be loved for a couple of months longer. She has had a great life. Doggie heaven is great and she will be there when I leave this world too. I will cry for weeks, but keeping her alive because I can’t stand the thought of being with out her is just selfish. I am a dog trainer so dogs mean more to me than most humans. Think of the dog and not you when you make your choice . All the best, Della
February 21st, 2010 at 12:18 pm
Dear Della,
you have done a very good job of thorough treatment plan analysis. Thank you for your help,
Dr D
February 24th, 2010 at 9:24 am
This is all so overwhelming and heartbreaking! My 9 year old Rhodesian Ridgeback Ryker was in to get his teeth cleaned Monday, and they found a lump on his front leg. It showed up about a month ago, but I thought he just bumped his wrist on something. They did a needle aspiration of it because of where it was, and how hard it was. The vet is 90% sure that it is Ostesarcoma, but can’t be 100% without putting him under anesthesia again and doing a biopsy. He gave us two days to decide to do the biopsy because he said it was so fast growing. After my research, and a very heartbreaking talk with my husband, we have decided to not put our poor baby through anymore. He gets lumps often, and has had all but one come back as fatty tissue. He had that one “golf ball sized” tumor removed last June. The recovery was horrible, and it is starting to grow back already. My research has determined that amputation, chemo, and radiation only prolongs their life by a few months, so we have made the choice (and it wasn’t easy) to watch him closely for any signs of pain. Our vet agrees that we have made the right decision for him, and will prescribe pain meds to keep Ryker as comfortable as possible. He has been the most amazing dog and friend! He rings a bell to go potty, and shakes a mans hands and brings a lady’s hand to his lips and kisses it. I just can’t imagine our lives without him. We have no children, so for 9 years, he has been our child. Currently, he is not lame and seems so healthy. Anyone that’s made the same “no amputation”, “no chemo or radiation” decision…please tell me the tell-tale signs that he is in pain that you may have noticed in your own dog. I know dogs naturally hide illnesses in fear of being pushed from the pack, so I need to know the signs to look for. He trusts us to do what’s right for him, and we NEVER want him to suffer. One thing Ryker does with us is “all for one, one for all” where I’ll put my hand down, my husband puts his hand on top of mine, and then Ryker puts his paw on ours…yes, we are in this together my friend.
March 5th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
Reina,
Thinking good thoughts for you!
Our 9 year old mastiff also had osteosarcoma. When she began to feel bad we knew immediately. She began to limp, a very hard limp. We chose to put her on pain meds which helped her for a while, and even elimanted her limp. Unfortunately, something irrated her stomach, so the meds were stopped. Our vet (and myhusband and I) did not feel as though she could handle the chemo and amputation. I think you will just know when she is in pain, with our dog her personality really just changed. She remained stoic for a while (big strong mastiff), but there came a time when she just wasn’t herself. Ryker sounds like an amazing dog-they are really humans with fur
March 6th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
Hi All
This past Tuesday I elected to have my Golden Retriever’s R front leg amputated due to bone cancer
He is 11.6 years old
I choose to have the surgery because of his high energy spirit !!!!! He still thinks he is a puppy
+ the x-rays showed that it has not gone to his longs YET
& the blood marker for bone cancer was normal
I am a cancer survivor 7 years, two stage III simultaneous tumors colon & rectal & my dear friend is an
amputee so these two factors played into my decision
Against him is his weight 110lbs & age
but I took the gamble I know I can get his weight down
He is a extremely athletic dog who up until Thanksgiving of 09 was running & playing hard everyday @ the dog park
Today he made it up two stairs without help, it was a small victory that had my soul smiling
Thanks for allowing me to discuss my thought process
Mike
March 7th, 2010 at 6:19 am
Our 10 year old chocolate lab was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma back in December. We decided not to amputate. I have told our story on my blog so that other dog owners would see what we went through. http://samakabigbrown.blogspot.com/
He has passed on now but we had a good couple of months with him. We miss him dearly everyday but regardless of whether we amputated or not, Osteosarcoma is so agressive it would have taken him from us anyways.
March 8th, 2010 at 2:10 pm
Thanks for the useful link for others Nichole,
Best,
Dr D
March 8th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Dear Mike,
So glad to hear your Golden is up and about!
Best
Dr D