More Ideas For Bone Cancer Pain: Pamidronate
Dr. Demian Dressler is internationally recognized as “the dog cancer vet” because of his innovations in the field of dog cancer management, and the popularity of his blog here at Dog Cancer Blog. The owner of South Shore Veterinary Care, a full-service veterinary hospital in Maui, Hawaii, Dr. Dressler studied Animal Physiology and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California at Davis before earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. After practicing at Killewald Animal Hospital in Amherst, New York, he returned to his home state, Hawaii, to practice at the East Honolulu Pet Hospital before heading home to Maui to open his own hospital. Dr. Dressler consults both dog lovers and veterinary professionals, and is sought after as a speaker on topics ranging from the links between lifestyle choices and disease, nutrition and cancer, and animal ethics. His television appearances include “Ask the Vet” segments on local news programs. He is the author of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Avian Veterinarians, the National Animal Supplement Council and CORE (Comparative Orthopedic Research Evaluation). He is also an advisory board member for Pacific Primate Sanctuary.
Updated: October 5th, 2018
I have been getting questions about control of pain for bone cancer in dogs, so I thought this might be a useful post. Life quality is central in any type of cancer treatment plan, and therefore pain control is critical.
Osteosarcoma is the number one cancer affecting bone in dogs. It usually affects large or giant breed dogs.
Rottweilers, Irish Wolfhounds, Greyhounds, Golden Retrievers, Mastiffs and more are examples of some breeds with genetic tendencies making them at higher risk for osteosarcoma.
There is an association between spaying and neutering dogs early in life and osteosarcoma development, in particular in Rotts. Other breeds have shown this correlation as well.
One of the difficulties with this type of tumor is the pain it produces. It often first shows up as limping, since the most common site for osteosarcoma occurring is the long bones of the limbs.
Many times dog lovers will see a limp, only to be shocked later upon receiving the diagnosis following X-rays or bone biopsy.
This pain can be difficult to control. Common drugs used would be metacam, previcox or deramaxx. These are all anti-inflammatory drugs than control moderate pain and inflammation.
Usually these are combined with narcotic-type drugs like Tramadol, codeine or long-acting morphine.
Other choices used in combination with these drugs are gabapentin, amitriptyline, or amantadine. These drugs are newer neurotransmitter modifiers.
A patch containing the narcotic Fentanyl can be applied every couple of days to the skin. It is delivered to the blood through the skin (transdermally).
If your vet is not talking to you about options like these, please be bold and start asking about them. Be your dog’s primary health advocate!
Another option which is not given much attention at many veterinary clinics is called pamidronate (Aredia). This usually is a second or third line drug but I think you should know about it.
Pamindronate was looked into in some detail by Dr. Tim Fan, who I remember back at Cornell when he was an intern years ago.
This drug is used to slow bone breakdown, which is another advantage with bone cancer. It was shown to help roughly one in four dogs with bone pain due to osteosarcoma.
Down sides include the proportion of dogs that do not respond (about three out of four), and the fact that it needs to be given as an IV injection in the vet’s office. The oral form (pills) are not well absorbed in dogs.
Kidney markers should be checked with the use of pamidronate. One in 33 dogs had kidney marker increase with its use.
The dogs that do better on it get repeat injections every 28 days.
In spite of the drawbacks of pamidronate, this is another option for dogs experiencing bone pain that should be considered, especially those dogs whose pain is not being relieved with other therapies.
Keep pamidronate in mind and remind your vet if your options are shrinking. For more details about osteosarcoma, see The Dog Cancer Survival Guide.
All my best,
Dr D
Dr. Demian Dressler is internationally recognized as “the dog cancer vet” because of his innovations in the field of dog cancer management, and the popularity of his blog here at Dog Cancer Blog. The owner of South Shore Veterinary Care, a full-service veterinary hospital in Maui, Hawaii, Dr. Dressler studied Animal Physiology and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California at Davis before earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. After practicing at Killewald Animal Hospital in Amherst, New York, he returned to his home state, Hawaii, to practice at the East Honolulu Pet Hospital before heading home to Maui to open his own hospital. Dr. Dressler consults both dog lovers and veterinary professionals, and is sought after as a speaker on topics ranging from the links between lifestyle choices and disease, nutrition and cancer, and animal ethics. His television appearances include “Ask the Vet” segments on local news programs. He is the author of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Avian Veterinarians, the National Animal Supplement Council and CORE (Comparative Orthopedic Research Evaluation). He is also an advisory board member for Pacific Primate Sanctuary.
Our Newfie-Rott has been diagnosed with early stages of bone cancer. After a bit of research I found Canna-pet, a Cannabis based supplement (THC removed). He has stopped limping, only licks his wrists after a lot of heavy play, is extremely active and has a great appetite.
This is not an ad, I am not paid or employed by Canna-pet, although I am a believer in the potential treatment and healing powers of Cannabis.
I would strongly suggest this non-pharma, natural treatment.