Osteo Thread

[Guest gennygrey]

Shadow went to the neurologist tonight. Shadow had a complete Body Scan it took an hour and a half. One spot in the ribs looked a little suspicious, but Dr. St. Thomas stated that is it is probably another joint in the image, and of most concern was the right trapezius and clavicle. The radiologist for Banfield are out in California, so they will be reading the results at 9:00p.m. which is 6:00p.m. their time. Dr. St. Thomas will have the interpretations back by midnight tonight and she is calling me early tomorrow morning. She increased his Tramdol to 75 mg and he can have a pill and a half for pain. Since I did that, he seems a bit more happy. Keep your fingers crossed, no OS. Lets hope for severe osteoarthritis. I will take any dx but OS at this point.

[BauersMom]

Shadow went to the neurologist tonight. Shadow had a complete Body Scan it took an hour and a half. One spot in the ribs looked a little suspicious, but Dr. St. Thomas stated that is it is probably another joint in the image, and of most concern was the right trapezius and clavicle. The radiologist for Banfield are out in California, so they will be reading the results at 9:00p.m. which is 6:00p.m. their time. Dr. St. Thomas will have the interpretations back by midnight tonight and she is calling me early tomorrow morning. She increased his Tramdol to 75 mg and he can have a pill and a half for pain. Since I did that, he seems a bit more happy. Keep your fingers crossed, no OS. Lets hope for severe osteoarthritis. I will take any dx but OS at this point.

 

Fingers crossed for you and Shadow!

[Guest luvugreys]

This is a thread I wish wasn't needed.

 

Hello, I am new to GreyTalk and need a shoulder to cry on. My beautiful boy, Noah has gotten the dreaded osteo diagnosis. I am heartbroken. He and his brother Witness are my main focus in life. I have been going back and forth between euthanasia and amputation. After reading the article from greyhoundmama describing her amputation experience, it is scary but a path I think I will persue. Is there anyone out there who can tell me I am doing the right thing? Any encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

[Guest myboys2]

Hello all! I am new here also. I send my beloved Junior to the bridge on Aug. 29th. He was diagnosed with osteosarcoma of the left rear knee 3 weeks prior. We had him on pain meds and it got to the point where they just were not working anymore. I dicussed the issue with my vet here in Rockford and my vet in WI, who used to vet the greys from the Dells Greyhound Track and they agreed that with any treatment or amputation, there is surgery pain,healing pain, more meds and the time I would gain with him is of the average,after all healing would only be 6 mo. Yes there are success stories but they are also with heartbreak and saddness in the end. I REALLY had to sit and think,what was best for him, not me. We decided to give him the gift of a pain free new life at the Bridge. Now it has been 4 weeks and I still cry when I think of him. Not because I made the wrong decision, I miss him TERRIBLY!! His kisses, his nitting,just everything. I am having a very hard time letting him go. I have another pupper, Boise and boy did he grieve. No eating, moping around, we both had a hard time. We adopted another young boy, Big Dan is 4, (Boise will be 10 on Oct. 1st and Junior was 8 when the big C took him)and Big dan is doing great!! We love him tremendously and he is a wonderful, well mannered dog. I have taken all 4 of my pups without foster homes because it is so easy to train them to your own home,I did not want a pupper that someone had already trained to their home. Sorry I am rambling. I know my Junior is happy and waiting for me and his greyt brothers at the Bridge. I have seen him in my dreams and I know he is pain free and happy. No I am not crazy...their is a special bond these pups develop with their pack leader/parent and it is very strong. Amazing I call it. They feel and know what we are thinking! Anyway we send you loving thoughts, hugs and kisses and whaver you decide, I know Noah and Shadow will be happy. They love you guys very much and trust you will do what is best for them...Love to all...xoxox Mom and the Boys.....xoxoxo

[MP_the4pack]

This is a thread I wish wasn't needed.

 

Hello, I am new to GreyTalk and need a shoulder to cry on. My beautiful boy, Noah has gotten the dreaded osteo diagnosis. I am heartbroken. He and his brother Witness are my main focus in life. I have been going back and forth between euthanasia and amputation. After reading the article from greyhoundmama describing her amputation experience, it is scary but a path I think I will persue. Is there anyone out there who can tell me I am doing the right thing? Any encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

 

Whatever choice you make you are doing it out of love for Noah. So there is no wrong decision.

I can't make the decision for you, but I can tell you what I did. My 12 yr old Diamond was diagnosed. I took her to OSU from NJ since they've seen more greyhounds than any place else. I wanted to know if my old girl could do well as a tripod. The decision was yes. She had a front leg amp on friday and we were travelling home on Tuesday.

She had 6 pain free HAPPY months before OS found another leg to invade.

 

Good luck in whatever you choose. The decision sucks and I doubted and questioned my decision until about 3 weeks after surgery when she was fully recovered. Then I knew it was right.

[KF_in_Georgia]

This is a thread I wish wasn't needed.

 

Hello, I am new to GreyTalk and need a shoulder to cry on. My beautiful boy, Noah has gotten the dreaded osteo diagnosis. I am heartbroken. He and his brother Witness are my main focus in life. I have been going back and forth between euthanasia and amputation. After reading the article from greyhoundmama describing her amputation experience, it is scary but a path I think I will persue. Is there anyone out there who can tell me I am doing the right thing? Any encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

 

Please--tell us your name. How old is Noah? Where is the cancer located? How's his health in general? And where do you live? The decision about Noah is yours, but lots of people here will volunteer helpful info about treatment options. It'll help them give information if they know more about you and your boy.

[Guest luvugreys]

This is a thread I wish wasn't needed.

 

Hello, I am new to GreyTalk and need a shoulder to cry on. My beautiful boy, Noah has gotten the dreaded osteo diagnosis. I am heartbroken. He and his brother Witness are my main focus in life. I have been going back and forth between euthanasia and amputation. After reading the article from greyhoundmama describing her amputation experience, it is scary but a path I think I will persue. Is there anyone out there who can tell me I am doing the right thing? Any encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

 

Whatever choice you make you are doing it out of love for Noah. So there is no wrong decision.

I can't make the decision for you, but I can tell you what I did. My 12 yr old Diamond was diagnosed. I took her to OSU from NJ since they've seen more greyhounds than any place else. I wanted to know if my old girl could do well as a tripod. The decision was yes. She had a front leg amp on friday and we were travelling home on Tuesday.

She had 6 pain free HAPPY months before OS found another leg to invade.

 

Good luck in whatever you choose. The decision sucks and I doubted and questioned my decision until about 3 weeks after surgery when she was fully recovered. Then I knew it was right.

 

Thank you for the positive side of amputation. So many people have told me it is so cruel.

[KF_in_Georgia]

Thank you for the positive side of amputation. So many people have told me it is so cruel.

 

An eminent Greyhound specialist says greyhounds are three-legged dogs with a spare. Their build and athletic development make it easier for them to adjust to the missing leg than it is for many other breeds. It's easy for Greyhounds to adjust how they position the remaining leg to support their weight--not so easy for dogs built like Labs or Rotties, but even they can manage.

[BauersMom]

This is a thread I wish wasn't needed.

 

Hello, I am new to GreyTalk and need a shoulder to cry on. My beautiful boy, Noah has gotten the dreaded osteo diagnosis. I am heartbroken. He and his brother Witness are my main focus in life. I have been going back and forth between euthanasia and amputation. After reading the article from greyhoundmama describing her amputation experience, it is scary but a path I think I will persue. Is there anyone out there who can tell me I am doing the right thing? Any encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

 

Unfortunately, none of us can tell you the right thing to do - because there really is no right or wrong here. If you have any questions about going the amputation or palliative route, many of the folks here have been through it all and can help explain what to expect.

 

 

Question for folks who have done chemo with carboplatin - did you see any increased water drinking/thirst? I'm getting a little paranoid that we're having some kidney issues here.

[Guest gennygrey]

Shadow went to the neurologist tonight. Shadow had a complete Body Scan it took an hour and a half. One spot in the ribs looked a little suspicious, but Dr. St. Thomas stated that is it is probably another joint in the image, and of most concern was the right trapezius and clavicle. The radiologist for Banfield are out in California, so they will be reading the results at 9:00p.m. which is 6:00p.m. their time. Dr. St. Thomas will have the interpretations back by midnight tonight and she is calling me early tomorrow morning. She increased his Tramdol to 75 mg and he can have a pill and a half for pain. Since I did that, he seems a bit more happy. Keep your fingers crossed, no OS. Lets hope for severe osteoarthritis. I will take any dx but OS at this point.

 

Fingers crossed for you and Shadow!

 

Thank you all so much for your support, prayers and good vibes, because they worked. Shadow does not show any signs of osteosarcoma. He has severe degenerative joint disease in the right clavicle and there was inflammation in the cervical spine as expected since I know he has nerve root impingement. We are going to continue his Medrol and then the neurologist will see him back on Monday to start a new arthritis medicine and a bone strengthening drug, since the Rimadyl is no longer working. Thanks again for your support there is nothing more scary than a 7 and half year old greyhound with lameness and limping. The doctor said the only way osteo would be present, is if it was in the microscopic stage, but he is clean for now. Thank the Lord!!!! I also give thanks to my former dog Duke aka Forbes Chopsuey. He passed 5/1/08 from Osteosarcoma. Thanks Duke for watching over me and getting me through this very scary moment.

Edited September 21, 2011 by gennygrey

[Burpdog]

Especially for the newcomers, please read Winslow's Diary It may answer some questions

Edited September 21, 2011 by Burpdog

[greysmom]

Newcomer's please also read the very first post in this thread for info and links to very helpful places and people.

 

Bauer'sMom - I did not notice increased drinking, but we were very aware of having him drink more water when he was having the carboplatin, so we were actually offering him water every hour or so. Dude very rarely drinks anyway, so we also noticed increased urination.

 

 

[BauersMom]

Thanks. Having just lost Princess this year to kidney disease... having him consistently look for water has me worried. We're going in tomorrow to have a full workup done.

 

I've read that carboplatin is actually safer on the kidneys than some of the other chemo options, but it wouldn't surprise me if Berk was the 1% that does have issues with it.

 

Shadow went to the neurologist tonight. Shadow had a complete Body Scan it took an hour and a half. One spot in the ribs looked a little suspicious, but Dr. St. Thomas stated that is it is probably another joint in the image, and of most concern was the right trapezius and clavicle. The radiologist for Banfield are out in California, so they will be reading the results at 9:00p.m. which is 6:00p.m. their time. Dr. St. Thomas will have the interpretations back by midnight tonight and she is calling me early tomorrow morning. She increased his Tramdol to 75 mg and he can have a pill and a half for pain. Since I did that, he seems a bit more happy. Keep your fingers crossed, no OS. Lets hope for severe osteoarthritis. I will take any dx but OS at this point.

 

Fingers crossed for you and Shadow!

 

Thank you all so much for your support, prayers and good vibes, because they worked. Shadow does not show any signs of osteosarcoma. He has severe degenerative joint disease in the right clavicle and there was inflammation in the cervical spine as expected since I know he has nerve root impingement. We are going to continue his Medrol and then the neurologist will see him back on Monday to start a new arthritis medicine and a bone strengthening drug, since the Rimadyl is no longer working. Thanks again for your support there is nothing more scary than a 7 and half year old greyhound with lameness and limping. The doctor said the only way osteo would be present, is if it was in the microscopic stage, but he is clean for now. Thank the Lord!!!! I also give thanks to my former dog Duke aka Forbes Chopsuey. He passed 5/1/08 from Osteosarcoma. Thanks Duke for watching over me and getting me through this very scary moment.

 

I'm so glad you got a "good" diagnosis (if there is "good" medical issue to have, it's likely NOT osteo!).

[Charlies_Dad]

 

Hello, I am new to GreyTalk and need a shoulder to cry on. My beautiful boy, Noah has gotten the dreaded osteo diagnosis. I am heartbroken. He and his brother Witness are my main focus in life. I have been going back and forth between euthanasia and amputation. After reading the article from greyhoundmama describing her amputation experience, it is scary but a path I think I will persue. Is there anyone out there who can tell me I am doing the right thing? Any encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

 

 

I am sorry to read of Noah's diagnosis and truly understand how you feel. Our Charlie has Osteo and is now 14mths post amputation and doing very well. Making the decision on palliative care or amputation & chemo is difficult for all as no matter which you choose, there are no guarantees. Prior to making a decision, you need to determine what makes sense for Noah and yourself. Palliative care will be less expensive and will provide your pup with some additional time, average is typically weeks not months however there are exceptions. There are several options that you can choose as well and I believe many have been discussed in this thread. Amputation and chemo is more expensive and while it does involve major surgery, most pups come through it fine in a matter of 2-3 weeks which is very surprising. The average lifespan is 12 months based on statistics so some unfortunately will pass earlier and some will live for years after, again there are exceptions. Greys get on fine with three legs and please do not listen to anyone who states it's cruel as they obviously are not very knowledgeable. Going this path does mean Noah will rely on you for the first week post amp and possibly the second week, it depends on the pup. Financially it is not cheap and depending on the vet, it can range between $2000-5000 for the surgery and post-op. Chemo is not expensive, but the blood tests and vet's time add up as usually it's 5-6 applications.

 

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I can assist from amp/chemo path along with others on here and if you choose palliative care, there are several on here that have gone that path and can provide you with very good information.

 

 

 

 

Hello all! I am new here also. I send my beloved Junior to the bridge on Aug. 29th. He was diagnosed with osteosarcoma of the left rear knee 3 weeks prior. We had him on pain meds and it got to the point where they just were not working anymore. I dicussed the issue with my vet here in Rockford and my vet in WI, who used to vet the greys from the Dells Greyhound Track and they agreed that with any treatment or amputation, there is surgery pain,healing pain, more meds and the time I would gain with him is of the average,after all healing would only be 6 mo. Yes there are success stories but they are also with heartbreak and saddness in the end. I REALLY had to sit and think,what was best for him, not me. We decided to give him the gift of a pain free new life at the Bridge. Now it has been 4 weeks and I still cry when I think of him. Not because I made the wrong decision, I miss him TERRIBLY!! His kisses, his nitting,just everything. I am having a very hard time letting him go. I have another pupper, Boise and boy did he grieve. No eating, moping around, we both had a hard time. We adopted another young boy, Big Dan is 4, (Boise will be 10 on Oct. 1st and Junior was 8 when the big C took him)and Big dan is doing great!! We love him tremendously and he is a wonderful, well mannered dog. I have taken all 4 of my pups without foster homes because it is so easy to train them to your own home,I did not want a pupper that someone had already trained to their home. Sorry I am rambling. I know my Junior is happy and waiting for me and his greyt brothers at the Bridge. I have seen him in my dreams and I know he is pain free and happy. No I am not crazy...their is a special bond these pups develop with their pack leader/parent and it is very strong. Amazing I call it. They feel and know what we are thinking! Anyway we send you loving thoughts, hugs and kisses and whaver you decide, I know Noah and Shadow will be happy. They love you guys very much and trust you will do what is best for them...Love to all...xoxox Mom and the Boys.....xoxoxo

 

I am very sorry for your loss of Junior. I hope Big Dan helps you in the healing process.

 

 

 

Question for folks who have done chemo with carboplatin - did you see any increased water drinking/thirst? I'm getting a little paranoid that we're having some kidney issues here.

 

We did have some kidney related issues when one of the tests showed increase protein in Charlie's urine. He has always been a drinker though. He is now on kidney medicine for life as well as a quarter of a baby aspirin a day. His last tests were his best and showed remarkable improvement.

 

 

 

Thank you all so much for your support, prayers and good vibes, because they worked. Shadow does not show any signs of osteosarcoma. He has severe degenerative joint disease in the right clavicle and there was inflammation in the cervical spine as expected since I know he has nerve root impingement. We are going to continue his Medrol and then the neurologist will see him back on Monday to start a new arthritis medicine and a bone strengthening drug, since the Rimadyl is no longer working. Thanks again for your support there is nothing more scary than a 7 and half year old greyhound with lameness and limping. The doctor said the only way osteo would be present, is if it was in the microscopic stage, but he is clean for now. Thank the Lord!!!! I also give thanks to my former dog Duke aka Forbes Chopsuey. He passed 5/1/08 from Osteosarcoma. Thanks Duke for watching over me and getting me through this very scary moment.

 

So do I have it right, no Osteo for Shadow??? Fantastic news!!!

[Guest roselle]

This is a thread I wish wasn't needed.

 

Hello, I am new to GreyTalk and need a shoulder to cry on. My beautiful boy, Noah has gotten the dreaded osteo diagnosis. I am heartbroken. He and his brother Witness are my main focus in life. I have been going back and forth between euthanasia and amputation. After reading the article from greyhoundmama describing her amputation experience, it is scary but a path I think I will persue. Is there anyone out there who can tell me I am doing the right thing? Any encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

 

Hi, I went amp and chemo for grace and got a really good year out of it. She passed 6 weeks ago. For me it was really worth it. The 2 weeks after the amp are hard on you, less sleep, more potty getting her comfy. She did great. I would do it again in a heart beat. Ask yourself if you can take the physical stress? do you have a lot of stairs? Will you have support? Grace got a year but others get more some less. Good luck to you. I'm sending you hugs for you and your Noah.

Roselle and Grace at the bridge

[TwiggysMom]

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. There has been so much activity here, good, bad, great, heartbreaking, and some better than it could be. This is such a rollercoaster.

 

To Noah's family - I've recently gone down the amp/chemo route with Twiggy. For her & I it was the right decision. She is an otherwise very healthy, young greyhound who does well at the vet's office, and generally takes things in stride. I was able to financially commit to the expense (even the extra week hospitalization after she developed a severe infection in her incision), and able to take time off work to help her while she recovered.

 

Keep in mind, that beyond the initial period, once chemo starts, there will be lots of vet visits for chemo treatments, bloodwork, and x-rays. Most specialty vets that administer chemo do not have extended hours, so that means lots of partial days off work. (I wasn't expecting that, but my work will just have to deal with it).

 

This is definitely not for every dog or every family. There is no blanket answer for which is the right way to go. In my opinion, whichever way you choose is the right way.

 

Twiggy started chemo last Friday and is doing great so far. In fact, rather than showing any negative effects, she is actually getting more energetic every day, her stools are getting better, and she just seems more and more "herself".

 

I'm going to try to attach some videos to show how great a tripod can do shortly post-amp, but I've never tried this before, so I don't know if it will work.

 

Twiggy Goes Upstairs:

 

Twiggy Goes Downstairs:

 

Twiggy Playing:

[BauersMom]

Yay, Twiggy looks great!

 

Berkeley did fabulous after the first chemo also - but the second one knocked him on his butt, which I wasn't really prepared for... make sure they still give you cerenia even if she might not need it. The third chemo so far seems more like the first, though we did give him the cerenia to warn off any nausea.

 

We're off to the vet to have a blood draw and urinalysis done. Fingers crossed that he's just being neurotic and this drinking water isn't anything kidney-related!

[Charlies_Dad]

Wendy, those are awesome videos of Twiggy and shows exactly how surprising these pups get around on 3 legs! Love the stairs videos, she does them like a champ!

 

BauersMom, I hope all goes well with the blood test and urinalysis. As I believe another has written previously, the first 1-2 chemo sessions usually are fine on pups, it's the #3 or 4 that tends to knock them back a bit so don't be surprised. Each pup is different though.

[MP_the4pack]

It's wonderful that you were able to post videos of Twiggy. It will help so many people with their decision.

 

And I love those giggle veggies. My girls do too!

[BauersMom]

 

Keep in mind, that beyond the initial period, once chemo starts, there will be lots of vet visits for chemo treatments, bloodwork, and x-rays. Most specialty vets that administer chemo do not have extended hours, so that means lots of partial days off work. (I wasn't expecting that, but my work will just have to deal with it).

 

I thought about this on my way to the vet this morning - I don't think I was fully expecting how often we would be at the vet, or the scheduling aspect. I talked it through with the vet obviously because of Berkeley's mental issues (last chemo went ok in that regard, btw) but it didn't "seem" as much as what we're actually doing.

 

For those new to the thread and considering amp/chemo, here's been our vet appt schedule:

 

Diagnosis and Lung X-rays appt

A week later - Amp surgery w/two overnights - we picked him up on Saturday from a Thursday surgery

2 weeks later - staples were removed and first chemo appt

Every 7 days and 14 days after chemo - blood draw for CBC count

Every three weeks - chemo

Every three months - lung x-rays

 

And then of course, unplanned appts like this morning.

 

Since our onco vet is 90 miles away, we do end up taking most of the day off on chemo days (thankfully I have a ton of vaca time to use!). All the bloodwork can be done locally.

 

Here's Berkeley, as of yesterday (~2 months post amp)

Edited September 22, 2011 by BauersMom

[Charlies_Dad]

Berkeley is cruising!!!

[MP_the4pack]

Awww, he looks so good.

[Guest suzanne]

My baby is gone :*( I hate osteo :( :(

[Charlies_Dad]

My baby is gone :*( I hate osteo :( :(

 

Suzanne, I am sorry, so very very sorry.

[BauersMom]

My baby is gone :*( I hate osteo :( :(

 

I'm so sorry.