Guest HeatherDemps Posted December 22, 2007 Share Posted December 22, 2007 (edited) I don't even want to type the words here because it makes it even more real... Right after Thanksgiving, Dempsey started limping and crying one morning so we took him to the emergency vet. It was determined that it was his right shoulder area and he was given Rimadyl. He was on that for just a couple of days and we took him off to see if the limp came back because we were leaving soon on vacation. Deep down I knew what it was but I tend to be a big worrier with him so I kept telling myself I was wrong. I'm trying to let go of the guilt with that piece of it, but it's hard. The limp didn't come back and he had been fine ever since- until yesterday morning. The limp was back and he was obviously in bad pain. Blood tests are all normal. X-rays are showing something there and he'll have a biopsy on Monday and then we'll have to make some decisions once the results are back. He's now on pain meds in addition to the Rimadyl. The limp is gone and he seems like his normal self this morning but I know it's still there... If anyone who has been in this situation before could tell me what to expect and what decisions you made and the results, I would be really grateful. I'm trying to look online but don't get far before getting overwhelmed and just too upset. I'm trying not to make decisions based on my own selfishness but it is really hard. Dempsey is 11, will be 12 in August and has had no medical issues until now. Has anyone had a front leg amputated with an older dog and how did the dog do? Thanks for any advice or wisdom you can give. Heather Edited December 22, 2007 by HeatherDemps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest GreytMuse Posted December 22, 2007 Share Posted December 22, 2007 I'm sorry I have no advice, but I want to send you and Dempsey big hugs. You're all in my thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patricia Posted December 22, 2007 Share Posted December 22, 2007 Sending my many prayers and hope. Quote Patti-Mommy of Lady Sophia 7-28-92 - 8-3-04... LaceyLaine 8-2-94-12-5-07... Flash Gordon 7-14-99 - 8-29-09... BrookLynne...Pavé Maria... and 18 Bridge Kids. WATCHING OVER US~SOPHIA~QUEENIE~LACEY LAINE~ CODY ANGELO~FLASH GORDON. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TBSFlame Posted December 22, 2007 Share Posted December 22, 2007 I am so sorry. I am dealing with osteo right now. So far, Beecher doesn't seem to be in any pain but his tumor is getting larger. He is 11.5 and it is on his rib. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest WarmheartedPups Posted December 22, 2007 Share Posted December 22, 2007 I am so very sorry. No advice. I had an 8 year old pup that was diagnosed, I did not do amputation...there wasnt a lot of time left. You will find your answeres. Prayers to you and your family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VinnieAndRexsMom Posted December 22, 2007 Share Posted December 22, 2007 Heather, I'm glad to "see" you here; though, I wish it was under better circmstances I have no advise, except that you know you are in the right place to get all the info/experience you need to carry you and Dempsy through. Sending big hugs to you and Demps... Quote Tonya, mom to May, and my angels Vinnie, Rex, Red, Chase, and Jake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TriciasZoo Posted December 22, 2007 Share Posted December 22, 2007 I haven't been through osteo, but I know the feeling of dread, that sense of knowing it's not "just" something else, even when others, more experienced, tried to reassure me it probably wasn't. I couldn't be comforted. When Peatie's lymph nodes started swelling, almost everyone tried to tell me it was likely a systemic infection, especially at only 5 years old. The next day we took him in, the Vet told me he was 99% sure, before the biopsy, that it was lymphoma. As you may know, we lost him just two weeks from that day, the day his blood work came back to start his chemo. I pray for you, that it's not osteo, and that your gut feeling is wrong on this. I will keep you close in my thoughts and add you to my nightly prayer candle. :hope :candle :bighug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Snowy8 Posted December 22, 2007 Share Posted December 22, 2007 I haven't had to deal with osteo. I know the feeling of dread, the distraction it causes. We're all here for you..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burpdog Posted December 22, 2007 Share Posted December 22, 2007 It depends on how healthy he is and has been until the osteo. I hestitate to amputate on an older dog. Heather, I was just thinking about you and Dempsey the other day wondering how you have been doing. I am sorry to hear the news. It's really a dog by dog and owner by owner decision. There are 3 active threads here on dogs that are going thru what you may be facing: http://forum.greytalk.com/index.php?showtopic=181728 http://forum.greytalk.com/index.php?showtopic=169522 http://forum.greytalk.com/index.php?showtopic=183222 and several other threads on those who chose not to amputate. I encourage you to join Circle of Greys (a yahoo group). Quote Diane & The Senior Gang Burpdog Biscuits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawthorn Posted December 22, 2007 Share Posted December 22, 2007 We went through this exactly a year ago, also in the right shoulder. I well know that feeling of "knowing" what it is even when others are telling you it's probably something else. We decided not to amputate and treated with pain meds but we were shocked at how quickly our boy went downhill. We thought we'd have maybe a couple of months, but we only had 2 weeks. We've been second-guessing ourselves ever since about whether we made the right decision about not amputating. I hope you find all the information you need to help you make your decision and wish you strength in the time ahead. Quote When a relationship of love is disrupted, the relationship does not cease. The love continues; therefore, the relationship continues. The work of grief is to reconcile and redeem life to a different love relationship. ~ W Scott Lineberry Always Greyhounds Home Boarding and Greyhounds With Love House Sitting Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyTzu Posted December 22, 2007 Share Posted December 22, 2007 :grouphug Quote Wendy and The Whole Wherd. American by birth, Southern by choice. "Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup!" ****OxyFresh Vendor ID is 180672239.**** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zimsmom Posted December 22, 2007 Share Posted December 22, 2007 My Lexi was diagnosed last year. It was diagnosed by xray. I passed on the biopsy. My vet & a 2nd greyhound savy vet both felt it was 99% cancer. I choose not to amputate for many reasons - cost, quality of life, length of time it would have given my Lexi. I just took some time off from work, spoiled her as much a I could & had her put to sleep a few weeks later. She was just in too much pain. It is not easy & I hope not to go through it for quite some time. Read as much as you can & make the decision that is right for the dog & your family. Patty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iluvgreys Posted December 22, 2007 Share Posted December 22, 2007 I'm very sorry to hear your news. I've been through OS three times with gh's that were in the 9-11 yr. old range. From first limp to needing to be PTS due to unmanageable pain was only 6 weeks with each of them. I did a biopsy on Derbs and would not do that again, due to the pain it caused. Repeat x-rays within a month will tell you all you need to know if it is OS. Any chance Dempsey was exposed to Valley Fever? It presents with symptoms very similar to OS, including on x-rays. A fungal test will rule it out. Please consider joining the Circle of Grey group. You have much to consider... age, location of problem, expense, chemo or not, etc. Once you have researched adequately and made your decision, do not second guess yourself. You know in your heart what is right for your boy. Sending lots of hugs and prayers for this difficult journey. Quote Jeanne with Remington & Scooter the cat....and Beloved Bridge Angels Sandee, Shari, Wells, Derby, Phoenix, Jerry Lee and Finnian.....If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heavenand bring you home again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest luluaz Posted December 22, 2007 Share Posted December 22, 2007 Heather- I am sorry to hear of your boy's OS Make no mistake, this disease really moves fast and that, in and of itself, is petrifying. There are a minority of greys who are lucky enough to have the slower growth version of this disease, but very few, indeed. The pain meds(tramadol, mostly) and anti-inflam like rimadyl are critical in managing this at the early stage, so you are in line there. When we decided to have Dyce's left front leg amputated, we did so believing him to be a better candidate, 6 yrs. old and in good health, otherwise. Little did we know that he would have the complications he suffered(bleeding and clotting, severe bacterial infection), and today I know that I wish we had not proceeded with this--even with chemo and artemisinin, a powerful natural based compound, the extra time you buy is limited. These wonderful hounds are susceptable to osteo, that is a fact, and their limited life burns that much brighter, like the superstars they are Sending good thoughts and wishes for many more quality days to come and strength to you, your boy and your family Be at peace, life is a cycle, after all---your decision will be the right one for you and Dempsey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MerlinsMum Posted December 22, 2007 Share Posted December 22, 2007 (edited) Not been through osteosarcoma, so no advice to give, I'm afraid... I just wanted to send my support... Edited December 22, 2007 by merlinsmum Quote Kerry with Lupin in beautiful coastal Maine. Missing Pippin, my best friend and sweet little heart-healer 2013-2023 Also missing the best wizard in the world, Merlin, and my sweet 80lb limpet, Sagan, every single day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 2Brindles Posted December 22, 2007 Share Posted December 22, 2007 I cannot tell you what the best thing to do is; I would rely on your pup to do that. I do want to offer my support for you at this time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest IrskasMom Posted December 22, 2007 Share Posted December 22, 2007 (edited) Yesterday it was 2 Years , that my Boy left us . OS is the most horrible Decease we can think of and I am so truly sorry for what you and Dempsey going through. I do want to hug you and offer my Support. :grouphug :grouphug Edited December 22, 2007 by IrskasMom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest argolola Posted December 23, 2007 Share Posted December 23, 2007 Dempsey will be in my prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greybookends Posted December 23, 2007 Share Posted December 23, 2007 :hope :hope :hope Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
galgrey Posted December 23, 2007 Share Posted December 23, 2007 I'm so sorry your dealing with this. Sending my prayers and hope. Quote Cynthia, & Cristiano, galgoAlways in my heart: Frostman Newdawn Frost, Keno Jet Action & Chloe (NGA racing name unknown), Irys (galgo), Hannah (weim), Cruz (galgo), & Carly CW Your Charming Princess http://www.greyhound-data.com/d?i=1018857 "It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are." -- Unknown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LolasMom Posted December 23, 2007 Share Posted December 23, 2007 Sendimg prayers and Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jurishound Posted December 23, 2007 Share Posted December 23, 2007 I am so sorry to hear about Dempsey. Have you considered sending the radiographs to Dr. Couto/OSU? My understanding is that a biopsy can be painful, and perhaps he/they can make a DX based on the rads alone. Sending very best wishes to you and your boy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MomofSweetPotatoes Posted December 23, 2007 Share Posted December 23, 2007 Our thoughts are with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tallgreydogmom Posted December 23, 2007 Share Posted December 23, 2007 I have had 6 with Osteo. I have amputated three times and would have it no other way. Candy lived 8 months, Dennis (the menace) lived just over a year. My current guy Rocky was 8 months post amp Dec 13. Rocky is doing well, I know I am blessed with so many making it so long. Quote Then God sent the Greyhound to live among man and remember. And when the Day comes, God will call the Greyhound to give Testament, and God will pass judgment on man. (Persian Proverb) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest vahoundlover Posted December 24, 2007 Share Posted December 24, 2007 Sending prayers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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