MP_the4pack Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 I get the Quarterly Newsletter put out by OSU. Here's the one I just received, there's some interesting info here: GREYHOUND QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER ISSUE 4 – WINTER 2008 Greyhounds Health and Wellness Quarterly 3 BONE TUMORS IN GREYHOUNDS Primary bone neoplasms are common in dogs. Most primary bone tumors in dogs are malignant, in that they usually cause death as a result of local infiltration (e.g., pathologic fractures or extreme pain leading to euthanasia) or metastasis (e.g., pulmonary metastases in osteosarcoma). Neoplasms that metastasize to the bone are extremely rare in dogs; some malignant tumors that occasionally metastasize to bones are transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary tract, osteosarcoma of the appendicular skeleton, hemangiosarcoma, mammary adenocarcinoma, and prostatic adenocarcinoma. Osteosarcomas (OSAs) are the most common type of bone cancer in retired racing Greyhounds (45%) and the most common cause of death in the breed (25%). It affects more commonly the front limbs (75%) than the rear limbs (25%) and there is a predilection for males (59%). The cause of OSA in Greyhounds is unknown, but it has been suggested that the repetitive trauma and fatigue in their bones during racing plays a role in the disease, particularly in the right limbs that sustain most of the weight while running counterclockwise on the tracks. However, there is no significant difference in the proportion of right limb tumors versus left limb tumors in Greyhounds. More studies are needed to determine if their racing careers are a risk for the disease or if there is a genetic component. OSA in Greyhounds commonly affects: 1. The upper front leg bone, below the shoulder joint, (proximal humerus). 2. The lower part of the front leg bone, 1 above the wrist joint (distal radius). 3. The lower part of the rear leg bone, above the knee, (distal femur). “Although, they can affect any bone or location”. 2 The most common signs in dogs with bone tumors are limping and/or swelling. The onset of signs is variable, and the degree of lameness varies from mild to a non-weight-bearing lameness. In contrast with other breeds, Greyhounds frequently present with a spontaneous pathological fracture without prior history of lameness (1 in 5 cases). The diagnosis of OSA usually includes radiographs (affected bone and thorax); because other primary bone tumors and some infectious lesions can mimic the radiographic features of OSAs, fineneedle aspiration (FNA) of the lesion may be obtained. We do not recommend biopsy in Greyhounds because we typically do not obtain a diagnostic sample, and because due to the small, fragile bones in the hounds we are more concerned about biopsy-induced fractures. Radiographically, OSAs exhibit a mixed lytic-proliferative (destructionproduction) pattern of the affected bone. Once a presumptive radiographic diagnosis has been established and if the owners are contemplating treatment, thoracic radiographs should be obtained to determine the extent of the disease. We usually obtain three radiographic views of the thorax. Only approximately 10% of dogs with OSA initially have radiographically detectable lung lesions; the presence of metastases is a strong negative prognostic factor. A fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of the affected area is a simple, painless procedure that rarely requires chemical restraint (i.e.; sedation) and it allows the microscopic analysis of the cells. OSA cells are usually round or oval, have distinct cytoplasmic borders, have a bright blue, granular cytoplasm, and have excentric nuclei with or without nucleoli. The treatment of choice for dogs with OSA is amputation with adjuvant single-agent or combination chemotherapy. The median survival time in Greyhounds with OSA treated with amputation alone is approximately 4 months, whereas in dogs treated with amputation and chemotherapy (carboplatin or doxorubicin) it is approximately 12-18 months. Here at The Ohio State University, we use either carboplatin or doxorubicin for a total of 4 to 5 treatments, starting the day of the suture removal (8-10 days after amputation), we check the complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry profile before every chemotherapy treatment, and thoracic radiographs every 3 months. Amputation in Greyhounds with OSA frequently results in severe postoperative bleeding (24-48h post-surgery) starting around the surgical site, leading to subcutaneous blood accumulation in the other limbs, ventral thorax, and ventral abdomen; these dogs typically have normal hemostasis profiles (APTT, OSPT). Administration of aminocaproic acid (Amicar®) usually prevents severe postoperative bleeding. . Less than 20% of dogs undergoing chemotherapy experience clinically relevant adverse effects, which include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. However their frequency and severity are not as high as in humans. The prevalence of adverse effects appears to be lower in Greyhounds than in other dog breeds. These adverse effects are typically managed with medications, chemo drug dose reduction, or changing to a different chemotherapeutic agent. Pain control is essential in dogs where surgery is not an option; we have used either NSAIDs (carprofen, deracoxib, meloxicam) at recommended doses, or bisphosphonates such as alendronate (Fosamax®), or pamidronate (Aredia®), every 3 to 6 weeks. Drugs such as tramadol (Ultram) may also be beneficial. If the dog is not a good candidate for amputation, because of problems in the other limbs or if owners are reluctant to allow the veterinarian to amputate the limb, local radiotherapy plus carboplatin may be of some benefit. Management of nausea and vomiting episodes is limited to the use of antiemetics and supportive therapy. The drugs of choice are metroclopramide (Reglan®) or maropitant (Cerenia®). Supportive fluid therapy (if necessary) and treatment with bismuth subsalicylate products (Pepto-Bismol®) orally three or four times a day, are usually effective in controlling diarrhea, which usually resolve in 3 to 5 days. Dogs with pulmonary metastases typically do not show any signs; radiographs are the only way to detect the nodules, which can be single or multiple. Surgical removal of the metastatic pulmonary nodules (i.e., metastasectomy) followed by additional carboplatin or doxorubicin therapy may be recommended for a dog that has been treated with chemotherapy after amputation of the limb and in which one to three pulmonary metastatic lesions are detected. A secondary syndrome seen in some Greyhounds with pulmonary metastasis is hypertrophic osteopathy (HO), which is a bilateral, symmetrical soft tissue swelling of the lower legs. The limbs may be warm to the touch and are often painful when pressed. Unfortunately, when there is evidence of metastatic disease, the prognosis is poor. Here at OSU, by the time of detection of metastasis we use metronomic therapy (low doses of chemotherapy and other drugs); we use cyclophosphamide every other day, piroxicam every other day, and artemisinin, an herbal drug with antitumor effects. We have had excellent results with artemisinin with OSA cells in the test tube. ISSUE 4 – WINTER 2008 GREYHOUND QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER Greyhound Corn Multiple corns in a Greyhound pad CORNS IN GREYHOUNDS You can consult the following articles for more information on corns and hulling: http://www.grassmere-animalhospital. com/corn_hulling.htm http://www.grassmere-animalhospital. com/corns.htm Corns are a very common finding in the pads of the Greyhounds; they can be single or multiple, and may or may not cause pain and/or severe lameness. Since Greyhounds have a high prevalence of bone cancer, owners and vets frequently spend a considerable amount of time and money in orthopedic consults and bone radiographs, trying to find a reason for their Greyhound is limping, and sometimes a simple thing as a corn is missed. There are numerous reported ways to treat corns. Everything from application of duct tape to the corn to toe amputation has been reported. We currently use a hulling technique, sometimes followed by the application of the anti-wart medication Aldara® or Abreva®. The hulling procedure will need to be repeated as often as every 3 weeks although we have had some corns fail to re-grow following several treatments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HopeForHounds Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 I read that last week. Some good info, I really like the idea of a fine needle aspiration rather than a bone biopsy. Something to keep in mind if you are ever faced with the need. Quote Casual Bling & Hope for HoundsJanet & the hounds Maggie and Allen Missing my baby girl Peanut, old soul Jake, quirky Jet, Mama Grandy and my old Diva Miz Foxy; my angel, my inspiration. You all brought so much into my light, and taught me so much about the power of love, you are with me always.If you get the chance to sit it out or dance.......... I hope you dance! Missing our littlest girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackandgrey Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 Thanks. That was very interesting and I've saved it. Quote Susan, Jessie and Jordy NORTHERN SKY GREYHOUND ADOPTION ASSOCIATION Jack, in my heart forever March 1999-Nov 21, 2008 My Dancing Queen Jilly with me always and forever Aug 12, 2003-Oct 15, 2010 Joshy I will love you always Aug 1, 2004-Feb 22,2013 Jonah my sweetheart May 2000 - Jan 2015 " You will never need to be alone again. I promise this. As your dog, I will sing this promise to you, and whisper it to you at night, every night, with my breath." Stanley Coren Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Hokiebuck Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 Is there an electronic version of the newsletter? I'd like to send it to my Vet and others, but this version on GT doesn't print well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Machbragal Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 "the most common cause of death in the breed (25%)." Terrifying words. Thank you for posting this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grey14me Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 yes, very informative and terrifying at the same time Quote Michelle...forever missing her girls, Holly 5/22/99-9/13/10 and Bailey 8/1/93-7/11/05 Religion is the smile on a dog...Edie Brickell Wag more, bark less :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP_the4pack Posted March 31, 2008 Author Share Posted March 31, 2008 Is there an electronic version of the newsletter? I'd like to send it to my Vet and others, but this version on GT doesn't print well. Contact OSU for a direct copy. It comes in Adobe Format. If you can't get it, PM me your email addy and I'll forward the email to you with the attachment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahicks51 Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 I guess now would be a good opportunity to mention that if anyone knows of any greyhounds with osteo that are not good candidates for amputation, there is an alternative therapy that is experimental. The product itself, because it would be for investigational use, would be free- but one would have to find a vet willing to administer it. I can't put any more information here as it would be considered "promotional." Send me a PM. Quote Coco (Maze Cocodrillo) Minerva (Kid's Snipper) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devotion Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 thanks for sharing this with everyone. Quote Pam with greys Avril, Dalton & Zeus & Diddy the dachshund & Miss Buzz the kitty Devotion, Jingle Bells, Rocky, Hans, Harbor, Lennon, NoLa, Scooter, Naomi and Scout at the bridge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest HeatherDemps Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 Thanks for sharing this information- I agree the stats are pretty scary. Unfortunately, I have too much first hand knowledge of this disease. Praying always that a cure is found so no more hounds or families must go through this..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest GreytGoolyGee Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 That was a really great article! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobinM Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 It is a super newsletter, I got it by email too. Anyone need it or want it, pm me your email and I will be happy to forward it. Quote ROBIN ~ Mom to: Beau Think It Aint, Chloe JC Allthewayhome, Teddy ICU Drunk Sailor, Elsie N Fracine , Ollie RG's Travertine, Ponch A's Jupiter~ Yoshi, Zoobie & Belle, the kitties. Waiting at the bridge Angel Polli Bohemian Ocean , Rocky, Blue,Sasha & Zoobie & Bobbi Greyhound Angels Adoption (GAA) The Lexus Project Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HopeForHounds Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 The newsletter is available online. Here Quote Casual Bling & Hope for HoundsJanet & the hounds Maggie and Allen Missing my baby girl Peanut, old soul Jake, quirky Jet, Mama Grandy and my old Diva Miz Foxy; my angel, my inspiration. You all brought so much into my light, and taught me so much about the power of love, you are with me always.If you get the chance to sit it out or dance.......... I hope you dance! Missing our littlest girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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