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Bone Cancer (osteosarcoma) Amputation


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Guest Designsmom

I am new to this site. I have read many of the posts and I would like your opinion. I have a beautiful 9 1/2 year old greyhound that we have had since she was 2 yrs old. Her name is Design. She had started limping a few weeks ago and the vet thought it was an injury to her knee. She did not get better with meds. Yesterday, xrays revealed that she has bone cancer in her left hind leg called osteosarcoma. It basically eats the bone from the inside out. The only cure is amputation of the leg. Chest xrays revealed that it had not spread to her lungs. Would any of you put your greyhound through this? She has 6 to 9 months of suffering ahead if we do not do it. I am leaning toward doing it. Have any of you experienced this type of thing? Thanks so much for your help.

 

Designs Mom.

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Guest ArtysPeople

I am so sorry. :grouphug Unfortunately, this is not at all an uncommon experience, as you'll soon find out. Circle of Grey is a website specifically for support for people going through issues like this. I'm sure you'll also find lots of advice here if you do a search of the old forums.

Edited by ArtysPeople
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I'm really sorry to hear about Design's diagnosis. :cry1 Deciding whether to go ahead with amputation is a very personal decision. There are many people on this forum who have, and others who decided not to. Personally, if it happened to Merlin at that age, I would not have his leg amputated, because he would then have to go on chemo, only to prolong his life for a year max, and I wouldn't want to put him through that. But every dog is different and you know your dog best.

 

I have never been through osteo so I can't speak from experience... There are other people on this forum who will probably have better advice than mine. I'm sure you'll reach the right decision for you and Design...

 

Sending many hugs :grouphug :grouphug :goodluck

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Kerry with Lupin in beautiful coastal Maine. Missing Pippin, my best friend and sweet little heart-healer :brokenheart 2013-2023 :brokenheart 
Also missing the best wizard in the world, Merlin, and my sweet 80lb limpet, Sagan, every single day. 

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Guest SueG201

Having gone thru osteo twice, your dog will not have 6-9 months of life if you choose not

to do anything. Osteo is a very painful cancer. I did not amputate either of my dogs legs

because it had already spread to the lungs. If you think your dog can deal with 3 legs,

go for it, most greys recuperate quickly and many have lived a few years after amputation.

It is a very difficult decision, I wish you the best

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I'm very sorry to hear of Designs diagnosis :(

 

As has been said, there is no right or wrong answer. Designs chest is currently clear which is great news (if her chest was not clear, there's not much of a decision to be made, I don't think). Only YOU know your dog and if you feel that she will be able to cope with surgery and recovery and if YOU feel that she will be happy to manage on three legs, thats fine. If Design hates all types of vet visits and/or if she has other health conditions to take into consideration, then maybe amputation is not the road for you and her. But as I said, only YOU know the answers to these things :)

 

One of my own dogs was diagnosed with Osteo last October (she's a Deerhound, not a greyhound). She was 5 years old at the time and because she was otherwise healthy and because she's not afraid of the vets (etc) we went ahead with the amputation (front right) and then she had chemo and on Monday we will celebrate 8 months since the surgery. So for us, it was right.

 

If (god forbid, a million times) we had to make the decision again, I would do it again - if it was right for the dog in question.

 

Whatever you decide is right for your dog, you will get support here :grouphug

Deerhounds Darcy, Duffy, Grace & Wellington, Mutts Sprout & Buddy, Lurchers Ned & Jake plus Ella the Westie + cats. Remembering Del, Jessie, Maddison, Flo, Sally, Stanley, Wallace, Radar, Mokka, Oki cat, Tetley, Poppy & Striker.

 

Please visit our web store at http://www.dogsndubs.com for our own range of Greyhound related clothing for humans!

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Guest KennelMom

It's such a tough decision at that age. Younger and we'd probably amputate. Older and we probably wouldn't. But 9 is right there where it would be a really tough call. Probably, we would not. It would really depend on the dog. I think some of ours at 9 could handle it and be happy. Others I don't think would handle it well.

 

From Ohio State's site: http://www.vet.ohio-state.edu/2096.htm

Limb amputation alone results in typical survival times of 3-4 months. Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy prolongs survival times to 12-18 months in most dogs. As of now, it appears that survival times in Greyhounds treated by amputation and conventional chemotherapy are somewhat shorter (8-12 months).

 

I'm just not sure the "cost" to the dog - the surgery, the recovery - is "worth" adding only a few months to their life. Dogs live in the moment. We are often guided by the "quality of life, not quantity of life" philosophy.

 

Hugs to you and your girl :grouphug You certainly have some very heartwrenching decisions to make.

Edited by KennelMom
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Yesterday, xrays revealed that she has bone cancer in her left hind leg called osteosarcoma. It basically eats the bone from the inside out. The only cure is amputation of the leg

I just need to make sure you are straight with your facts (as hard as the facts are). The amputation will cure the pain - but it is not guaranteed to cure the cancer. The reason for this is because statistically (pardon me sounding like a text book), in 98% of cases, the cancer has spread, BEFORE you ever know your dog has got it. So that leaves 2% of cases where it hasn't already spread. If you do nothing (because thats what is right for your particular dog) then statistically, three weeks to three months is about the maximum you can expect. If you do the amputation and chemo, it can stretch to a year or two...and sometimes three....and in some cases, longer.

 

I hate to give you these facts but it's vital that you have them, so that you can make your decisions based on them.

 

Edit - to clarify that my 'facts' are based on information given to me by a canine oncology specialist here in the UK so may differ slightly from other countries.

Edited by Bevd

Deerhounds Darcy, Duffy, Grace & Wellington, Mutts Sprout & Buddy, Lurchers Ned & Jake plus Ella the Westie + cats. Remembering Del, Jessie, Maddison, Flo, Sally, Stanley, Wallace, Radar, Mokka, Oki cat, Tetley, Poppy & Striker.

 

Please visit our web store at http://www.dogsndubs.com for our own range of Greyhound related clothing for humans!

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Can't really add anything else but if you do not decide to amputate, do get some heavy pain meds - OSA is extremely painful.

 

Best of luck to you and Design. :grouphug :grouphug


Meredith with Heyokha (HUS Me Teddy) and Crow (Mike Milbury). Missing Turbo (Sendahl Boss), Pancho, JoJo, and "Fat Stacks" Juana, the psycho kitty. Canku wakan kin manipi.

"Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities." - Voltaire

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No advice, but loads of prayers for you and your girl. I have a 9.5 year old very fiesty "young" girl. I don't know what I would do and I pray to G-D, I never have to make this gut wrenching decsioin.

 

You are both in my thoughts and prayers.

 

 

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

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Personally, I don't know what I would do. My dogs are 9, 9 and 11, so I probably would NOT opt for amputation.

 

There are the rare exceptions to the short survival time, even post-amputation. Winnie, who was queenwinniesmom's girl, survived an amazing 3.5 YEARS after her amputation! You could pm Nancy to get details of what all treatment Winnie had. I might add, she did NOT die from cancer, either...it was something else. She was a truly inspirational hound.

Phoebe (Belle's Sweetpea) adopted 9/2/13.

Jack (BTR Captain Jack) 9/28/05--11/2/12
Always missing Buddy, Ruby, and Rascal.

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I have amputated three times and I am sure I made the right decision. The first couple of weeks after the amputation are the hardest on you. The greyhound will take it in stride better than you.

 

You will not have 6 - 9 months if you do not amputate. You might have 6 weeks if you are lucky. Mine have lasted from 9 - 14 months with amputation. If you do some research you will find some that are still here 4 years later.

 

Check out Bosha's story, he is almost 3 years post amp and cancer free. It's a crap shoot. Where do you live? You can get free chemo mailed to your vet from The Greyhound Health and Wellness Program at Ohio State University.

 

Google Greyhound Health and Wellnes Program. Also check out www.casualbling.com and go to Hope For Hounds.

 

Also Circle of Grey. Too many of us have experience with this.

 

Do do delay, time is very important in the treatment. We are here to support you.

 

Hugs to you and the furbaby.

 

 

Vallerysiggy.jpg

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)

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just a couple things to think about. if you decide to not do the amputation and settle on palliative care only, just make sure that you have enough pain meds for her...it's an extremely painful disease. also, you might want to consider changing things around the house, if necessary. the last thing you want to happen is for that bone to just snap. so, block off any stairs when no one is home and always be right there to help with stairs if she needs to do them for any reason. make sure there are no slippery floors for her to splay out on. if she is the type to jump on and off your bed, you may want to just put your mattress on the floor, so she doesn't have to jump as far.

 

another factor to consider if going the amputation route, is whether your dog's personality is up for it. there will be vet visits and if your girl is the type that gets super-stressed at the vet's (which she'll have to stay overnight at), then that is something to consider as well. there is also chemo to consider, which also require vet visits, I believe.

 

anyway, I am so sorry for the diagnosis and everyone needs to do what is right for their particular hound. :grouphug

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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 :-)

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Good luck with your decision. Only you can decide what is right for your dog.

I have two 9 year old greys. I'd personally not opt for amputation with my 2, even if they were younger.

 

I'm sorry that info on osteo is what brought you to the board, but welcome to Greytalk.

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Personally, I don't know what I would do. My dogs are 9, 9 and 11, so I probably would NOT opt for amputation.

 

There are the rare exceptions to the short survival time, even post-amputation. Winnie, who was queenwinniesmom's girl, survived an amazing 3.5 YEARS after her amputation! You could pm Nancy to get details of what all treatment Winnie had. I might add, she did NOT die from cancer, either...it was something else. She was a truly inspirational hound.

 

Thanks, Melissa. Yes, my Winnie was amazing. She was 8 when diagnosed. I don't know if it was luck, a stubborn old girl, or doing the right thing at the right time, but she did have a wonderful quality of life for 3 1/2 years after her amp, and we lost her last Oct. to kidney failure. I'm not sure how quickly we caught the osteo either, but her lungs were clear, and we did the amp, but no chemo. Now this may not be recommended treatment with most dogs (Dr. Couto at OSU recommends amp and chemo). But I chose to treat her with immune system boosters, mainly artemisinin. You can find out a lot about this---I believe there is even a artemisinin group, and Circle of Grey will help too. Also the cancer issue of Celebrating Greyhounds several years ago did an article about it. It can't hurt. I also gave her another immune system booster, pycnogenol, which you can get at vitamin stores. And fish oil. And glucosamine. And a low carb, high protein diet. A good friend of mine did about the same treatment for her Grey, and he survived for over 2 years after the amp. For whatever reason, it worked. Cancer is a crapshoot, and I think we just need to do what we feel in our hearts is best for our precious dogs, and hope it works. Faced with the monster again, I can't say for sure I would do the same thing, or expect the same results. But I would give it my best shot, and know that I'd done the right thing for that particular dog, and for me as well.

I am so sorry you are faced with this. Cancer is a monster, and this is the most difficult time, when you are faced with so many decisions, as well as comprehending that everything has changed. It just fills your mind all the time. But please know that you are not alone. I think that helps just to know that, and also, that there are many different ways to go about dealing with it. So please ask questions, do research, talk about it with your family. Come here to vent or question or grieve. Join Circle of Grey. Cry if you need to (and you will). But don't give up, and try not to let her see you cry. As someone else said, and I've always believed, they live in the moment. Whatever sadness may come in the future, she is happy NOW, she knows she is safe and loved NOW. And that is what's important.

If you'd like to ask about the artemisinin, I'd be glad to give you some info. I'm actually on vacation now, and am using the computer in the hotel lobby, so I'm not sure when I'll get back on to check messages. And you might not be able to PM yet since you are new. I'll be home on Monday. Please let me know if you'd like my email address.

Again, I'm so sorry.

 

 

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Nancy, Mom to Evangelina and Kiva
Missing Lacey, Patsy, Buster, my heart dog Nick, Winnie, Pollyanna, Tess, my precious Lydia, Calvin Lee, my angel butterfly Laila, and kitties Lily, Sam and Simon
My Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Catsburgandhoundtown

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Guest Designsmom

Thank you so much for your replies. I am sitting here bawling my eyes out. We called the Greyhound ADoption League where we adopted her from and they said don't do it. I was ready to take her in on MOnday because I felt I had to try. Now I am not sure again. She hates going to the vet. I don't even think I can get her in the car again because she knows where she is going. The GAL said to keep her as comfortable as possible and let nature take its course. She could easily break her leg just squatting to pee. I don't think I can deal with that. I read Winslow's diary and we really do not have the kind of $$ it would take to go through everything he has gone through. GAL said in their experience only one of 25 or so dogs with OS survived the amp and chemo longer than 1 year and that dog was 5 yrs old when amped. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.....still sitting here crying and trying to decide what is best for my sweet baby.

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:grouphug

Deerhounds Darcy, Duffy, Grace & Wellington, Mutts Sprout & Buddy, Lurchers Ned & Jake plus Ella the Westie + cats. Remembering Del, Jessie, Maddison, Flo, Sally, Stanley, Wallace, Radar, Mokka, Oki cat, Tetley, Poppy & Striker.

 

Please visit our web store at http://www.dogsndubs.com for our own range of Greyhound related clothing for humans!

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I'm so sorry. I've lost two dogs to cancer (hemangiosarcoma not osteo) and know the tremendous pain you're feeling right now. :grouphug

Cynthia, & Cristiano, galgo
Always 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

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I advise you to contact Ohio State and post on the Circle of Grey (link above). They (OSU) will send chemo drugs for greys at no charge.

 

When I asked Dr. Couto a few months ago, the average is still at 14 months with amputation and chemo. Many go longer.

 

Where are you located?

 

Is she weight bearing on the leg or hopping?

 

If you decide not to amputate, you must combine drugs to keep her out of pain. Tramadol and a NSAID or pred and you can add morphine.

 

Were the xrays read by a radiologist? Has she been tested for Valley Fever?

Diane & The Senior Gang

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It really is a crapshoot.

 

I would have the x-rays read by a specialist if you haven't already.

 

If she is otherwise healthy and gets around well, an amputation can buy you some quality time without the risk of her breaking the leg, and *usually* without excessive vet visits. There is recovery time to consider, tho, and that varies by dog.

 

I have a pretty intense personal bias against chemotherapy, so I probably wouldn't do it for one of my dogs unless it were a disease that tends to have a better chemo outcome. As you can see, tho, some pups do well with chemo and for a long time afterwards. There is just no way to tell in advance. :(

 

If I got your diagnosis, I would make as sure as I could that that's what it was, bring pupper home for a day or two of extreme spoiling, and then say goodbye. One of my dogs is terrified of the vet, one sometimes has odd drug reactions, and neither does well with pain.

 

But that's us, not you and your sweet pupper. My heart goes out to you.

 

 

Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in Illinois
We miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10.

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my thoughts and prayers are with you and Design. The journey is a long one but you have lots of support here and on Circle of Grey. Try to live in the moment and continue to make the memories. Talk to your vet about pain meds. I think the most important thing is to take the weekend and think about your options, way the pros and cons and then move forward. No regrets... remember Design is living every day to the fullest. Prayers for a lot more quality time for you both.

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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

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Guest Designsmom

Yes, the exrays were read by a radiologist called PetRays. I have the report. She is limping, bearing most of her weight on her right leg. We live in West Palm Beach Florida. I don't know how Design would handle surgery. It takes her a good week to get over a teeth cleaning. The vet said NOTHING about chemo. I wonder if he was going to spring that on me once the amp was done. I don't trust him all the way because, quite frankly, he stands to gain the most from the amp and chemo. It seems with this economy, everyone is hurting for business. Thanks for all your help. Still deciding....

 

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Guest MonsterMomma

I'm new here as well, and just went through the same agonizing decision a few months ago. My 12 year old greyhound boy, Diego, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in February. We chose not to amputate, because it was already advancing beyond his femur into his spine and lungs. Instead, we put him on high doses of prednisone and pain killers (tramadol) and cared for him around the clock at home. My husband and I slept and worked in shifts so one of us was always with him. He held on for just over a month before the pain was too much, and breathing was too difficult. We made the agonizing decision to put him to sleep on March 21st. He died in my arms, looking into my eyes.

 

I still cry about him, almost every day.

 

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

 

:brokenheart

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My Jack is 9 years old. he has osteo of the back left femur. I know exactly how you are feeling right now. He was diagnosed May 22. I know. I have just gone through exactly what you arre going through. In the end, I decided on palliative care for my boy. No amputation. Jack is so shy and scared that I felt the amp and chemo was not right for him. That doesn't mean it is not right for another dog or another family.

 

He currently is on Tramadol and Meloxocam for pain. Aside for the occasional shakiness of that leg, at this moment he is happy, painfree and living his life joyously. We go for walks. he trots around his backyard and lies in the sun. He gets whatever wonderful treat I can find for him. He loves to eat still.

 

I look at him and can't believe are time together is coming to an end but he doesn't think that way so I am determined to enjoy the days or weeks or months that we have. I promised him he wouldn't suffer, that he could leave me in his own bed in his own home when he is ready. But right now? We are happy.

 

My heart grieves for yours, :grouphug

Edited by Jackandgrey

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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

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