Guest loisdad Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 My Lois is 13 years old and she was just diagnosed with OS last week. She began to limp ever so slightly, but I knew to get her to the vet right away. After xrays, and a visit to the oncologist to confirm, I was told that I will have to make a decision. The past week she has been great. They said that it was early stage, so I thought that I had a few days to decide. But this morning she began to limp very pronounced. I gave her some pain meds, hoping that when I got home from work she would be better, but it was the same. So tonight I gave her some more pain meds.... I had decided to try the radiation route, and possibly combine it with chemo. I got in touch with Dr. Cuoto from OSU (go Buckeyes!) and also discussed with my regular vet and the specialist. I thought it gave her the best chance of having a bit more quality time without being in severe pain or so doped up that she doesn't know anything. Lois has had a couple of vestibular incidents......we call them strokes, but they aren't like people strokes. Sometimes it's referred to as "old do vestibular disease." Anyway, she is not the most stable on her four legs, let alone being on three, so we ruled amputation out. So she is scheduled to have radiation done this coming Tuesday, but now with her limping so badly I'm not sure if I waited too long. She ate her dinner and is resting peacefully now, but I'm just so worried that she is in bad pain and that I won't know when it gets too bad. Is pronounced limping normal with osteo? Even on pain meds? Right now I'm angry at this disease, but I have to think of my Lois. She's such a trooper thru everything. Please pray for my girl and I appreciate any advice. Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HopeForHounds Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 (edited) Brian, I am so sorry that you are facing this. I know that OS is very painful and Dr Couto told me that pain control is the most important thing. If you have any doubts about how much and if it is too late to start radiation, talk to him again. I trust his advice implicitly on this subject. Meant to ask, what pain meds is she on? It usually takes a combo of drugs to keep them comfortable. Edited June 28, 2008 by foxysmom 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...
Houndtime Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 I am so sorry to read about Lois. I have only good thoughts and prayers for her, and hugs for you. These decisions never get easier and tear our hearts. I do hate cancer. Quote Irene Ullmann w/Flying Odin and Mama Mia in Lower Delaware Angels Brandy, John E, American Idol, Paul, Fuzzy and Shine Handcrafted Greyhound and Custom Clocks http://www.houndtime.com Zoom Doggies-Racing Coats for Racing Greyhounds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaliforniaGreys Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 No advice here Brian, just lots of prayers for you and for your girl. With as much as you love her you will do what's best for her. Sounds like you two are pretty connected. Quote Missing my little Misty who took a huge piece of my heart with her on 5/2/09, and Ekko, on 6/28/12 For the sick, the lost, and the homeless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest loisdad Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 Brian, I am so sorry that you are facing this. I know that OS is very painful and Dr Couto told me that pain control is the most important thing. If you have any doubts about how much and if it is too late to start radiation, talk to him again. I trust his advice implicitly on this subject. Meant to ask, what pain meds is she on? It usually takes a combo of drugs to keep them comfortable. Thanks for the advice. I emailed him tonite when I got home but I don't know if I will hear back before Monday. She was given Previcox and Tramadol. The tramadol says 1 every 8-12 hours, but today I have already given her two. And I gave her an extra Previcox also. At this point I don't want her to be in pain. She ate her dinner then slept for a couple of hours. Just now she hopped out to the backyard to pee, then tried to run back in the house for her usual cookie(s). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HopeForHounds Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 I would bet you will hear back from him before Monday. I know he has been away, but if so you will get a message with another email address to send to. Someone always checks for urgent info requests. 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...
MerlinsMum Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 I've never been in your situation, so I don't have any advice to give... I just wanted to say that I'm really sorry you're going through this. Listen to the vets, listen to Lois, and trust your instincts. You'll know what to do. Keeping you and your girl in my thoughts. 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 Scouts_mom Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 I'm so very sorry for you and Lois. I lost my Scout to bone cancer. I would say that if she is still interested in dinner and treats, it is not time to let her go and she is not in too much pain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest gennygrey Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 (edited) This disease is nasty and terriable. My grey died from osteosarcoma on 5/1/08. It metastasized and we had to put my grey down due to neurological complications and too much pain. The x-rays of my dog's cancer showed that it ate through his entire leg and hip and was spreading. Out of the blue one day he just started acting funny and ran into a fence. Look I know from experience what a difficult situation you are going through and the only advice I can give is spend as much time with your buddy as you can. Keep her comfortable, give her lots of hugs and kisses, and be by her side no matter what the future holds. Giving her lots of love because love is the best medication. I am so sorry this happended to your hound. It happended to mine and writing this is making me cry. So I wish you the best of luck an will pray for your hound. Edited June 28, 2008 by gennygrey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MorganKonaAlex Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 I'm sorry to hear about Lois' diagnosis. I've had 2 greys with osteo. As you're finding out, it is very painful. It's important to stay ahead of the pain and a combination of medicines usually works better than 1. When Alex's pain was increasing, I got additional prescriptions and instructions from the Vet so I could increase meds at night or week-ends when the Vet wasn't available. Alex was 85 lbs and had worked his way up to: - 75 mg Rimadyl x 2 day - 50 mg Tramadol. Can increase up to 100 mg. 4 x day. First increase the number of doses per day. - 100 mg Neurotin x 1 day My thoughts are with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patricia Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 I am so sorry. I hope the radiation and combination of pain meds keeps your baby girl comfortable. 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 JudiK Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 I lost my Rose to osteo in March - she was 7. When she could not sleep at night and only took light cat naps the next day - that was when I knew it was time. I lost her four weeks after she began to limp, two days after the specialist diagnosed her. He told us that we had six weeks to a year. But he didn't have a crystal ball, how could he know how long Rose could stand the pain? As a wise man once said, "Better a day too soon than a day too late." Like everyone else here, I am so sorry that you are having to go through this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest K9_Lady Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 Sending you the strength and gentle hugs for Lois. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greytlady94 Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 I am so sorry, osteo is a horrible disease. One consideration is that the bone may break at any time. When my Charlie was diagnosed with osteo the pain moved very quickly from controlled, to him crying from the pain. He also had morphine. Only you can make the decision for Lois, I know how hard it is. Try to remember that Lois only knows the here and now, she doesn't know what is wrong or what will happen. I do know that I waited one day too long. My prayers are with you and Lois. Quote Greyhound angels at the bridge- Casey, Charlie, Maggie, Molly, Renie, Lucy & Teddy. Beagle angels Peanut and Charlie. And to all the 4 legged Bridge souls who have touched my heart, thank you. When a greyhound looks into you eyes it seems they touch your very soul. "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more then he loves himself". Josh Billings Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackandgrey Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 There is certainly more room to increase her pain meds. Jack is getting 50 mgs of Tramadol 3 times a day and Meloxicam 100mls once a day and he is not in pain right now. If he should be I will increase that dosage of Tramadol. 50 mgs is a low dose. I am so sorry about Lois. You do need to beat back that pain and then try to keep it under control. It is harder to to keep keep trying to fight it back once it rears its ugly head. 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...
4greyhounds Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 I am sending lots of prayers and good thoughts, I am so Sorry. Quote Darlene Mom to: Aladdin, Sophie ,Pongo, Jasmine, Relic Forever in our Hearts Champ at the Rainbow Bridge. Let a greyhound race into your heart Adopt Bay Area Greyhound Adoptions INC. Naples/ Fort Myers Chapter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greybookends Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 :hope :hope :hope Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest vahoundlover Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 My thoughts and prayers are with you and Lois. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burpdog Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 You need to combine meds for pain control. Many vets underdose tramadol which is usually used with an NSAID. With my last osteo girl, we used tramadol and morphine. Sending prayers! Quote Diane & The Senior Gang Burpdog Biscuits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bevd Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 Sending best wishes to you and your girl Quote 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest loisdad Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 It saddens me to report that Lois crossed the bridge on Saturday around noon. Her night became worse, and she just couldn't get comfortable. I finally was able to give her enough pain meds so that she could rest for a couple of hours (as did we), but then it was right back to the panting, pacing and hopping around. I had her scheduled for radiation treatments on Tuesday, because I just felt like I could try it to see if it relieved the pain and could buy her some more quality time, but that was not to be. Lois still had a great appetite though, so her breakfast on Saturday morning was beef, cheese eggs, and bacon. She loved every morsel of it. It was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, and my girlfriend and I cried more than we ever had. I will always miss and never forget my Lois. Thank you for all of your posts of support and advice. Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KahluasMagic Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 I'm so sorry. Having gone through this with Magic I know the heartache. It's a horrible decison to have to make. Run free Lois, no more pain. Quote Lynn Missing Pepper,Magic,Kahlua, Hobbit Ziggy Jasper and Bella Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 I am so sorry for the loss of your precious Lois. I have been thinking of her all weekend. Take comfort in knowing that Lois is at peace, pain free and running once again with the wind. I do hate cancer. It is the thief who robs us, everyday, of those we love. Quote Irene Ullmann w/Flying Odin and Mama Mia in Lower Delaware Angels Brandy, John E, American Idol, Paul, Fuzzy and Shine Handcrafted Greyhound and Custom Clocks http://www.houndtime.com Zoom Doggies-Racing Coats for Racing Greyhounds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grey14me Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 I'm so very sorry 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...
Batmom Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 Oh no. I'm so sorry to read of your loss. Sending gentle hugs to your girlfriend and yourself. Godspeed, gallant girl. Quote 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 IllinoisWe 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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