Guest mom2maddiebug Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 My sister's grey hurt his leg about 5 weeks ago at the dog park. The ER vet said he tore his ACL and to see her regular vet after 2 weeks. When she got to her vet he said no way he fractured it. He did x-rays and it turned out to be a torn ligament behind his knee. She saw an orthopedic surgeon in Wilkes Barre and he did surgery on him last week. He found something that looked off to him and sent it to the University of Penn for testing. He has fibrosarcoma in the tendon behind his knee. The orthopedic surgeon who did his ligament repair said that he has weeks or a few months with the leg but it will need to be amputated as this form of cancer is very aggressive in this spot and will cause him pain and become lame. He said the cancer doesn't spread like osteosarcoma but will continue to do damage in its current spot. He's 7 years old and as happy as can be even with his leg all wrapped up and not using it. He loves to lay with you, and boy he wants to run and play but obviously can't at the moment. Has anyone had this issue with their greys or know of anyone who has? Thanks for any and all replies. Andrea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patricia Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 There are so many people here who have experience with cancer and amputation. I would tend to think that if this baby is happy and getting used to not using that leg...get rid of it! I think he would adjust VERY well. I would also contact Dr. Couto. Sending my prayers and the most gentle hugs. 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...
HopeForHounds Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 I'm pretty sure I know someone who has a grey who had this removed. She had her leg amputated in April. She is being treated at OSU. You can have your sister contact Dr Couto's team - greyosu@osu.edu They will do a free consult with either your sister or her vet. 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...
Tallgreydogmom Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 (edited) delete Edited October 7, 2008 by Tallgreydogmom 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 mom2maddiebug Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 I don't think he will need treatment (chemo) after the amputation... or at least it sounded that way... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4greyhounds Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 I have no experience but wanted to send prayers..... 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...
ahicks51 Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 I don't think he will need treatment (chemo) after the amputation... or at least it sounded that way... There is always a chance it has metastasized, and has yet to be detected. In many cases, chemo in combination with amputation will substantially increase the chances of long-term survival. Consult with Dr. Cuoto at OSU to determine which protocols are most effective is highly recommended. Quote Coco (Maze Cocodrillo) Minerva (Kid's Snipper) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Vinnie Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 (edited) No experience with fibrosarcoma - but with osteo - and we did amputate - and our grey was just as happy without that bad leg - and boy could he fly! I second the thought to contact Dr. Cuoto, he helped us and many others so much. And second opinions are always good. Hoping that he is not in too much pain and that he is treated quickly, whichever way she decides. If she would like info on amputation, would be more than happy to talk with her or if you look up Asia's mom, madeara, you can see all that she has gone through most recently as she did an amputation not long ago and there is a ton of information in her thread on her journey before and after the amputation. Again, dealing with osteo, but still, a leg amputation. Sending lots of prayers, hugs and scritches. Here's one of the links talking about what to expect after amputation: http://forum.greytalk.com/index.php?showtopic=205810&hl= Also, if you click on the link in our siggy, our photobucket has an album for our Angel, Vinnie - we had his right front leg amputated at 11 months due to osteo - and it shows the area and some of the recovery photos - not too bad in the album for those that are squeamish, but at least it would give her some ideas. Edited September 26, 2008 by Vinnie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bevd Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 He said the cancer doesn't spread like osteosarcoma but will continue to do damage in its current spot. I would amputate. Many of us wish we would be so lucky to have our kids have this type of cancer that doesn't spread like osteo. He will be able to run with three legs, no problem. I would amputate too, if it's possible. Angel Maddison had Fibrosarcoma and amputation was not an option due to the location of the tumour. I'd probably go for the chemo option too though because although the spread rate is much loswer (20% rather than 98%) I'd still think that was too high not to blast with chemo. Best wishes for your sisters dog 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 argolola Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 Sending prayers for the sweet pup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 I would consult Dr. Couto and/or another oncology specialist ... but ... as the vet told your sister, if it is in fact a fibrosarcoma and there is no evidence of cancer elsewhere in the dog, AFAIK the recommended treatment would usually be amputation withOUT chemotherapy. Most fibrosarcomas don't spread the way some other cancers do; chemotherapy is used when the tumor can't be completely removed. Fibrosarcomas are difficult to remove completely. But in your sister's pup's case, it sounds like amputation would completely remove the tumor. Hugs and much luck to your sister and her pup. 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...
carronstar Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 Sending lots of prayers and healing thoughts for the pup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest HeatherDemps Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 (edited) Our GH was diagnosed with osteo last winter in one of his front legs. He was 11.5 at the time and we amputated. He did fantastic with the recovery and handled the loss of the leg with no problem- he could still run and play. We lost him last month to something else not related to the cancer and I have 0 regrets about the decision to amputate. Dogs will amaze you with how well they can handle this. Circle of Grey, a yahoo group for people who have greyhounds with cancer or other life threatening illnesses might be a helpful resource in addition to GT. Edited September 26, 2008 by HeatherDemps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bevd Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 Can I also point you towards http://www.tripawds.com/forums/ 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 fastdogs Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 (edited) My guy had a lump removed from his front leg more than 3 years ago that tested positive for Fibrosarcoma. My vet got clean margins and indicated that there was a good chance it would return, but that it is not a systemic cancer, but localized (my words, not his) and to watch for the same signs of it returning. Sure enough, this summer another lump appeared on the same exact spot. Next Wednesday it will be removed again, hopefully with another 3 or more year before it returns. Bo will be 9 in November. Get a second opinion. The best course of action will likely be dictated by the size and location of the lump. If they can get clean margins, then I don't think amputation is best option. 10/8/08 Bo is a week out from having the second of his lumps removed. He is doing very well. My vet removed the lump and the old scar tissue. Bo is healing quickly and comfortably. I hope to have the results of the pathology report within a day or two. How's your sister's(?) grey doing? Edited October 8, 2008 by fastdogs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest fastdogs Posted October 8, 2008 Share Posted October 8, 2008 Bump Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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