Cancer And Amputation

[Guest mom2maddiebug]

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

[patricia]

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.

[HopeForHounds]

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.

[Tallgreydogmom]

delete

Edited October 7, 2008 by Tallgreydogmom

[Guest mom2maddiebug]

I don't think he will need treatment (chemo) after the amputation... or at least it sounded that way...

[4greyhounds]

I have no experience but wanted to send prayers.....

[ahicks51]

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.

[Guest Vinnie]

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

[Bevd]

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

[Guest argolola]

Sending prayers for the sweet pup.

[Batmom]

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.

[carronstar]

Sending lots of prayers and healing thoughts for the pup.

[Guest HeatherDemps]

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

[Bevd]

Can I also point you towards http://www.tripawds.com/forums/

[Guest fastdogs]

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

[Guest fastdogs]

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