fourofem Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 (edited) A second trip to the vet today and a set of xrays has indicated what my vet is 98% sure is osteosarcoma (lungs are clear). He started out a little stiff in the left rear which sent us the to vet two weeks ago. All manipulation was normal so no xrays were done...only bloodwork which all came back normal. Over the weekend, he started limping noticeably which sent us back in today. I left his office in a total state of shock but now that I'm home and thinking a little more clearly, I'm going to have a biopsy done (I'll have to have a referral which I've already called for) just to make 100% sure. 2% is something, isn't it? He's only 7 and right now a healthy, vibrant boy. Any good thoughts, wishes, prayers would he most appreciated. But more than that, advice! I'll update with biopsy results and we'll go from there. Thanks. Edited December 17, 2008 by fourofem Quote Blair, Stella (DND Heather), Lizzie (M's Deadra), Hitch (Hallo Dominant) and House (Mac's Dr. House) Missing my handsome men Lewis (Vs Lowrider) - 11/11/01 - 3/11/09, Kevin (Dakota's Hi Five) - 1/1/06 - 4/18/11 and my cat, Sparkle Baby - ??/??/96 - 4/23/11 "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is, in fact, the most precious and valuable possession of mankind." (Theodorus Gaza) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobinM Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 I am sending mega doses of prayers. I am pming you. 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...
Guest ss556 Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 Sending prayers for Lewis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 Might want a vet. radiologist and/or one of Dr. Couto's folks at OSU to review the films before doing a biopsy. If there's a problem in the bone, a biopsy can weaken it to the point of breakage and can be very painful. Hugs and best luck with your 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...
Guest kaotic1 Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 Oh no... I am so sorry!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest EmbersDad Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 Might want a vet. radiologist and/or one of Dr. Couto's folks at OSU to review the films before doing a biopsy. If there's a problem in the bone, a biopsy can weaken it to the point of breakage and can be very painful. Hugs and best luck with your pup. my vet said the same thing. for lewis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fourofem Posted December 17, 2008 Author Share Posted December 17, 2008 Might want a vet. radiologist and/or one of Dr. Couto's folks at OSU to review the films before doing a biopsy. If there's a problem in the bone, a biopsy can weaken it to the point of breakage and can be very painful. Hugs and best luck with your pup. Can I have his films sent to Dr. Couto? Quote Blair, Stella (DND Heather), Lizzie (M's Deadra), Hitch (Hallo Dominant) and House (Mac's Dr. House) Missing my handsome men Lewis (Vs Lowrider) - 11/11/01 - 3/11/09, Kevin (Dakota's Hi Five) - 1/1/06 - 4/18/11 and my cat, Sparkle Baby - ??/??/96 - 4/23/11 "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is, in fact, the most precious and valuable possession of mankind." (Theodorus Gaza) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duncan41 Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 Oh, this is not good. I am so sorry! Lewis, we are sending hugs, kisses and lots of healing light. I would also not do a biopsy. A good x-ray sent to OSU and a local oncologist, (if there is one close enough) for a second opinion, should be enough to render a diagnosis. Quote Linda, Mom to Fuzz, Barkley, and the felines Miss Kitty, Simon and Joseph.Waiting at The Bridge: Alex, Josh, Harley, Nikki, Beemer, Anna, Frank, Rachel, my heart & soul, Suze and the best boy ever, Dalton.<p> ....for all those hounds that are sick, hurt, lost or waiting for their forever homes. SENIORS ROCK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 Good thoughts for you and Lewis. 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...
RobinM Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 Might want a vet. radiologist and/or one of Dr. Couto's folks at OSU to review the films before doing a biopsy. If there's a problem in the bone, a biopsy can weaken it to the point of breakage and can be very painful. Hugs and best luck with your pup. Can I have his films sent to Dr. Couto? Absoulutely- have it sent overnight so that it gets signed for. Call in the morning, all the contact info is on the site that you have been looking at. Ask where exactly should the films go to. This way, you will have answers quickly. 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...
fourofem Posted December 17, 2008 Author Share Posted December 17, 2008 (edited) Might want a vet. radiologist and/or one of Dr. Couto's folks at OSU to review the films before doing a biopsy. If there's a problem in the bone, a biopsy can weaken it to the point of breakage and can be very painful. Hugs and best luck with your pup. Can I have his films sent to Dr. Couto? Absoulutely- have it sent overnight so that it gets signed for. Call in the morning, all the contact info is on the site that you have been looking at. Ask where exactly should the films go to. This way, you will have answers quickly. Thank you again!! I forgot to mention the vet put him on predisone....thoughts? Edited December 17, 2008 by fourofem Quote Blair, Stella (DND Heather), Lizzie (M's Deadra), Hitch (Hallo Dominant) and House (Mac's Dr. House) Missing my handsome men Lewis (Vs Lowrider) - 11/11/01 - 3/11/09, Kevin (Dakota's Hi Five) - 1/1/06 - 4/18/11 and my cat, Sparkle Baby - ??/??/96 - 4/23/11 "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is, in fact, the most precious and valuable possession of mankind." (Theodorus Gaza) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patricia Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 Sending my many prayers. 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...
CaliforniaGreys Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 Loys of prayers coming for your boy. No experience here but I get sick every time I hear that word. Please keep us posted 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...
RobinM Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 I forgot to mention the vet put him on predisone....thoughts? Quite honestly- I don't know anything about predisone relating to OSA but then again, I am far from aan expert. Did you ask him what it was intended for. I'm sure others will chime in with a yay or nay. Ask your vet to get the films over to OSU overnight (you will most likely be paying for that) and maybe you can have an answer by Friday. 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...
Guest EmbersDad Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 (edited) if they are feeling a high probability already, time really is of the essence. both polli and ember were amputated within days of diagnosis and embers osteo wasnt confirmed to post amputation, but her x rays were clear enough :-(. overnighting the film is the way to go. Edited December 17, 2008 by EmbersDad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest HeatherDemps Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 Don't know about prednisone and osteo.... mine was put on Rimadyl and Tramadol as soon as osteo was suspected. His films were "suspicious" but even OSU wasn't sure it was osteo when we sent the films there. We ended up at the University of Illinois and had more x-rays done. Initially, the radiologist didn't see anything either and then confirmed a small lesion. I did not want to do the biopsy after finding out that it would be very painful and that my dog would be lame for awhile. We tried to do a fine needle aspirate, but there ended up being complications (of course!) with the sedation for x-rays, etc and they did not get a diagnostic sample. After talking with multiple oncologists at U of I, I decided to amputate without the confirmation. The reality was that a bone fungus, etc were all unlikely given the breed, age, and location of the lesion. And either way, my dog was in significant pain. After amputation, tests confirmed that it was in fact osteo. Our regular vet was pretty shocked that amputation would be done w/o confirmation first, but from everything I had read, I think it's pretty common.... It's a terrible diagnosis to hear about your beloved hound and it's made even more difficult with having to make important decisions in a short period of time. Dempsey's lesion was found the Friday before Christmas last year. We had the x-rays, etc at the university done about a week later, and then another week after that was the surgery. The day of the surgery was probably the hardest day of my life, up until the day we said goodbye to Dempsey in August. Even though the first couple of weeks or so after the amputation were difficult, neither DH or I had any regrets. All you can do is try to make the best decision you can at the time and not look backwards. Many positive thoughts for you and Lewis. Heather Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fourofem Posted December 17, 2008 Author Share Posted December 17, 2008 I'm on it...a big thank you to everyone. I'll call the vet first thing in the AM to get the xrays and send them myself. I'm not sure what the protocol is...should I e-mail OSU first and let them know what I know or enclose a note with the xrays? Quote Blair, Stella (DND Heather), Lizzie (M's Deadra), Hitch (Hallo Dominant) and House (Mac's Dr. House) Missing my handsome men Lewis (Vs Lowrider) - 11/11/01 - 3/11/09, Kevin (Dakota's Hi Five) - 1/1/06 - 4/18/11 and my cat, Sparkle Baby - ??/??/96 - 4/23/11 "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is, in fact, the most precious and valuable possession of mankind." (Theodorus Gaza) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobinM Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 if they are feeling a high probability already, time really is of the essence. both polli and ember were amputated within days of diagnosis and embers osteo wasnt confirmed to post amputation, but her x rays were clear enough :-(. overnighting the film is the way to go. Strongly agree. Not trying to stress you out more. Polli tripped on the steps Wednesday about 4PM and was a tripod by 10:30 Thursday morning. We had to move quick. Once you know... Our confimation came about 5 days later when the pathogy report of the leg came back. They knew it was a tumor/OSA by the x-ray. We are all thinking of you and praying for your sweet boy. I'm on it...a big thank you to everyone. I'll call the vet first thing in the AM to get the xrays and send them myself. I'm not sure what the protocol is...should I e-mail OSU first and let them know what I know or enclose a note with the xrays? Yes, OR ask your dr to do it. PLEASE update asap and you have my # if you should want to talk. 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...
mangos_mom Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 As I am going through this right now with Mango, I can totally sympathize with what you are feeling right now. I don't have a lot of wisdom about treating this dreaded disease, but I have broad shoulders, so PM if you want to talk. I learned the comfort of talking through my 'adventure' with Osteo. Sending healing thoughts Lewis' way, and to you. Quote Kate, with Nedra and HollyMissing Greyhound Angels Mango, Takoda, Ruger, Delta, and Shiloh, kitty Angel Hoot, cat-tester extraordinaire, and Rocky, the stray cat who came to stay for a little while and then moved on.Greyhounds Unlimited Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4greyhounds Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 Sending lots of 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...
Guest Scouts_mom Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 Prednisone is usually for inflammation, so I don't know what it has to do for the cancer. I don't remember that my Scout was put on it when she was diagnosed with bone cancer. The big thing with bone cancer is controlling the pain--It is very painful, even if the dog is being stoic. So if your vet did not prescribe pain-killers, I would demand some for your boy. Hugs and good wishes--I hope it is the 2% other possibilities. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greydogluvr Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 I am so sorry. I am in the exact same stage as you and my Willie's story is almost exactly as you described. A small lesion with no definitive diagnosis. I have gone to several specialists, sent films to Dr. Couto, had a fine needle aspiration and still no answer. I am going to have to follow my instincts on this one. I am so, so sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Piila Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 Hugs to Lewis. I'm going through this exactly with Abbey right now. His fine needle aspiration samples and x-rays are all in transit down to Dr. Couto right now, but my vet looked at the slides yesterday and confirms our worst suspicions. Abbey's on Metacam and Tramadol right now, seems happy and not in pain. Although he was in pain last night after the aspiration and it took him a while to come out of the anesthetic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest EmbersDad Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 I'm on it...a big thank you to everyone. I'll call the vet first thing in the AM to get the xrays and send them myself. I'm not sure what the protocol is...should I e-mail OSU first and let them know what I know or enclose a note with the xrays? Yes, OR ask your dr to do it. PLEASE update asap and you have my # if you should want to talk. exactly. the vet can describe in doctorspeak exactly what they suspect in the xray, and the vets at osu can look and offer their opinion. embers xrays were looked at by a local oncologist to confirm here. i would phone them and let them know its coming. i spoke with a dr vilar when i called. osteo is aggressive, so the quicker this is done and a decision is made, the better the chances are for lewis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Carla Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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