Ranger's Osteo-amputee Journey

[Guest RSD_Ranger]

I write this in hopes it may help others who have to travel this path. Or maybe I'm writing this to help myself come to grips with what is happening. I'm still in shock, so please forgive my ignorance -- I had no idea greyhounds got a free-pass on the bone cancer bus just by being greyhounds.

 

Yesterday, we took Ranger (6-yr old) in to the vet to have his right rear leg checked because he had been limping. His limp was one of those come-and-go types of things. He would limp upon getting up, but it would get better as the day progressed. We checked every hair on his leg, in between his foot pads, his toenails, everywhere. We even put his foot in some hydrogen peroxide to look for bubbles in case he had gotten a sliver or something too small for us to see. Finally, after about 2 weeks of the on/off limping we took him to the vet.

 

Since Ranger is not the most graceful (which greys are?) on tile or hardwood floors, we often find little scratches on his rear legs. He's like a bull in a china shop. One moment he's going 100mph, the next he's statued in the middle of the kitchen, backing up to get off that evil tile floor! We truly thought he had pulled a muscle or jammed a toe. We were even going so far as to think he had fractured a bone. We just shook our heads and smiled at him while thinking, "You klutz."

 

So when our doctor had a radiograph (I have no idea what the difference is between an x-ray and a radiograph) done, we expected an all-clear as it was just a precaution. When the doctor came in with the results, we were absolutely shocked when he said the word tumor. I now hate that word. We immediately had a consult with the oncologist (we're lucky our vet is also an emergency clinic that staffs all sorts of specialists). Both doctors told us the femur had been eaten away by the nasty tumor and the bone was so thin and brittle, they were worried about it fracturing.

 

We immediately sent him for a biopsy, which ended up fracturing the bone anyway. We approved an amputation, which was performed last night. When I applied to adopt a greyhound, part of my application was, "Give me the runt, the skittish or scared, the three-legged, the one no one wants. I work at home and can be available whenever." I had no idea it was going to work out this way, but looks like I'll get my little tri-pod in the end after all.

 

Ranger is recovering in the ICU now, though after talking to the surgeon this morning, I'm feeling so helpless. I guess he is in such pain that he was "thrashing about" and won't be able to come home today. I am allowed to visit him later this afternoon. I will bring one of his beds (which will be donated to future ICU dogs) to make him feel more at ease. I guess he has a "stump" left where they left the muscles intact but removed the bone.

 

We won't know with certainty whether this is osteosarcoma or multiple myeloma (he also had some "suspicious areas" in his tibia) until the biopsy results come back. I wonder if the labs work on Christmas?

 

We have decided almost definitely on pursuing chemotherapy as a two-pronged treatment (with the amputation). I emailed Dr. Couto at OSU, as someone had suggested to do that. I'm not sure why, but maybe he has some fantastic ideas on what to do.

 

I admit, I don't venture around Greytalk too much other than to help out on Amber Alert searches. I am now seeing that this isn't a rare issue for greyhounds and my heart breaks for all of the members of this awful club. I hope that our story (as it unfolds) can help those who come after us. I also hope that my contacting Dr. Couto will help him figure out a way to rid our pups of this horrible disease in the future.

 

+++

 

Now onto the fun part -- I know how much everyone likes to see pictures. So, I will share my little man with all of you because that's much more fun than talking about how he's holed up in the ICU waiting to get sprung.

 

Ranger was adopted in 2005 after 3 years at the Dairyland track. Since then, he's been on Meet N Greets, assisted in lost greyhound searches, become the mascot of the local sports car club, insisted that everyone he meets become his new best friend (he has seriously made "not dog people" into "Ranger people"). We recently did the Reindog Parade at the Chicago Botanical Gardens (I feel awful about this now, thinking that he may have been in pain during the parade). He is goofy, sweet, lovable, pees on the Christmas tree, puts tooth marks in expensive cell phones, eats Marley & Me books, and an all-around greyt little man.

 

[RobinM]

So sorry to hear, but I can definitely appreciate what you are going through. My Polli is 10 weeks post amp today. She's had 4 of her 5 chemo treatments and it's a long, difficult road, but you are not alone.

 

Prayers for your Ranger for a quick uneventful recovery.

[Guest MySkye]

Prayers to you and Ranger indeed.

 

You already did some of the most important things, treatment for Ranger and contacting Dr. Couto.

 

Those with far more experience will guide you down this path. For what it is worth for your mental stability may I suggest you contact "Circle of Grey" (just google it or search it here in the forum) and also read "Winslow's Diary" in the H&M Thread, it really does help.

 

Keep us posted, as you can with Ranger's journey.

 

Warm hugs to you and yours of course.

Edited December 18, 2008 by MySkye

[crazygang]

Sending well wishes for your lovely Ranger. He looks a fun character with a zest for life.

 

You're giving him the best chance and buying him more time to spend with the people he loves lots......

[RaineysMom]

Oh Kristen :( :(

 

so sorry to hear about his diagnosis :( :( sending many healing prayers Ranger's way!!!! :hope

 

please keep us updated on him!!!!

[Guest RSD_Ranger]

Thank you all! This is definitely a hard time. It's nice to have this group of people around because a lot of people we've talked to think, "Meh, he's just a dog. No biggie."

 

I keep trying to join the Circle of Grey, but am having no luck. It may be because I'm on a mac???

 

I just heard from Burpdog, and am going to email our information to Dr Couto (now that I have a form to fill out instead of just emailing him my ramblings) so that we can be part of the study. Hopefully this will help pups in the future.

[CaliforniaGreys]

Kristen, please know you're in my prayers as is your handsome boy! You've been a rock with the search for Watson and I am hoping your acts of kindness and caring are returned to you and your boy two fold. Please keep us posted on how he's doing.

[Guest MorganKonaAlex]

Hi Kristen,

I'm sorry you are joining our "club". I've had 2 diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Morgan was diagnosed 1/06 at 10.5. He had amputation and 4 rounds of carboplatin. Amazingly, he is still with us, but has recently developed trouble with his hind end (LS). He was 13 in August.

Alex was diagnosed 11 months after Morgan. He was approx. 8. His rear leg was amputated and he started chemo. We found lung mets after the 3rd treatment and had to let him go a few weeks later.

What happens when you try to join Circle of Grey?

Kris

[Guest EmbersDad]

ember is 9 weeks post amp and we are right there with you. this is the darkest time right now, but trust me, there is a light at the end of the tunnel and we are here to help guide you to it.

[Guest ss556]

Sending many prayers and positive thoughts for your Ranger.

[Guest RSD_Ranger]

Kristen, please know you're in my prayers as is your handsome boy! You've been a rock with the search for Watson and I am hoping your acts of kindness and caring are returned to you and your boy two fold. Please keep us posted on how he's doing.

Thanks! Having Watson get out of the cold and finally get home will make this time so much better ... I just worry about him so much.

 

Hi Kristen,

I'm sorry you are joining our "club". I've had 2 diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Morgan was diagnosed 1/06 at 10.5. He had amputation and 4 rounds of carboplatin. Amazingly, he is still with us, but has recently developed trouble with his hind end (LS). He was 13 in August.

Alex was diagnosed 11 months after Morgan. He was approx. 8. His rear leg was amputated and he started chemo. We found lung mets after the 3rd treatment and had to let him go a few weeks later.

What happens when you try to join Circle of Grey?

Kris

 

I'm sorry there is a club at all for this. I had no idea.

When I click on Join this Club for Circle of Grey, it keeps asking me for a Profile Name. I've tried 50 names so far and finally went with one of their suggestions. I click OK and it just takes me to my profile but doesn't show that anyone joined the group. I'm not familiar with yahoo groups and my mind isn't really working properly today, so it may just be me.

ember is 9 weeks post amp and we are right there with you. this is the darkest time right now, but trust me, there is a light at the end of the tunnel and we are here to help guide you to it.

Glad to hear of the light! I keep seeing everywhere: 1 year, 1 year, 1 year and I just can't get it out of my mind. I'm determined to do whatever I can to turn that 1 year into either the best 1-5 years ever for him!!!

 

+++ To all the club members who did chemo: did you start chemo before or after you got your biopsy results back? Thanks

[Batmom]

Oh my goodness. Sending lots of prayers for your sweet pup.

[iluvgreys]

So very sorry to hear your news. My heart breaks again every time another one of our precious greys gets the osteo diagnosis. Sounds like Ranger is in good hands at the ICU, and hopefully will be home soon. Get plenty of rest while you can! Holding your sweet boy in my prayers and sending healing light to him. BTW, I'm a Circle of Grey member and use a Mac.

[Guest loveagrey]

Ranger has all the prayers for strength I can muster today.

[Guest LoveMyJoseyBean]

I am so sorry. Hugs and prayers for you and Ranger

[Guest HeatherDemps]

So sorry to hear that Ranger and you are going through this right now. I can honestly tell you that you are past some of the most difficult part- making the decision to/not to amputate and then the surgery itself being over. When mine had the amputation, he was in ICU for 3 days before coming home, was on a pain patch, and also had pain meds for a little while after the patch came off. Rest while you can because I think they tend to be fairly restless when they first come home and adjust to life on 3 legs. I think Ranger will amaze you though with how quicly he will adapt! Hang in there and take care of both of you!

 

Heather

[Bevd]

To all the club members who did chemo: did you start chemo before or after you got your biopsy results back? Thanks

I too am sorry that you find yourself in the dreaded Club.

 

Darcy (Deerhound) started her chemo after the biopsy results. It was actually about 21 days after her amputation I think. We did carboplatin, doxorubicin, carboplatin, doxorubicin, three weeks apart. (Darcy had her diagnosis and amputation on the 16th of October 2007 so we are 14 months and 2 days along).

 

Best wishes to Ranger and to you

[MP_the4pack]

I'm so sorry for Ranger. but you now have scared the crap out of me. I posted yesterday that my little girl Opal (Bwat) is scaring me.

 

Yesterday, we took Ranger (6-yr old) in to the vet to have his right rear leg checked because he had been limping. His limp was one of those come-and-go types of things. He would limp upon getting up, but it would get better as the day progressed.

 

This is her EXACT symptom. Her hind leg. It comes and goes. And it improves after being up and about. I guess we're going to the vets tomorrow.

 

 

 

[Guest RSD_Ranger]

UPDATE:

 

Ranger did not handle this morning well, as noted with the thrashing about. He is undergoing physical therapy (and will probably be done by the time I get there) that deals with lasers (????). And yes, it is proper to say "lasers" in the Austin Powers accent

 

I just talked to the vet on the phone and got some more info while I was typing this. The laser treatment is considered an alternative therapy and he is having it right now. The technical term is infrared light laser therapy that reduces swelling (which will reduce the weeping) and also will reduce the pain. In the grand scheme of things, it's super cheap ($10 a treatment, which takes about 10 minutes). He will be getting it today and tomorrow and will *hopefully* come home tomorrow.

[Guest Pat2003]

As someone else said, I hope all the great work you do for the lost greys comes back 100 fold and Ranger recovers. You helped us find Caju in the fall of 2007. He was out two weeks in Maryland. Thinking of you and Ranger and wishing you the best.

[Guest trevdog]

Sending lots of prayers and good thoughts to you both and hoping he can come home tomorrow......

I'm sure OSU will give you lots of good information.

 

Sorry to hear you are going through this and hope Ranger will be feeling better in the next few days.

[Guest IrskasMom]

 

 

I am truly devasteted over this News. I am so, so sorry sending you Hugs and Prayers

[nettles]

Kristen I'm so sorry to hear about Ranger. Like you, most of my time on GT is in Amber Alert and I didn't know about Ranger until karen called me. I truly know what you are going through as we lost our Tully to osteo 2 years ago this month. Please know that you and Ranger will be in our prayers.

 

Rich

[Guest ChasesMum]

So sorry to hear about Ranger! cancer sucks. I think CoG needs to approve your membership before it shows up on the board maybe give it a day? I was on there too when G was diagnosed.

 

as an aside...I did a M&G with George as a tripod and he really enjoyed all the extra scritches. We just only stayed for half because he was tired. So I'd highly recommed it if he enjoyed M&G's before his diagnosis and you have the opportunity after he is healed!

[Houndtime]

I am so sorry to read this. I am wishing for a full and speedy recovery for your handsome Ranger.

I do hate cancer.