Guest ronka68 Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 I started asking questions under another topic but a kind soul suggested I start a new topic and so I am here. My 6 year old female was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her left elbow this past Thursday. She is my first greyhound (I have two) and my heart dog. We have contacted Dr. Cuoto and I will be overnighting her xrays tomorrow. My vet has given me a Chinese herb called Bone Stasis to give her in the meantime. I also switched her food to a cool protein (duck, turkey or fish). I also got some Artemisia and tried giving her some of that last night and it made her sick. Poor sweet girl threw up in her bed, threw up on my arm this morning, threw up on my leg when I was trying to comfort her. Serves me right. She is also taking Rimadyl (I hate this stuff, but it works) and Tramadol for pain control. I spent Friday on the internet at the OSU site and Bone Cancer Dogs and another site researching. I have read many of the topics in this discussion group. I swing from hope to dispair. She has a fractured rear right hock which retired her and it was not fixed at the track. The rescue group fixed it when they got her to Maine 3-4 days later but at that point it was set and they did the best they could but it has never been right. She favors it and frequently stands holding that leg up. She can walk on it and run on it, but I'm also very scared that they would rule her out as an amputation candidate because of this leg. I feel like I need to be DOING more. Like we're just sitting here while that horrible tumor that I can clearly see in the x-rays is growing and eating that bone and at any second, if it hasn't already, may metastasize (so far they can't see anything on xray). I'm having a tough evening dealing with this which is disappointing after having a pretty good day. She is laying on the couch with her head in my lap as I type this. Her usual position. I can touch that traitorous elbow that feels so normal. Looks so normal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seeh2o Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 I don't have any experience with this, but want to send good thoughts to you and your girl as you travel this road together. Un/Fortunately, there are lots of people on GT who have gone through this with their dogs and can share their experiences with you. Gentle hugs to you and Girly Girl. Sunsands Doodles: Doodles aka Claire, Bella Run Softly: Softy aka Bowie (the Diamond Dog) Missing my beautiful boy Sunsands Carl 2.25.2003 - 4.1.2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobinM Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 Hugs to you. I am sorry. I have been this route and did the amputation and chemo and still only had 5 months. I have one hound that because of other health issues would not be a candidate for amputation either so I understand the dilemma you are having. Spoil, love & keep her comfortable for as long as you can. Maybe OSU will think she is OK for the amp, but ultimately you know your girly girl best. 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...
galgrey Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 No personal experience with osteo either, but just wanted to say I'm sorry. Cynthia, & Cristiano, galgoAlways in my heart: Frostman Newdawn Frost, Keno Jet Action & Chloe (NGA racing name unknown), Irys (galgo), Hannah (weim), Cruz (galgo), & Carly CW Your Charming Princess http://www.greyhound-data.com/d?i=1018857 "It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are." -- Unknown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest eaglflyt Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 I'm praying for both of you. Bless your hearts. I'm thinking and guessing that since she can walk and run on her leg with the old hock injury that she may be fine for surgery. I hope that Dr. Couto and his team have good news after reviewing the x-rays of your girl and that they recommend quick treatment. I'm praying that you will have a long time together with her to come. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPoopon Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 Standard Poodle Daisy (12/13) Missing Cora (RL Nevada 5/99-10/09), Piper (Cee Bar Easy 2/99-1/10), Tally (Thunder La La 9/99-3/10), Edie (Daring Reva 9/99-10/12), Dixie (Kiowa Secret Sue 11/01-1/13), Jessie (P's Real Time 11/98-3/13), token boy Graham (Zydeco Dancer 9/00-5/13), Cal (Back Already 12/99-11/13), Betsy (Back Kick Beth 11/98-12/13), Standard Poodles Minnie (1/99-1/14) + Perry (9/98-2/14), Annie (Do Marcia 9/03-10/14), Pink (Miss Pinky Baker 1/02-6/15), Poppy (Cmon Err Not 8/05-1/16), Kat (Jax Candy 5/05-5/17), Ivy (Jax Isis 10/07-7/21), Hildy (Braska Hildy 7/10-12/22), Opal (Jax Opal 7/08-4/23). Toodles (BL Toodles 7/09-4/24) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaliforniaGreys Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 You will both be in our prayers as well. 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...
Houndtime Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 I can offer no advice, but, just wanted to say that I am sorry you were handed this awful diagnosis. I wish you and your sweet girl all the best. 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...
greytluck Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 I have no experience with OS, but I can just imagine how hard this is on you. Sending prayers for Girly Girl and your whole family during this difficult time. Hobbes-Ricard Hatch09/23/99-12/21/09 Always loved, never forgotten. Wally TNJ Boy Howdy, GLS Genuinerisk Corinna Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ronka68 Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 Thank you all. Tonight it helps just knowing we have good thoughts coming our way and that I'm not alone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greytpups Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 No words, just keeping you in my thoughts and prayers Jan with precious pups Emmy (Stormin J Flag) and Simon (Nitro Si) and Abbey Field. Missing my angels: Bailey Buffetbobleclair 11/11/98-17/12/09; Ben Task Rapid Wave 5/5/02-2/11/15; Brooke Glo's Destroyer 7/09/06-21/06/16 and Katie Crazykatiebug 12/11/06 -21/08/21. My blog about grief The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not get over the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same, nor would you want to. ― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carronstar Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 Adding my prayers and good thoughts for you and your Girly Girl. You are definitely not alone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 3greysinPA Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 You are not alone.. sending many prayers for your Girly Girl and hugs for you too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Greytluv Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 Sending healing white light for Girly Girl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Energy11 Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 I am VERY sorry to hear this, especially at such a young age. A good friend of mine lost her seven yr old boy to OS. I, personally do not amputate. It is more of a personal decision, and others have had great success with it. I am more for palliative care (pain management). Our Max was diagnosed very early, at 11.5, and had almost three good months with us, and was able to move out of Florida with us, too. I'd contact OSU, explain everything, and go from there. Lots of love, hugs and support! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 Sending prayers for you and your girlie. Please make sure that what you are giving is Artemesinin, not Artemesia. The latter is poisonous. 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 Whistle Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 I'm sorry to hear about your girl. I just went through this with my "heart hound." Spoil that little girl rotten and cherish every moment. We'll be thinking of you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TwinklenRea Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 My thoughts and prayers are with you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarcR Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 I'm sorry you and your girl are facing OS. You are in contact with Dr. Cuoto, which is one of the best things you can do for her. Marc and Myun plus Starbuck (the cat)Pinky my AWOL girl, wherever you are, I miss you.Angels Honey (6/30/99-11/3/11) Nadia (5/11/99-6/4/12) Kara (6/5/99-7/17/12) Cleo (4/13/2000-4/19/2014) Antnee (12/1/2002=2/20/17) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
racindog Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 I don't know what to say other than I will be praying for you and Girlie Girl and I serve an awesome God. Don't give up. Try to have faith. I remember a story in CG not too long ago that highlighted several long term survivors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MandysMom Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 No advice, just sending prayers for Girly Girl. Beverly. Missing my happy toy-flinging boy Sammy (Where's Mandrill), (8/12/2009-9/30-2021) Desperately missing my angel Mandy (BB's Luv) [7/1/2000 - 9/18/2012]. Always missing Meg the Dalmatian and Ralph Malph the Pekeapoo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mcsheltie Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 Just wanted you to know we will be thinking of you. Sending our prayers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brandimom Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 I have not been down this road but I know you will receive some good advice/suggestions from other GT folks that have gone down this road. I just wanted to let you know that my deepest thoughts are with you and Girly Girly. I am also sending many prayers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cleptogrey Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 the chinese herbs could be upsetting her. i know, i have used acupuncture and chinese herbs for years. start w/ a much smaller dosage and slowly add more as she tolerates them. for a duck based food, i use eagle pack duck and oatmeal. i know in chinese medicine, barley is considered a cool grains. i wonder if the oatmeal is o.k. you herbologist is trying to keep the wind/heat down. check out cool foods on an acupuncture site, that might help. good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FreddyGirl Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 Big hug for you and Girly Girl, your sweet baby Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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