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Sadly, Another Osteo Diagnosis


Guest Lunchbox

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Guest Lunchbox

Hello everyone. I have used this forum as a resource for several years. But I have rarely been an active participant on these boards and I apologize for that. I have noticed a significant number of Grey parents suffering the loss of a loved four legged family member and thought it only appropriate to share our story.

 

My wife and I adopted Moscow three summers ago so that our first adoptee, Draft, would have a companion while we were at work during the day. Moscow has been a loving member since and was nick named "Heart Thief" by my wife. About two weeks ago we noticed Moscow had a limp (one that I now realize is how most parents find out the bad news). On Wednesday of last week we noticed Moscow's hurt leg had not gotten better and had also developed a swell. By Friday of last week we are sitting in the vets office looking at xrays of Moscow's left front leg that clearly shows a tumor above the ankle. By that time I had already done a good deal of research and was expecting the bad news. His lungs are clear at this time, but as you all know that does not rule out microscopic mets.

 

We are scheduling a biopsy for later this week. We understand that the chances of something other than osteosarcoma are a long shot at best. But we feel better knowing without a doubt what he suffers from before we make a decision on his future. At this time Moscow is his normal energetic self and still holds a very healthy appetite. But we know this will degrade very quickly.

 

My heart goes out to all of you that have lost a pet. Either by cancer or other means. I never imagined it would hurt this bad. But on a positive note, I think my wife and I will both take life lessons from this experience. Primarily to enjoy our lives a bit more with each other and cut back on the 12 hour work days. As Moscow may show us that your time can be up quickly and without warning.

Edited by Lunchbox
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Guest MorganKonaAlex

I'm so sorry to hear about Moscow's diagnosis. What type of biopsy is planned? A fine needle aspiration is not too invasive but a negative result is not conclusive. A core biopsy is where they actually remove a piece of bone. They can be very painful and weaken the bone, sometimes leading to a broken bone. Not knowing better, I had a bone biopsy done on my grey Alex. Maximum doses of Tramadol and Rimadyl didn't provide enough pain relief afterwards. I would strongly recommend not doing that type of biopsy. If there is doubt, why not get a 2nd opinion with the xrays?

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Guest Lunchbox

I'm so sorry to hear about Moscow's diagnosis. What type of biopsy is planned? A fine needle aspiration is not too invasive but a negative result is not conclusive. A core biopsy is where they actually remove a piece of bone. They can be very painful and weaken the bone, sometimes leading to a broken bone. Not knowing better, I had a bone biopsy done on my grey Alex. Maximum doses of Tramadol and Rimadyl didn't provide enough pain relief afterwards. I would strongly recommend not doing that type of biopsy. If there is doubt, why not get a 2nd opinion with the xrays?

 

Thank you. Our vet has told us that she will not be the one doing the biopsy. She is referring us to a specialist at a different office. We are expecting to get a call from the specialist in the next day or so. So I do not know which type of biopsy will be performed. But I agree with you. I fear a core biopsy may weaken or even break the bone. Obviously the specialist will look at the xrays which will suffice for a second opinion. I do however have the xrays on disc that I can email to Dr. Couto.

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Guest Heehoo
We are scheduling a biopsy for later this week. We understand that the chances of something other than osteosarcoma are a long shot at best
First let me say I am so sorry about this. Its just not fair.

My 6 yr old black greyhound Gogh started limping on a Friday, he was being boarded at the adoption kennel while I recuperating from a bad fall. By Monday when he was taken to the vet for xrays, his ankle was swollen, xrays showed a tumor. They did not xray his lungs. My vet looked at his xrays on Wednesday, I went home on that Thursday, Gogh came home to me on Friday. The following Monday I took him to my vet & before a biopsy was done, he did a lung xray which showed a nodule. There was then no use in subjecting Gogh to a bone biopsy.

Gogh lived another month. He was already by then showing signs of internal bleeding. What I'm leading to is, perhaps have another lung xray done before the biopsy, this is a very very agressive disease.

My prayers are with you. beatinghearts.gif

Edited by Heehoo
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I am sorry to hear about the initial diagnosis for Moscow. Have you sent X-rays to Dr. Coutu to get a second opinion just to make sure? As you have likely read, his team know their stuff. Regardless of the decision you make for your boy, I wish him and you many happy moments and hope he is one of the lucky ones that will be around for a while to come.

Kyle with Stewie ('Super C Ledoux, Super C Sampson x Sing It Blondie) and forever missing my three angels, Jack ('Roy Jack', Greys Flambeau x Miss Cobblepot) and Charlie ('CTR Midas Touch', Leo's Midas x Hallo Argentina) and Shelby ('Shari's Hooty', Flying Viper x Shari Carusi) running free across the bridge.

Gus an coinnich sinn a'rithist my boys and little girl.

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Guest Smiley

I am so very sorry. We just lost our Smiley to osteo and I know how scary and devastating this disease is. We'll be keeping your Moscow in our thoughts and prayers. Please keep us updated.

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You are going about this very intelligently and trying to be as informed as possible. Of course, making any kind of rational decision when facing this horrible diagnosis is so difficult. Follow your heart based on your best information, and know that any decision made out of love and concern is right for you and Moscow.

Sadly, we know what you are going through. I'm so sorry.

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Nancy, Mom to Evangelina and Kiva
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I am so very sorry.

 

I would recommend against a bone biopsy. Dr. Couto feels they are too invasive and too high a risk of complication (broken bone etc. He recommends a needle aspiration. Here is some info on Dr. Couto's team. If you decide to come visit him in person, please let me know. I can arrange local support and possibly a place for you to stay.

 

Jane

 

OSU Greyhound Health and Wellness Program:

Phone: (614) 247-6757

Email: greyosu@osu.edu

Website: http://www.vet.ohio-state.edu/GHWP.htm

 

This email goes to the team. If Dr. Couto is traveling, you may get a quicker answer from one of his team members. Drs. Marin and Zaldivar typically respond to greyhound owners.

 

Dr. Couto, Department Head, Greyhound Medicine, Oncolology and Hematology

Dr. Lili Marin, Greyhound Health and Oncology

Dr. Sara Zaldivar, Greyhound Health and Oncology

Dr. William Kisselberth, Oncology

Dr. Cheryl London, Oncology

Dr. Cristina Iazbik, Blood Bank Director and Hematologist

Dr. Bridget Urie, Oncology Resident

Dr. Matt Sherger, Oncology Resident

Dawn Hudson, Vet Tech

Ashley DeFelice, Vet Tech

Stacey Gallant, Vet Tech

 

Drs Marin and Zaldivar are originally from Spanish speaking countries. If you have trouble understanding them over the phone, you might ask for one of the other vets or vet techs to translate.

 

Dr. Couto's direct email is:

couto.1@osu.edu

His phone number is also 614-247-6757. If he is in town, he typically returns emails in the early hours of the morning.

 

You should know that (in my humble opinion) they need more staff. Unfortunately finances do not permit it at this time. I think they do about 20 consults a day along with all of their "in canine" patients. There is no charge for phone/email consultations. Depending on their workload there may be a wait for the consultation.

 

If you decide to visit OSU please contact me. I may be able to put you up in a local home, provide moral support, or just help with logistics:

 

Finewhipador-drool@yahoo.com

 

The main number for the veterinary hospital is 614-292-3551

Edited by joejoesmom
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Guest Lunchbox

Joejoesmom, thank you so much for the info. And if we decide a trip up north will help I will surely contact you.

 

I was already leery of having a core biopsy done, but after hearing from you guys it makes me even more against it. I definately want to be able to have a conclusive diagnosis. And I feel that a core biopsy is the way to get it. But like several of you have mentioned it may not be worth the pain endured by Moscow. I really like the idea of having a follow up xray performed. As mentioned that would negate the need for a biopsy. I will definately email Dr. Couto's team with the xrays.

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I'm so sorry to hear of Moscow's troubles. sad.gif

 

I would also advise against the bone biopsy - it can be diagnosed conclusively without it. You can contact OSU before you visit the specialist - they can give you some additional background that you can discuss at your appointment.

 

Best wishes for you & Moscow. hope.gif

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Our beloved angels Faolin & Liath, & kittehs Mona & Caesar. Remembering Bobby, Doc McCoy, & Chip McGrath.

"He feeds you, pets you, adores you, collects your poop in a bag. There's only one explanation: you are a hairy little god." Nick Galifinakis

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Guest IrskasMom

I am so sorry , to hear yet of another sad News . Dr Couto's Opinion is absolutly neccesary . I wish you the best for Moscow . I am glad to you are here and keeping us Updated . :):):)

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I am so sad and sorry to read this. I hope you have many good day together. Make memories and take pictures. Enjoy his time with you.

Irene Ullmann w/Flying Odin and Mama Mia in Lower Delaware
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I am so sorry to hear about Moscow. You've gotten lots of good advice here. It is truly amazing how very much this hurts. Not in that it is more than you expect, it is just so very different. Make lots of memories with your boy. Know that we are all here to help you along this journey.

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Guest Fasave

Not the diagnosis any one wants to hear and I am very sorry. I did think I would perhaps share a little encouraging news. My friends grey was diagnosed with osteo in September in the same area you describe. She chose not to amputate. She has had the x-rays read by Dr. Couto's team, as well as, another local vet and they concur with the diagnosis. It has now been six months and he's not showing signs of discomfort most days but has pain meds if needed. He stayed with me last week while his mom went on vacation. We're all stumped as to why he's doing so well but it is a gift. Perhaps you too will have some more quality time ahead of you. Take care.

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I'm sorry. I've seen those evil x-rays. It's heartbreaking. :grouphug

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I'm so sorry to hear this. :grouphug

Cynthia, & Cristiano, galgo
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Newdawn Frost, Keno Jet Action & Chloe (NGA racing name unknown), Irys (galgo), Hannah (weim), Cruz (galgo), & Carly CW Your Charming

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Guest bigorangedog

So sorry to hear about this diagnosis. I just hate hearing this same story over and over. I have had 5 greyhounds with osteo in the past year. We did leg amputations on the 2 who were candidates (they are still with us). I've written a little guide on What To Expect with Leg Amputations if you decide to go that route. You can find it on my blog (in my signature line here). If you have any questions or I can help in any way, please let me know! Wishing you all the best.

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