Guest Shermanator Posted June 13, 2010 Share Posted June 13, 2010 Sherman's been showing some inconsistent signs of pain. Intermittent panting, occasional lethargy, and inconsisent limping. I couldn't nail it down, and I thought he may have pulled a muscle- the limping increased while walking. I also noticed his right front wrist looked a little larger, and different from the left one, but I chalked it up to being an over-nervous mamma. Today during our walk he started limping badly, so I took him to the vet. Of course he was walking without a limp for the vet. We took an xray of his front wrists, since the right one- the vet noticed it was a little larger than the left, and Sherman showed pain when it was flexed. The xrays came back, and showed a black spot on his wrist. It was partially in the bone, and grew outside of the bone. He vet thought it could be a bone cyst, and was not ready to call it osteo. He told us to return in a month, to see if its grown. They gave Sherms a cortisone shot to help with the inflammation. However, if the pain increased, come back sooner. I felt stunned. Sherman is only 9. I am terrified. After I got over the initial shock, and DH and I talked,we decided to go back on Monday. Our normal super savy greyhound vet was on vacation, and the regular vet is back Monday. I think we need a fine needle aspiration to get some awnsers, rather than wait a month. What do you guys think? Does anyone have experience with this? Is a bone cyst possible? Please no, I cannot lose my Sherman. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggiespet Posted June 13, 2010 Share Posted June 13, 2010 I'm sorry I have no experience or advice. But I will be asking for no cancer in my prayers for Sherman. Hugs to you. Quote http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g240/mtbucket/siggies/Everyday-2.jpgJane - forever servant to the whims and wishes of Maggie (L's Magnolia of JCKC) and Sam the mutt pup.[/b] She's classy, sassy and a bit smart assy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MandysMom Posted June 13, 2010 Share Posted June 13, 2010 No advice, just sending prayers for Sherman Quote 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...
Batmom Posted June 13, 2010 Share Posted June 13, 2010 Bone cysts and bone infections are possible. Is he tested regularly for VF? I would have a board certified radiologist review the x-ray. Hoping it amounts to something well treatable. 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...
Tallgreydogmom Posted June 13, 2010 Share Posted June 13, 2010 I'm for more investigation now, not in a month. Is there a specialist around?? Quote Then God sent the Greyhound to live among man and remember. And when the Day comes, God will call the Greyhound to give Testament, and God will pass judgment on man. (Persian Proverb) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Shermanator Posted June 13, 2010 Share Posted June 13, 2010 I'm for more investigation now, not in a month. Is there a specialist around?? I have no ideas. I have never been in this position before. My vet is back on Monday, he's the one I really trust. I want him to look at Sherm's xrays and see what he thinks. Sherman is my heart doggie and first grey. Mama's boy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TeddysMom Posted June 13, 2010 Share Posted June 13, 2010 I am glad that you are not waiting. My thoughts and prayers will be coming Sherman's way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bigorangedog Posted June 13, 2010 Share Posted June 13, 2010 Yes, do not wait. Have a radiologist (or possible OSU) review the rads immediately. I don't mean to scare you, but my vet always says that in a greyhound of that age, a lesion in the wrist, shoulder or knee is almost certain to be osteo. But yes, you should rule out cyst or bone infection. A radiologist can probably do that without a FNA. I've had 5 osteo hounds in the past year. If I can help in any way, do not hesitate to ask. Sending all the best thoughts your way!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Shermanator Posted June 13, 2010 Share Posted June 13, 2010 Yes, do not wait. Have a radiologist (or possible OSU) review the rads immediately. I don't mean to scare you, but my vet always says that in a greyhound of that age, a lesion in the wrist, shoulder or knee is almost certain to be osteo. But yes, you should rule out cyst or bone infection. A radiologist can probably do that without a FNA. I've had 5 osteo hounds in the past year. If I can help in any way, do not hesitate to ask. Sending all the best thoughts your way!!!! Oh, God. I've been scared since I saw the xrays. I do not think I am ready to face it. I know that a lesion in the wrist area is usually osteo, and the vet I saw said if it wasn't cancer, it is most likely a precursor to cancer. I'm terrified. I need Monday to get here, now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted June 13, 2010 Share Posted June 13, 2010 We'll cross our fingers here and send good thoughts for Sherman and you. I hope it's not what you fear. Quote 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kydie Posted June 13, 2010 Share Posted June 13, 2010 I am so glad you are not waiting for a month, please keep usposted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Smiley Posted June 13, 2010 Share Posted June 13, 2010 I am so, so sorry you are going through this. Having gone through this twice this year, I so understand the fear and anxiety of waiting to see what exactly is going on with your baby. Hang in there-you'll make it through this. Hour by hour until you know what's happening. I'm sending many prayers and hugs to both you and Sherman. Praying for good news. . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted June 13, 2010 Share Posted June 13, 2010 If you need a specialist, these people are great, I used the cardio vet for Sugar. If I remember correctly, they are in you part of town, too. ARIZONA VETERINARY SPECIALISTS, LLC 86 West Juniper Avenue Gilbert AZ 85233 Phone: 480-635-1110 (AVS) 480-497-0222 (EAC) http://www.azvs.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tamborine Posted June 13, 2010 Share Posted June 13, 2010 Doesn't black on an xray indicate airspace? Wouldn't a tumor show up as white? Quote Maryann, Bama (TW Beltram), Stephanie (Tom's Stepinhi) & Henderson the Cardigan Welsh Corgi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bigorangedog Posted June 13, 2010 Share Posted June 13, 2010 Doesn't black on an xray indicate airspace? Wouldn't a tumor show up as white? Osteo causes the bone to thin... Sort of like exploding the bone from the inside out. So you get a "sunburst" pattern in the most typical cases. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Greytluv Posted June 13, 2010 Share Posted June 13, 2010 Sherman :candle Be strong for Sherman. Send the xrays to Dr. Couto. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Stripeyfan Posted June 13, 2010 Share Posted June 13, 2010 Sending prayers and hugs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFullHouse Posted June 13, 2010 Share Posted June 13, 2010 Many prayers for Sherman. Quote Judy, mom to Darth Vader, Bandita, And Angel Forever in our hearts, DeeYoGee, Dani, Emmy, Andy, Heart, Saint, Valentino, Arrow, Gee, Bebe, Jilly Bean, Bullitt, Pistol, Junior, Sammie, Joey, Gizmo, Do Bee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joejoesmom Posted June 14, 2010 Share Posted June 14, 2010 The x-rays that I have seen of osteosarcoma do look like "starbursts". But I am far from an expert. I would imagine that bone cancer could look like other things too, just that a starburst is the most common. I would definitely send the xrays to OSU for a second opinion. There is no charge for this but they are hurting for money right now. If you can afford it, either sign up for their website ($99) or donate whatever you feel you can afford on the donation page. Here is the info: OSU Greyhound Health and Wellness Program OSU College of Veterinary Medicine 601 Vernon Tharp Street Columbus, Ohio 43210 Phone: (614) 247-6757 or (614) 247-8490 Email: greyosu@osu.edu Website: http://www.vet.ohio-state.edu/GHWP.htm (registration and fee now required to get full access to this site) 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. They do 20 to 30 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 Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Shermanator Posted June 14, 2010 Share Posted June 14, 2010 Thank you everyone, thank you, thank you! Sherman is okay this morning, not really limping, but not himself 100%. I am sad, since I realized last night I have not seen Sherman get the 'zommies' in the past week or so. Every time he'd poop, he'd race into the house like , "WHOO! I pooped!" I think the wrist has swelled up again, but not too much. He's still panting off and on, but I'm seeing it more when he walks. But, he's not really limping. Sweet boy. I'm calling the vet this morning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest SusanP Posted June 14, 2010 Share Posted June 14, 2010 No words of wisdom here--just sending hopeful thoughts for a quick healing and no cancer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted June 14, 2010 Share Posted June 14, 2010 Some info about VF mimicking bone cancer -- the 2nd link has a nice picture: http://www.greyhound-data.com/dir/390/Cocciodiodomycosis_%28Valley_Fever%29.pdf http://www.vfce.arizona.edu/VFCE%20OLD/ValleyFever/canine/canine.htm 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 ShootersDad Posted June 14, 2010 Share Posted June 14, 2010 The starburst shows osteo already. I took Iron Man up to OSU at first signs of a limp. The x-rayed showed something going on with his bone. It was very early and we amputated. It came back as Osteo. Have a spcialist look at it and I will always get a second opinion from OSU. Hugs, Cora and the furkis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bigorangedog Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 Checking in for updates? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Shermanator Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 It is cancer. Our regular vet came back from vacation, and looked at Sherman's x rays, and confirmed its cancer. I trust him very much, he is extremely knowledgeable in greyhounds, and sees a lot of valley fever, and a lot of bone cancer, and confirmed Sherman has cancer. We are devastated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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