Osteo Diagnosis

[cmc333]

Gypsy is home for Christmas. Bittersweet, but I do feel better for knowing she's home for good. Thank you everyone for helping me make the decision to get her before Christmas. It was the right one.

 

Connie

[Guest ChasesMum]

glad she's home! *hugs*

 

Chase's ashes we got back in a scatter box. George too, and it was nice in some ways (what on earth do you tell a 5.5 yr old about euthanasia and cremation) to show our oldest DD that they would make Chase into ashes and this is what it looks like etc. She poked it and at least could put something solid in her mind. THe vet clinic also did an extra pawprint just for her... awwww! so sweet. So when we finish the yard and put in the deck and plant some trees they will be sprinkled in the yard so that they are a part of it always. Not all the ashes, but some.

 

Years ago we got back my spaniel's ashes in a cedar box and it was glued shut, I never wanted to risk ruining it by prying it open...

[Guest racergirl435]

Thinking of you Jen.

[NeylasMom]

Years ago we got back my spaniel's ashes in a cedar box and it was glued shut, I never wanted to risk ruining it by prying it open...

One of the many things I wish I didn't have to know that I learned this week - you can ask for the urn back "unsealed" so that you can open it if you choose to in the future. With the place I went with, it's a walnut box with 2 screws on teh bottom and then the ashes will be in a plastic bag "just in case".

 

Connie, glad to hear that Gypsy is home. I'm sorry I hadn't had a chance to post earlier, I couldn't offer you advice anyway.

 

I feel strangely unemotional. I really don't think it's sunk in yet although my friend mentioned that with cancer it's a bit different since you have a lot of time to prepare yourself. Still, I think the pain is yet to come. I had a hard time processing that she was even gone. She just looked like she was sleeping. I kept checking for breathing or a heart beat after the vet was gone.

[Guest roselle]

Jen, I am so sorry. There are no words. Take care of your self. Neyla, run free there is no more pain for you. Hugs, Roselle and Gracy

[Guest greytfulhounds]

Years ago we got back my spaniel's ashes in a cedar box and it was glued shut, I never wanted to risk ruining it by prying it open...

One of the many things I wish I didn't have to know that I learned this week - you can ask for the urn back "unsealed" so that you can open it if you choose to in the future. With the place I went with, it's a walnut box with 2 screws on teh bottom and then the ashes will be in a plastic bag "just in case".

 

Connie, glad to hear that Gypsy is home. I'm sorry I hadn't had a chance to post earlier, I couldn't offer you advice anyway.

 

I feel strangely unemotional. I really don't think it's sunk in yet although my friend mentioned that with cancer it's a bit different since you have a lot of time to prepare yourself. Still, I think the pain is yet to come. I had a hard time processing that she was even gone. She just looked like she was sleeping. I kept checking for breathing or a heart beat after the vet was gone.

 

Jen, I think that is not so strange at all. Given the intensity of the last 7 plus months of fighting this disease you are exhausted. You have been in non stop reaction mode helping Neyla to live with grace, dignity & giving her a beautiful quality of life. Neyla's passing was peaceful & without regrets as you gave her not only the best post track life ever but you made these last 7 months special for both of you. What will be hard are the days going forward as your routine changes & your worrying about medications, doses, pain management,etc are no longer there. It will be times like these that you miss her physical being but her beautiful memory will always be as close as your heart.

 

Sending you strength & caring thoughts.....please be good to yourself & give yourself the time that you need to grieve & come to terms with all that has happened these past months. Neyla was a very lucky girl to have had you in her life.

[Guest racergirl435]

 

Jen, I think that is not so strange at all. Given the intensity of the last 7 plus months of fighting this disease you are exhausted. You have been in non stop reaction mode helping Neyla to live with grace, dignity & giving her a beautiful quality of life. Neyla's passing was peaceful & without regrets as you gave her not only the best post track life ever but you made these last 7 months special for both of you. What will be hard are the days going forward as your routine changes & your worrying about medications, doses, pain management,etc are no longer there. It will be times like these that you miss her physical being but her beautiful memory will always be as close as your heart.

 

Sending you strength & caring thoughts.....please be good to yourself & give yourself the time that you need to grieve & come to terms with all that has happened these past months. Neyla was a very lucky girl to have had you in her life.

 

That's a beautiful post and perfectly stated and ditto what you said. Jen, you are lucky that you had the option to do what you did at home, thereby making the journey less stressful. You brought peace to Neyla and in doing so, hopefully now YOU will be able to find some peace for yourself. Your girl is running free and being as silly as she can be now.

 

Jess

[Guest goldandgreen182]

I haven't posted in here in months, but have been following along nearly every day. Our grey Winston had been diagnosed with osteo on Halloween and had an amp performed the next day. He recovered phenomenally well and is doing great, however, as our late he seems to have a change in behavior. He handled his first batch of chemo 4 weeks ago very well, but doesn't seem himself after this last batch on Sunday. He is pantingly increasingly and drinking a lot more. More worrisome, however, is that he seems he's becoming aggressive. When just petting him, he'll just growl, snap, and bark out of nowhere. After this, though, he is fine. It is now happening almost once a day, so I don't know if hes in pain, if its the chemo, or just something else, but the family is becoming more and more scared to go over and lay next to him or pet him for a long time. It seems that his eyes are wider and that he's more on alert and less affectionate. I don;t know if this is common with this treatment or not. Has anyone had anything happen like thus before?

[Guest roselle]

I haven't posted in here in months, but have been following along nearly every day. Our grey Winston had been diagnosed with osteo on Halloween and had an amp performed the next day. He recovered phenomenally well and is doing great, however, as our late he seems to have a change in behavior. He handled his first batch of chemo 4 weeks ago very well, but doesn't seem himself after this last batch on Sunday. He is pantingly increasingly and drinking a lot more. More worrisome, however, is that he seems he's becoming aggressive. When just petting him, he'll just growl, snap, and bark out of nowhere. After this, though, he is fine. It is now happening almost once a day, so I don't know if hes in pain, if its the chemo, or just something else, but the family is becoming more and more scared to go over and lay next to him or pet him for a long time. It seems that his eyes are wider and that he's more on alert and less affectionate. I don;t know if this is common with this treatment or not. Has anyone had anything happen like thus before?

Hi, this sounds very familiar. It sounds like pain to me. Our Lab who is 18 has very bad arthritis and gets real grumpy if I forget hid meds. As long as I am timely with his meds he's o.k., as soon as I forget he will bark at the air, if someone walks by he growls. He has never lashed out he just threatens. Panting is also a sign of pain. My Gracy was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in late july and I have noticed an increase in panting and she just had her 4th. treatment. I have mentioned it to the oncologist and they are not concerned, it's not lung mets, we know that. Winston has increased panting and is grouchy it really sounds like pain. If your vet gave you a range for increasing Winstons pain meds you know what you can push it to. If you don't have instructions to increase then you should make a call. I hope some other more experienced people out there will help out here. Good luck and let us know how thing are going. Rosekke and Gracy

[Charlies_Dad]

Agreed, panting is often a sign of pain and his new aggression could be his way of just warning you. Something obviously is not right and you do need to discuss this with your vet ASAP to prevent it escalating (his aggression) and hopefully reducing whatever is causing his change in behaviour. What chemo protocol is Winston on? Carboplatin or Doxyrubicin? I do not believe this is a side effect of chemo however every pup is different. Is he on any other pain medicine? Some of those can cause anxiety and panting, e.g. Tramadol. Again the most important thing is speak to your vet and provide all the details of his behaviour.

[Guest goldandgreen182]

The treatment was carboplatin. He hasn't been on any pain meds since about a week after the surgery, but it might be time to start him on some. We'll call the vet and see what they think.

[NeylasMom]

Years ago we got back my spaniel's ashes in a cedar box and it was glued shut, I never wanted to risk ruining it by prying it open...

One of the many things I wish I didn't have to know that I learned this week - you can ask for the urn back "unsealed" so that you can open it if you choose to in the future. With the place I went with, it's a walnut box with 2 screws on teh bottom and then the ashes will be in a plastic bag "just in case".

 

Connie, glad to hear that Gypsy is home. I'm sorry I hadn't had a chance to post earlier, I couldn't offer you advice anyway.

 

I feel strangely unemotional. I really don't think it's sunk in yet although my friend mentioned that with cancer it's a bit different since you have a lot of time to prepare yourself. Still, I think the pain is yet to come. I had a hard time processing that she was even gone. She just looked like she was sleeping. I kept checking for breathing or a heart beat after the vet was gone.

 

Jen, I think that is not so strange at all. Given the intensity of the last 7 plus months of fighting this disease you are exhausted. You have been in non stop reaction mode helping Neyla to live with grace, dignity & giving her a beautiful quality of life. Neyla's passing was peaceful & without regrets as you gave her not only the best post track life ever but you made these last 7 months special for both of you. What will be hard are the days going forward as your routine changes & your worrying about medications, doses, pain management,etc are no longer there. It will be times like these that you miss her physical being but her beautiful memory will always be as close as your heart.

 

Sending you strength & caring thoughts.....please be good to yourself & give yourself the time that you need to grieve & come to terms with all that has happened these past months. Neyla was a very lucky girl to have had you in her life.

Thank you Sherry. This is really beautifully stated and rings very true for me. I think it will be harder when I get home and her absence is more obvious, especially like you said when it comes to having to adjust to new routines. Right now, at times it's as if we're just away and she's at home with my friends watching her even though I know that's not true. My family is not particularly good at being supportive either. I think they think I just need to be distracted. Not a single "I'm sorry for your loss" or "How are you doing" since I've arrived. Thank god I have the support of all of you and everyone else on GT, as well as some good friends at home who "get it".

 

I hope everyone is having a great holiday. I'm thankfully back at the place where I'm staying by myself - going to curl up with Zuri and watch a movie.

 

Oh, and I'm sorry I don't have any advice for Winston. that it's nothing major and you're able to get it sorted out.

[joejoesmom]

I haven't posted in here in months, but have been following along nearly every day. Our grey Winston had been diagnosed with osteo on Halloween and had an amp performed the next day. He recovered phenomenally well and is doing great, however, as our late he seems to have a change in behavior. He handled his first batch of chemo 4 weeks ago very well, but doesn't seem himself after this last batch on Sunday. He is pantingly increasingly and drinking a lot more. More worrisome, however, is that he seems he's becoming aggressive. When just petting him, he'll just growl, snap, and bark out of nowhere. After this, though, he is fine. It is now happening almost once a day, so I don't know if hes in pain, if its the chemo, or just something else, but the family is becoming more and more scared to go over and lay next to him or pet him for a long time. It seems that his eyes are wider and that he's more on alert and less affectionate. I don;t know if this is common with this treatment or not. Has anyone had anything happen like thus before?

 

I have not heard of this being a side effect of chemo, but it is definitely a side effect of pain. I would contact your vet as soon as they are back in the office. It could be that being a tripod has caused him to "tweak" his back causing pain (my Joe didn't have trouble with his lumbar stenosis prior to amp but has had some episodes post amp that required tramadol). It could also be that the chemo has impacted his digestive system enough to cause pain. Your vet might want to do a hemocult to look for blood in the stool (indicative of an ulcer or other bleeding in the digestive system). You might need an orthopedic specialist and or x-rays to look at the spine. It is also possible, but not likely, that the cancer has "jumped" the lungs and gone into another bone.

 

Has he been getting any meds to protect his stomach? Joe didn't have vomiting but he was more picky when it came to eating and he had some bouts with diarrhea. OSU has me give him famotidine before every meal. They also had me give him Cerenia (at least I think that is what it was) for 5 days after each chemo. He also got pepto-bismol sometimes and got metronidazole (Flagyl) for diarrhea.

 

In the absence of any definite cause of his behavior change, I would consider treating him for pain and seeing if that improves things.

 

Jane

[joejoesmom]

Years ago we got back my spaniel's ashes in a cedar box and it was glued shut, I never wanted to risk ruining it by prying it open...

One of the many things I wish I didn't have to know that I learned this week - you can ask for the urn back "unsealed" so that you can open it if you choose to in the future. With the place I went with, it's a walnut box with 2 screws on teh bottom and then the ashes will be in a plastic bag "just in case".

 

Connie, glad to hear that Gypsy is home. I'm sorry I hadn't had a chance to post earlier, I couldn't offer you advice anyway.

 

I feel strangely unemotional. I really don't think it's sunk in yet although my friend mentioned that with cancer it's a bit different since you have a lot of time to prepare yourself. Still, I think the pain is yet to come. I had a hard time processing that she was even gone. She just looked like she was sleeping. I kept checking for breathing or a heart beat after the vet was gone.

 

Jen, I think that is not so strange at all. Given the intensity of the last 7 plus months of fighting this disease you are exhausted. You have been in non stop reaction mode helping Neyla to live with grace, dignity & giving her a beautiful quality of life. Neyla's passing was peaceful & without regrets as you gave her not only the best post track life ever but you made these last 7 months special for both of you. What will be hard are the days going forward as your routine changes & your worrying about medications, doses, pain management,etc are no longer there. It will be times like these that you miss her physical being but her beautiful memory will always be as close as your heart.

 

Sending you strength & caring thoughts.....please be good to yourself & give yourself the time that you need to grieve & come to terms with all that has happened these past months. Neyla was a very lucky girl to have had you in her life.

 

 

Jen,

 

I often don't respond to posts about the pain of losing a beloved companion; not because I don't care, but because it tears me up so much it feels that I can't bear it. It brings it home to me that I have two 14 year old whippet mixes and a 7 year old greyhound with osteo. I just can't let myself think about it.

 

Your journey with Neyla has been inspiring to so many, including myself. I can't express it any better than the post above. Okay, I was going to write more but I am crying too hard. My thoughts have been with you, even if I have not expressed it in words.

 

Jane

Edited December 26, 2010 by joejoesmom

[NeylasMom]

 

 

Jen,

 

I often don't respond to posts about the pain of losing a beloved companion; not because I don't care, but because it tears me up so much it feels that I can't bear it. It brings it home to me that I have two 14 year old whippet mixes and a 7 year old greyhound with osteo. I just can't let myself think about it.

 

Your journey with Neyla has been inspiring to so many, including myself. I can't express it any better than the post above. Okay, I was going to write more but I am crying too hard. My thoughts have been with you, even if I have not expressed it in words.

 

Jane

 

Thank you. It means a lot to know you are thinking of us.

 

And how is Joe doing? We don't get enough updates.

[joejoesmom]

And how is Joe doing? We don't get enough updates.

 

Joe is doing just fantastic. In early September (about 5 weeks after his amp), he returned to his normal happy-go-lucky, goofy, clumsy, and incredibly loving self. He continues to enjoy every moment to its fullest, whether it is sleeping on his soft bed literally not moving a single muscle for hours, or leaping into the air to pounce on a stuffy. He pounces so hard that you can hear him play no matter where you are in the house. The incredibly cold weather we have had for the last month is not much to his liking, but he does enjoy snuggling under his Circle of Grey blankie while getting some cuddling from me.

 

He loves going out and meeting his public. I think the highlight of his month is going into OSU so he can personally greet every human (and canine) in the waiting room. We usually get a laugh when we come through the door and Joe runs (pulling me behind him, trying to keep up) to the first person he sees to get his neck rubbed. He then proceeds to approach everyone and most oblige by giving him some ear and neck rubs. Then of course all the front desk staff have to come out to greet him with treats. He is a favorite of so many people there (he has been going in every 6 to 8 weeks for the last 2 1/2 years to give blood) that he has trouble keeping up with all his social engagements when he visits. I am told that in-between tests, he spends time with just about everyone in oncology, the greyhound health and wellness program, and the blood donor department. He is a very well petted and well fed dog by the time he is ready to come home.

 

He will have his sixth month x-ray in about 3 weeks. He continues on his metronomic protocol of Palladia, cytoxan and artemisinin. We are all hoping he will be one of the lucky 15 percent that makes it years.

 

Joe really doesn't like the camera so most of my pictures are of him sleeping. Also, I seem to have major troubles posting pictures here (due to my continuing and still unsolved weirdo internet issues). So no pictures for now.

 

Jane

[Guest azlorenz]

Happy Holidays to Everyone,

 

I had hesitated about posting but in case you haven't visited "Cute and Funny" lately the news is out. We're taking the plunge and adopting again. Our Tansy girl is so very lonely and our house is so quiet. We thought long and hard about our choices. We decided on a lovely girl being fostered by Greg1229 named Helly soon to be Elly. We are hopefully getting her on New Years Eve and will start 2011 on a good note. I still cannot speak of Flash without tears flowing. I miss him so very much. His lust for life was so contagious. And we miss Lexi's commentary on just about everything. Wishing you all a joyous holiday and a much better 2011.

 

 

[H]Elly

[Guest roselle]

Happy Holidays to Everyone,

 

I had hesitated about posting but in case you haven't visited "Cute and Funny" lately the news is out. We're taking the plunge and adopting again. Our Tansy girl is so very lonely and our house is so quiet. We thought long and hard about our choices. We decided on a lovely girl being fostered by Greg1229 named Helly soon to be Elly. We are hopefully getting her on New Years Eve and will start 2011 on a good note. I still cannot speak of Flash without tears flowing. I miss him so very much. His lust for life was so contagious. And we miss Lexi's commentary on just about everything. Wishing you all a joyous holiday and a much better 2011.

 

 

[H]Elly

Elly is beautiful. I wish you the very best with your new pup. How lucky for Elly and your family that you found each other. She wont be a replacement for Flash, but you'll develop a new and exciting relationship with her. How wonderful for Tansy. Happy new year and enjoy Elly. Hugs Roselle and Gracy

[Charlies_Dad]

Shannon,

 

CONGRATS!!! Elly is stunning! I had seen her picture that Grey posted. I truly believe the best way to remember your pup and thank them is to help another pup find a home.

[Guest racergirl435]

Happy Holidays to Everyone,

 

I had hesitated about posting but in case you haven't visited "Cute and Funny" lately the news is out. We're taking the plunge and adopting again. Our Tansy girl is so very lonely and our house is so quiet. We thought long and hard about our choices. We decided on a lovely girl being fostered by Greg1229 named Helly soon to be Elly. We are hopefully getting her on New Years Eve and will start 2011 on a good note. I still cannot speak of Flash without tears flowing. I miss him so very much. His lust for life was so contagious. And we miss Lexi's commentary on just about everything. Wishing you all a joyous holiday and a much better 2011.

 

 

Congrats Shannon! I thought she was gorgeous when I first saw her pic. They never replace, but they sure do fill that void. What a way to start the new year!

[Guest ChasesMum]

sweet sweet Elly! enjoy Shannon!

[teri_d]

shannon - congrats!!! as you know, we adopted another as well....will look forward to pictures hugs to all - still follow "the thread" daily - teri

[Guest falconschild]

*sigh* Toby's not having a good night, as I suppose is evidenced by the fact I'm posting this at 4 in the morning local time when I really should be sleeping. I'm going to call the vet in the morning and see where we go from here. It breaks my heart to hear him very quietly crying, knowing that what we have on hand for him is apparently not doing the job any more. At least he had a good Christmas, though. So much hate for this disease...

[Guest roselle]

*sigh* Toby's not having a good night, as I suppose is evidenced by the fact I'm posting this at 4 in the morning local time when I really should be sleeping. I'm going to call the vet in the morning and see where we go from here. It breaks my heart to hear him very quietly crying, knowing that what we have on hand for him is apparently not doing the job any more. At least he had a good Christmas, though. So much hate for this disease...

I'm really sorry to hear that Toby isn't doing well. I know about sleepless nights, and we need sleep to deal with osteo during the day. OSC destroys the poor pups and the people that care for and love them. Roselle and Gracy

[Guest vahoundlover]

Elly is beautiful! Congratulations!! I agree with Charlies Dad, giving another pup a home is a beautiful way to say how much your Angel meant to you.

 

Wonderful update on Joe!!

 

 

*sigh* Toby's not having a good night, as I suppose is evidenced by the fact I'm posting this at 4 in the morning local time when I really should be sleeping. I'm going to call the vet in the morning and see where we go from here. It breaks my heart to hear him very quietly crying, knowing that what we have on hand for him is apparently not doing the job any more. At least he had a good Christmas, though. So much hate for this disease...

 

 

I am so sorry I hate this damn disease My thoughts and prayers are with you and Toby

Edited December 29, 2010 by vahoundlover