Guest greytfulhounds Posted September 25, 2010 Share Posted September 25, 2010 (edited) My Danny was just diagnosed with osteosarcoma in a leg he injured at the track 7 1/2 years ago. This leg has given him problems off & on for the last 7 1/2 years so when he first started to limp I thought arthritis or something with his toes. However, when the vet examined him his knee was swollen & the x-rays showed osteo. X-rays were also sent to a radiologist who told my vet not to bother with a bone tap as the x-rays show a high probability of osteo. My vet explained that to go ahead with the bone biopsy would be painful to Danny & would also risk fracture of the bone......I agreed. Amputation is not something that I am considering. I am looking for palliative care options or even things that may have been proven to slow down the growth. Danny is still his happy, silly self right now & as long as he is still loving life I want to help him live it as pain free as possible. Right now Dan is being treated with Rimadyl & Tramadol (when needed). He is eating great & coming back for seconds on his treats. My vet talked about a medication she has only read about, but not used, called Pamidronate which would be given intravenously every 28 days. She said it has been shown to stop the break down of the bone & even promote new bone growth. I have only begun to research it online. One of the things that I have read is that it also produces new blood vessels which could cause the cancer to grow. Anything you all have to share would be greatly appreciated by Dan & myself. Thank you. Edited September 25, 2010 by greytfulhounds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted September 25, 2010 Share Posted September 25, 2010 I am very sorry to hear about Danny's diagnosis. I suggest you contact Jen (NeylasMom) if you are going the palliative care route as she has had success with Neyla. They just celebrated 4 months post dx which is awesome. I know Jen has been trying several approaches. We chose amp and Chemo for our Charlie so our paths are different however I understand exactly how you are feeling. Give Danny a big hug from me. 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...
nyGreys Posted September 25, 2010 Share Posted September 25, 2010 I am very sorry. Sending many prayers & hugs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greytfulhounds Posted September 25, 2010 Share Posted September 25, 2010 Thank you! Please give Charlie hugs from Danny & I too.....I will keep you & Charlie in my prayers. I am very sorry. Sending many prayers & hugs. Thank you, we appreciate them all! :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaliforniaGreys Posted September 25, 2010 Share Posted September 25, 2010 Many prayers for Danny. I have little experience with this drug for people, never with dogs. I remember having to closely watch platelets though. Quote 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...
MandysMom Posted September 25, 2010 Share Posted September 25, 2010 I'm sorry to read of Danny's diagnosis. Sending prayers for your boy. 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...
Guest GryffinSong Posted September 25, 2010 Share Posted September 25, 2010 I'm so very, very sorry to hear this. Osteo truly stinks. I did palliative care with Gryffin, and he was on three pain meds toward the end. Tramadol was one of them, as well as the fentanyl patch and another which escapes me at the moment. I'm not familiar with the other you've mentioned. Hugs to you both! : Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teri_d Posted September 25, 2010 Share Posted September 25, 2010 oh i am so sorry to hear of the dx -- check out the osteo diagnosis thread on here - 25 or so pages of some wonderful advice and the emotional support you will crave with the coming times -- i agree that jen is so helpful because of her experience with neyla also sutra is maybe at 6 months?? and a good source of help/advice/support -- hugs to you all - teri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuvAPuppy Posted September 25, 2010 Share Posted September 25, 2010 I'm not incredibly familiar with pamidronate except to know it is the same type of med as the more familiar Fosamax or Boniva, used for osteoporosis or osteogenesis imperfecta Quote Angie, Pewter, and Storm-puppy Forever missing Misty-Mousie (9/9/99 - 10/5/15)Fort Wayne, Indiana Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgeofNE Posted September 25, 2010 Share Posted September 25, 2010 I'm so sorry. From what I've learned by reading and from friends who have gone through it, there isn't anything you can do but manage the pain. Just enjoy the time you have left and keep him as comfortable as possible, and spoil him rotten. Quote Susan, Hamish, Mister Bigglesworth and Nikita Stanislav. Missing Ming, George, and Buck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TeddysMom Posted September 25, 2010 Share Posted September 25, 2010 I'm so sorry. No advise or experience but lots of prayers and comforting thoughts will be ongoing for Danny and you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iluvgreys Posted September 25, 2010 Share Posted September 25, 2010 I see that you've already joined Circle of Grey. Such a supportive group and great resource for info. Holding your sweet boy in my prayers for MUCH more quality time with you. Quote Jeanne with Remington & Scooter the cat....and Beloved Bridge Angels Sandee, Shari, Wells, Derby, Phoenix, Jerry Lee and Finnian.....If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heavenand bring you home again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sabrina Posted September 25, 2010 Share Posted September 25, 2010 Sorry to hear that Danny has osteo, hoping the best for you Quote Caroline, Mom to Daphne (49B-50215) and Penny (41D-55779)Remembering Bridge Angels Margo and Sabrina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4greyhounds Posted September 25, 2010 Share Posted September 25, 2010 I am so Very Sorry! Sending many prayers and Good Thoughts.... Quote Darlene Mom to: Aladdin, Sophie ,Pongo, Jasmine, Relic Forever in our Hearts Champ at the Rainbow Bridge. Let a greyhound race into your heart Adopt Bay Area Greyhound Adoptions INC. Naples/ Fort Myers Chapter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carronstar Posted September 26, 2010 Share Posted September 26, 2010 I am so sorry to hear this diagnosis. No advice, my girl was far too old to do anything other than pain meds. Sending lots of prayers and good thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mychip1 Posted September 26, 2010 Share Posted September 26, 2010 So sorry to hear. Many prayers. Quote Robin, EZ (Tribal Track), JJ (What a Story), Dustin (E's Full House) and our beautiful Jack (Mana Black Jack) and Lily (Chip's Little Miss Lily) both at the BridgeThe WFUBCC honors our beautiful friends at the bridge. Godspeed sweet angels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joejoesmom Posted September 26, 2010 Share Posted September 26, 2010 I am so sorry to hear about your Danny. Like Charlies Dad, I have chosen amputation and chemo for my 7 year old boy. But I do understand the heartbreak. Dr. Couto at OSU is an oncologist specializing in greyhounds. I don't know what advice OSU would give you except the standard palliative care (tramadol, gabapentin, and an NSAID like Deramaxx) but it might be worth a shot. I will put contact info at the end of this message. Neyla's Mom has done a ton of research on alternative treatments. She would be a very good source. Here is info on OSU: Here is info on how to contact Dr. Couto and his team. The email or phone consult is free, however a few people have been told they must sign up for the website ($50) and submit the request that way. Dr. Couto tells me that this is not true. However, if you are a member of their website, please submit your request that way because it will automate things and make record keeping for them easier. Certain chemo drugs are free; you would need to pay to have them administered. Greyhound Health and Wellness Program Ohio State University 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. The consult is free but if you can afford to support the program please do so. You can sign up for full access to the website ($99 per calendar year) or donate through the giving page on the website. If you decide to donate, you can double your money by giving through the Greyhound Project. Just go to this website and scroll down to the appropriate donation button: http://www.adopt-a-greyhound.org/donate.shtml. They will match the funds that you donate. The Team: Dr. Couto, Department Head, Greyhound Medicine, Oncology 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 Dr. Joelle Fenger, Oncology Resident Dr. Roberta Portela, 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 greyhound consults a day along with all of their "in canine" patients. Depending on their workload there may be a wait for the consultation. If you are contacting them on an emergency basis, please let them know. If you want to make an appointment to be seen in person/canine, you can call the main number to set up a date/time. The main number for the veterinary hospital is 614-292-3551. 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 I do know that Dr. Couto is out until October 5 but someone on his team could help you. Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BootsyCollins Posted September 26, 2010 Share Posted September 26, 2010 I'm very sorry to hear your news. I lost a hound to osteo two years ago - he lasted for 3 weeks after diagnosis. I strongly recommend that you get in touch with both Neylasmom and Krissn333. Both had dogs diagnosed around the same time and both are having great success with two different treatments. Kristin is using pamindronate, so she may be a great resource for you. I am not sure what Jen is doing, but it's worth getting in touch with her. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. We're all here for you when / if you need us. Quote Christie and Bootsy (Turt McGurt and Gil too) Loving and missing Argos & Likky, forever and ever. ~Old age means realizing you will never own all the dogs you wanted to. ~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fsugrad Posted September 26, 2010 Share Posted September 26, 2010 I am so sorry for this awful news. Sending hugs to you and lots of prayers going out to your Danny. :hope Quote Rita, mom to Dakota (Dakotas Dream) & Wish (Kiowa Wish Wish) and my angels Toby (Sol Marcus) and Robin (Greys Robin Hood) Forever missing our beloved Robin and Toby "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." Anatole France Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fourofem Posted September 26, 2010 Share Posted September 26, 2010 I'm sorry to hear about your boy....it's an all too familiar story. I chose palliative care for Lewis and had several months of good time with him. I did a combo of Tramadol (low dose for a while and picked it up later when he needed it more) and Metacam and totally changed his diet. Later, we switched the Metacam for something that I can't remember the name of right this second...I know it started with a P (Peroxicam?). I hope whatever you do gives you plenty of good time with Danny. Quote Blair, Stella (DND Heather), Lizzie (M's Deadra), Hitch (Hallo Dominant) and House (Mac's Dr. House) Missing my handsome men Lewis (Vs Lowrider) - 11/11/01 - 3/11/09, Kevin (Dakota's Hi Five) - 1/1/06 - 4/18/11 and my cat, Sparkle Baby - ??/??/96 - 4/23/11 "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is, in fact, the most precious and valuable possession of mankind." (Theodorus Gaza) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPoopon Posted September 26, 2010 Share Posted September 26, 2010 I'm sorry. I hope your boy has a lot of comfortable days ahead. With Cora, we found out too late, and could do nothing for her. With Tally, we used an NSAID (Metacam) and Tramadol, gradually increasing the Tramadol over time. She lasted exactly 16 weeks. She could have hobbled on a bit longer, but after watching what Cora went through, I couldn't let her try. Quote 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...
Guest greytfulhounds Posted September 26, 2010 Share Posted September 26, 2010 Thank you all for the thoughts, prayers, advice & information........Danny & I appreciate it all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest vahoundlover Posted September 26, 2010 Share Posted September 26, 2010 Thinking about you two. I hope you both had a good day today and many many more to come. Did Danny get his burger, fries AND strawberry ice cream? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP_the4pack Posted September 27, 2010 Share Posted September 27, 2010 I see you're from NJ too. I can't help you with your specific request. I wanted to let you know that I took the trip out to OSU from NJ and based on Dr. Couto's advice, I went the amp route with Dima a year ago. She turned 12 two weeks after surgery and she had a very good 6 months. Hugs to you. This is such a horrid disease. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Smiley Posted September 27, 2010 Share Posted September 27, 2010 I am so very sorry to hear your news. We have been through this twice this year unfortunately . We did choose palliative care with Peanut once we finally got a firm diagnosis and when all was said and done, we got 2 1/2 pretty good months with her following the start of her limp. We had her on Deramaxx (I think this was not very helpful, but the vet prescribed it initially), tramadol and then gababpentin her last two days while we said our goodbyes. One thing we did do that I'm very happy we did in retrospect was to keep her on leash most of that time. We had thought she had a soft tissue injury (the x-rays were clean so that was the initial diagnosis) and were keeping her quiet and rested. I think had we let her run, she may have incurred a fracture at some point early on (she did eventually incur a small fracture and that was when we said goodbye). It's such a tough time and please know that we are all here for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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