Sarcoma Tumor In Front Leg

[Guest Chris0060]

Hi there -

Don't have time to write a long reply right now, but I've had 2 dogs with leg amputations (at 9 yrs old and 11 yrs old), both due to osteosarcoma. Unfortunately, because the osteo was so aggressive, I only got 6 months with each of them. But they were 6 great months. They both did unbelievably well on 3 legs. Please check out the link in my signature for info on leg amputations. Feel free to contact me with Qs!

Jen

 

thank you for the link. I read the info posted on the link, and watched the video. Beautiful dogs. Thanks for your support!

[Guest Chris0060]

I just wanted to reinforce, if this is NOT Osteo but soft tissue, there is a chemo protocol, versus radiation, that involves four injections into the site, versus 3 weeks of radiation and the cost is around $900. If you are in CT, I know a vet in Rhode Island who offers this treatment. Dr. Couto at OSU GHWP is the one who developed this protocol and has been using it for 10 years. He no longer recommends radiation for this type of cancer. The vet in Rhode Island has been doing it for a couple years now and he started with one of my friends greyhounds who remains cancer free 2.5 years later. Please feel free to contact me with any questions once you find out more.

 

Thanks, I will do. I truly appreciate the information.

[Guest greytfulhounds]

I just lost my Danny to osteo in October. I opted for pain management & a holistic medication. Sadly, I only had a month post diagnosis with Danny but if I had to make the choice again I would follow the same path.

 

There is an osteo thread that you might want to read through. It is a large thread but full of information, experiences, sadness & most of all support from folks that are going through what you are facing. It was priceless to me when I was struggling with Danny.

 

If I can do anything, please feel free to send me a message.

 

Sending lots of prayers & good thoughts to you & your boy.

[Guest BlueCrab]

Bumping to see if there have been any updates or additional info as to specifically what type of sarcoma you're dealing with?

[Guest Chris0060]

DAKOTA's stitches were removed. It was a Nerve-Sheath tumor that unfortunately seems to be still present. after all of the swelling and stitches were removed and bandages, I have noticed a growth still present in the lower section of the surgery. I was given a # for an oncologist here in CT that I will be seeing in a week. I am note sure this is the right approach.. Of course, he is and has been just as active and playful as can be!

 

I just wanted to reinforce, if this is NOT Osteo but soft tissue, there is a chemo protocol, versus radiation, that involves four injections into the site, versus 3 weeks of radiation and the cost is around $900. If you are in CT, I know a vet in Rhode Island who offers this treatment. Dr. Couto at OSU GHWP is the one who developed this protocol and has been using it for 10 years. He no longer recommends radiation for this type of cancer. The vet in Rhode Island has been doing it for a couple years now and he started with one of my friends greyhounds who remains cancer free 2.5 years later. Please feel free to contact me with any questions once you find out more.

 

I tried PMing you but I do not have access to obtaining private messages yet. I am interested in seeing what the RI vet has to say ( if my next vet here in CT doesn't have some good answers). I will ask the vet here in CT if they have access to this 4 shot protocol. Hopefully this vet in CT has it available, seeing it's been around for 10 years.

 

Can yo provide with with the vet's info through this thread? Thanks.

[Guest Fasave]

Yes, the vet clinic is Ocean State Veterinary Specialists and they are located in East Greenwich, RI: (401) 886-6767. The vet you want to ask for is Dr. Hunley. I will tell you that he has a 3-4 week wait for new patients. I'm glad to hear it's not osteo. My boy did have a nerve sheath tumor removed from his back but they got clean margins and they were done with it. The one on his leg was soft tissue so I'm not sure if this protocol works for both types of tumors. They mix research grade sesame oil with the chemo drug (fluorouacil)and inject into the site. The pup does need to be sedated because the drug burns when it enters the body but it is a light sedation and I was on my return trip with him within the hour. Dr. Hunley is VERY compassionate and he would let Ave wait with me in the waiting area after they prepped him and prepared for the rest of the procedure so that it would cut down on his stress times.

 

Also, just want to comment on your note about still feeling a lump. I know with my guy after his surgeries there was always some lumpiness because there is so little skin there they really have to stretch it together so it may not be re-growth.

 

I hope everything works out for your and your pup. Please keep us updated.

[RedFawnMom]

DAKOTA's stitches were removed. It was a Nerve-Sheath tumor that unfortunately seems to be still present. after all of the swelling and stitches were removed and bandages, I have noticed a growth still present in the lower section of the surgery. I was given a # for an oncologist here in CT that I will be seeing in a week. I am note sure this is the right approach.. Of course, he is and has been just as active and playful as can be!

 

I just wanted to reinforce, if this is NOT Osteo but soft tissue, there is a chemo protocol, versus radiation, that involves four injections into the site, versus 3 weeks of radiation and the cost is around $900. If you are in CT, I know a vet in Rhode Island who offers this treatment. Dr. Couto at OSU GHWP is the one who developed this protocol and has been using it for 10 years. He no longer recommends radiation for this type of cancer. The vet in Rhode Island has been doing it for a couple years now and he started with one of my friends greyhounds who remains cancer free 2.5 years later. Please feel free to contact me with any questions once you find out more.

 

I tried PMing you but I do not have access to obtaining private messages yet. I am interested in seeing what the RI vet has to say ( if my next vet here in CT doesn't have some good answers). I will ask the vet here in CT if they have access to this 4 shot protocol. Hopefully this vet in CT has it available, seeing it's been around for 10 years.

 

Can yo provide with with the vet's info through this thread? Thanks.

 

I am also in CT and have been trying to find the right vet for my grey (she has inconclusive X-rays showing some kind of lesion) - my advice is to get multiple opinions. You would not believe the range of opinions and advice I've been given. And please call OSU (they are not open until after New Year's, though, I believe) before making any treatment decisions. They are THE experts.

 

Which oncologist/clinic are you going to?

 

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for your pup. Hopefully if it's a soft-tissue thing that came back, maybe they can remove it with wider margins or do the injectable chemo, and be done with it.

 

Please keep us posted.

[Guest Chris0060]

Yes, the vet clinic is Ocean State Veterinary Specialists and they are located in East Greenwich, RI: (401) 886-6767. The vet you want to ask for is Dr. Hunley. I will tell you that he has a 3-4 week wait for new patients. I'm glad to hear it's not osteo. My boy did have a nerve sheath tumor removed from his back but they got clean margins and they were done with it. The one on his leg was soft tissue so I'm not sure if this protocol works for both types of tumors. They mix research grade sesame oil with the chemo drug (fluorouacil)and inject into the site. The pup does need to be sedated because the drug burns when it enters the body but it is a light sedation and I was on my return trip with him within the hour. Dr. Hunley is VERY compassionate and he would let Ave wait with me in the waiting area after they prepped him and prepared for the rest of the procedure so that it would cut down on his stress times.

 

Also, just want to comment on your note about still feeling a lump. I know with my guy after his surgeries there was always some lumpiness because there is so little skin there they really have to stretch it together so it may not be re-growth.

 

I hope everything works out for your and your pup. Please keep us updated.

 

Thanks for the info...I am scheduled to see the operating vet/doctor tomorrow. Next Monday, I am seeing an oncologist in Norwalk, CT. The bump seems to be part of the tumor that was not removed. WIll let you know.

Thank you so much!

[Guest dfriedri]

I know many have told you there story and I will make mine brief but I just lost my first greyhound a week ago to hemangiosarcoma in her front right leg. I did amputate a little over a year ago and enjoyed every minute of the last year I got to spend with her.

It was a tough decision and extremely time consuming and there were times I doubted and questioned my decision. In the end, she recovered after about 6 weeks and was again beating most the dogs at the dog park within 6 months.

 

I hope everything goes well for your baby! I'm saying prayers!

[Guest Chris0060]

I know many have told you there story and I will make mine brief but I just lost my first greyhound a week ago to hemangiosarcoma in her front right leg. I did amputate a little over a year ago and enjoyed every minute of the last year I got to spend with her.

It was a tough decision and extremely time consuming and there were times I doubted and questioned my decision. In the end, she recovered after about 6 weeks and was again beating most the dogs at the dog park within 6 months.

 

I hope everything goes well for your baby! I'm saying prayers!

 

 

I am very sorry to hear about your loss. Every story and piece of advice is being taken into consideration at this point. Being my first greyhound, this is a very difficult experience. This dog has been truly amazing.

 

 

As for previous replies, the vet was not able to remove a 2 centimeter margin around the entire tumor, as it was located near a vein and there was not much tissue as well. I will have some more answers at 4:00 EST today and more on Monday after Christmas. Taking a drive to RI does not seem too unlikely.

[Guest Fasave]

I'm just curious if the vet who did the surgery was a surgeon. The reason why I ask is that my regular vet did the first surgery on my guys leg and once he got in, he knew it was more complicated than his skills so he referred me to a surgeon. Ave had a second surgery where they did remove the vein and they got clean margins but not as wide as they needed but he remained free of lumps for two years. Again, a different type of cancer but still wanted to let you know that additional surgery might be possible and curative.

 

I'll be checking for updates.

[Guest Chris0060]

I'm just curious if the vet who did the surgery was a surgeon. The reason why I ask is that my regular vet did the first surgery on my guys leg and once he got in, he knew it was more complicated than his skills so he referred me to a surgeon. Ave had a second surgery where they did remove the vein and they got clean margins but not as wide as they needed but he remained free of lumps for two years. Again, a different type of cancer but still wanted to let you know that additional surgery might be possible and curative.

 

I'll be checking for updates.

 

Thanks for the additional input. The vet is in Bethany, CT. I am very pleased with her and the other vet on staff. The greyhound rescue agency is located about 5 minutes from this vet and I was actually told to use this vet by a few people, including the rescue agency..

 

I just got back from the vet and she is pretty sure that the" lump" that is on the incision line is her knot from the surgery. She poked it with a syringe and blood did come out. She advised to keep an eye on it and to see if it grows in size. She also advised me to follow through with the oncologist next week.

[RedFawnMom]

I'm just curious if the vet who did the surgery was a surgeon. The reason why I ask is that my regular vet did the first surgery on my guys leg and once he got in, he knew it was more complicated than his skills so he referred me to a surgeon. Ave had a second surgery where they did remove the vein and they got clean margins but not as wide as they needed but he remained free of lumps for two years. Again, a different type of cancer but still wanted to let you know that additional surgery might be possible and curative.

 

I'll be checking for updates.

 

Thanks for the additional input. The vet is in Bethany, CT. I am very pleased with her and the other vet on staff. The greyhound rescue agency is located about 5 minutes from this vet and I was actually told to use this vet by a few people, including the rescue agency..

 

I just got back from the vet and she is pretty sure that the" lump" that is on the incision line is her knot from the surgery. She poked it with a syringe and blood did come out. She advised to keep an eye on it and to see if it grows in size. She also advised me to follow through with the oncologist next week.

 

I know the vet you are referring to - she did Lucy's spay - and from my very limited experience I can say she's awesome. We adopted from the same group and this vet does all of the care for the group's incoming pups. Lucy had some gastrointestinal issues shortly after we adopted and that vet personally called me multiple times to check on her. I actually considered taking Lucy there as our next step, but decided it was best we go straight to a specialist.

[Guest Chris0060]

Yes, this vet is great. They referred me to a place in Norwalk, CT for the follow-up with a specialist. I know they have done a lot with other greyhounds especially seeing the REGAP agency is right down the street. They did Dakota's teeth while they removed the tumor and did a great job.