Osteosarcoma

[Zoolady]

We are devastated. Here is the short version.

 

Wonder has been holding up his right front leg with what we thought was an injury from a fall in an almost car accident. Our vet recommended we take him to a surgeon specialist to view the xrays. The new vet pointed out dark areas, good bone, bad bone, etc. The shoulder has lost most of the muscle and it's eaten too. The leg could break easily.

 

We will continue his Tramadol and Metacam for now while we make our decision. He is ten years old and eating well. The good news is his blood work is fine and his lungs are clear. We were told however that cancer is usually brewing someplace else. It's very malignant and aggressive.

 

Based on the surgeon's experience, here are our options.

 

Take him home, manage the pain and he could live another 4 to 6 weeks.

 

He is a good candidate for amputation and with that alone, life span probably around six months.

 

Amputation and chemo, life span a year to year and a half.

 

Over time I've looked at some of the pictures from GT and read some of the stories and just don't know what to do. Putting him through all that, not to mention the costs. I will read the pinned info and the 56 page Osteo and other posts and learn what we hoped we would never have to.

[Guest goofydog]

So very sorry for you and Wonder. You'll find all the info necessary to making the right decision for Wonder and the family. Best wishes.

[Houndtime]

Ah, Jeeez. I am so sorry to read this.

[rycezmom]

Its always a hard decision. I know you will make the choice based on what is best for Wonder and not on what is best for your heart. Our love of our hounds can truly be a curse at times. I have had to make these choices twice in the last six months and understand how you feel. I hold you and Wonder close and wish you wisdom....

 

L.

[cmc333]

Cancer is horrible. Read as much info as you can to help make your decision. We lost Gypsy on Dec. 6 to osteo. She had thyroid cancer for a year and assumed we'd lose her from that. But no, one day she let out the GSOD and held her leg up. She was not a candidate for amputation. We decided on pain management. She went to the bridge one month and 2 days after the diagnosis. I'm still crying over her and when I count dogs, I'm always one short. Only 6 now, not 7.

 

Connie

[RobinM]

I am so sorry. We have been through this and opted for amp and chemo.

 

The only reason to do the amp to to relieve the pain. Bone cancer is said to be the most excruiating even with pain management, it's painful. Our dogs are just too dam* stoic for their own good!

 

Best wishes for whatever decsion you make.

[Remolacha]

no advice , just

[Magdalyn58]

I'm so sorry to hear this terrible news.

[joejoesmom]

I chose amp/chemo for my Joe. He is now 5 months post amp and a happy dog. He had just turned 7.

 

I would be happy to talk with you on the phone. My number is 614-523-0754.

 

Jane

 

p.s. Here is the info on contacting OSU if you would like a second opinion:

 

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. They will match the funds that you donate.

 

Just go to this website and scroll down to the appropriate donation button:

 

 

http://www.adopt-a-greyhound.org/donate.shtml.

 

 

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

 

 

 

[Guest Tatum]

Dear Zoolady

I am in the same situation as you. Our beloved Tatum has a golfball size tumor on her upper leg and is now not using that leg at all. She started limping off and on for two weeks and then out of nowhere we discovered the tumor on Christmas Eve. Because of all the reading I've done about greyhounds I just knew this was the dreaded bone cancer (Osteoscarcoma). Our Vet said it was definately a tumor on that bone and he thought it was most likely osteoscarcoma but couldn't say it for certain from the xrays. The president of our rescue organization called me yesterday and his comment was, "If it's a greyhound, and she is limping, and has a tumor on the leg it is almost certain to be bone cancer." So our philosophy is that we aren't going to put Tatum through anything more. We will manage with pain meds & lots of love for now and when I see an inkling of too much pain we will then help her over the bridge. At this time she is still going outside without problems and making the steps to the deck, she is also tolerating the pain meds well and eating like normal. She is almost 9 years old and we had 6 wonderful years with her, hubby and I cry everyday thinking about it but our legacy to sweet Tatum is to donate some money to Dr Couto & our rescue group in her name, and then rescue another grey when we feel ready. I am writing this only to tell you how we are handling our situation. It was said very nicely on this site that when dealing with Osteo there isn't any WRONG way to deal with it. I am so sorry Zoolady for you, your family and Wonder. It just doesn't seem fair for these beautiful animals....

 

Marilee

[NeylasMom]

I'm really sorry that you're dealing with this. I just lost my baby girl Neyla to osteosarcoma on Dec 23rd, 2 days before Christmas.

 

I can't really say much that isn't already in the other threads, particularly the osteo thread, but I will say this - if you decide to go the palliative route, I recommend getting several medications to have on hand and finding out from your vet what the max dosages allowed are of all of them. Generally people use a combination of an NSAID (Deramaxx, Rimadyl, etc.), Tramadol, & Gabapentin. In the later stages you can add in an opiate like Tylenol w/codeine or Butorphenol (sp), or use a Fentanyl patch. Even if you don't need all of them yet, get them now and have them on hand, next to a note that tells you how much you can give of each in combination. It's quite likely that at some point you will need to increase them suddenly and of course the way things work, it will be in the middle of the night or on a weekend.

 

Also, I'm really sorry to say this because I know you are dealing with a lot but I'm trying to give you some practical advice, if the leg breaks, your only options will be to let him go immediately or amputate immediately, possibly an e-vet situation in both cases. So as difficult as all of this is to deal with and think through, it's probably wise to decide now what you will do if that happens. I personally did not want to risk Neyla's last moments being rushed to the e-vet to be put to sleep so I decided to monitor her tumor via x-ray and if we got to the point where the vet felt she was at significant risk of a break, I would let her go. I ended up deciding to let her go before we got there, although I will say that in that last week things progressed very quickly so even though we had had an x-ray 8 days before, I kind of wonder how things would have looked if we x-rayed the day I let her go.

 

Anyway, you will get a lot of practical information here, but also a ton of support. Don't hesitate to lean on us. It's a LOT to process getting this diagnosis, and really to grieve it. There are unfortunately way too many of us who know what you are going through and are here to help you through it however we can. Hang in there and spoil Wonder and enjoy these last moments with him.

 

Dear Zoolady

I am in the same situation as you. Our beloved Tatum has a golfball size tumor on her upper leg and is now not using that leg at all. She started limping off and on for two weeks and then out of nowhere we discovered the tumor on Christmas Eve. Because of all the reading I've done about greyhounds I just knew this was the dreaded bone cancer (Osteoscarcoma). Our Vet said it was definately a tumor on that bone and he thought it was most likely osteoscarcoma but couldn't say it for certain from the xrays. The president of our rescue organization called me yesterday and his comment was, "If it's a greyhound, and she is limping, and has a tumor on the leg it is almost certain to be bone cancer." So our philosophy is that we aren't going to put Tatum through anything more. We will manage with pain meds & lots of love for now and when I see an inkling of too much pain we will then help her over the bridge. At this time she is still going outside without problems and making the steps to the deck, she is also tolerating the pain meds well and eating like normal. She is almost 9 years old and we had 6 wonderful years with her, hubby and I cry everyday thinking about it but our legacy to sweet Tatum is to donate some money to Dr Couto & our rescue group in her name, and then rescue another grey when we feel ready. I am writing this only to tell you how we are handling our situation. It was said very nicely on this site that when dealing with Osteo there isn't any WRONG way to deal with it. I am so sorry Zoolady for you, your family and Wonder. It just doesn't seem fair for these beautiful animals....

 

Marilee

Hugs to you too Marilee. Feel free to join us in the osteo thread for some support as well. I hope you have many more happy months with your girl Tatum.

[Shirley44]

I'm so sorry

[Guest Tatum]

I'm really sorry that you're dealing with this. I just lost my baby girl Neyla to osteosarcoma on Dec 23rd, 2 days before Christmas.

 

I can't really say much that isn't already in the other threads, particularly the osteo thread, but I will say this - if you decide to go the palliative route, I recommend getting several medications to have on hand and finding out from your vet what the max dosages allowed are of all of them. Generally people use a combination of an NSAID (Deramaxx, Rimadyl, etc.), Tramadol, & Gabapentin. In the later stages you can add in an opiate like Tylenol w/codeine or Butorphenol (sp), or use a Fentanyl patch. Even if you don't need all of them yet, get them now and have them on hand, next to a note that tells you how much you can give of each in combination. It's quite likely that at some point you will need to increase them suddenly and of course the way things work, it will be in the middle of the night or on a weekend.

 

Also, I'm really sorry to say this because I know you are dealing with a lot but I'm trying to give you some practical advice, if the leg breaks, your only options will be to let him go immediately or amputate immediately, possibly an e-vet situation in both cases. So as difficult as all of this is to deal with and think through, it's probably wise to decide now what you will do if that happens. I personally did not want to risk Neyla's last moments being rushed to the e-vet to be put to sleep so I decided to monitor her tumor via x-ray and if we got to the point where the vet felt she was at significant risk of a break, I would let her go. I ended up deciding to let her go before we got there, although I will say that in that last week things progressed very quickly so even though we had had an x-ray 8 days before, I kind of wonder how things would have looked if we x-rayed the day I let her go.

 

Anyway, you will get a lot of practical information here, but also a ton of support. Don't hesitate to lean on us. It's a LOT to process getting this diagnosis, and really to grieve it. There are unfortunately way too many of us who know what you are going through and are here to help you through it however we can. Hang in there and spoil Wonder and enjoy these last moments with him.

 

Dear Zoolady

I am in the same situation as you. Our beloved Tatum has a golfball size tumor on her upper leg and is now not using that leg at all. She started limping off and on for two weeks and then out of nowhere we discovered the tumor on Christmas Eve. Because of all the reading I've done about greyhounds I just knew this was the dreaded bone cancer (Osteoscarcoma). Our Vet said it was definately a tumor on that bone and he thought it was most likely osteoscarcoma but couldn't say it for certain from the xrays. The president of our rescue organization called me yesterday and his comment was, "If it's a greyhound, and she is limping, and has a tumor on the leg it is almost certain to be bone cancer." So our philosophy is that we aren't going to put Tatum through anything more. We will manage with pain meds & lots of love for now and when I see an inkling of too much pain we will then help her over the bridge. At this time she is still going outside without problems and making the steps to the deck, she is also tolerating the pain meds well and eating like normal. She is almost 9 years old and we had 6 wonderful years with her, hubby and I cry everyday thinking about it but our legacy to sweet Tatum is to donate some money to Dr Couto & our rescue group in her name, and then rescue another grey when we feel ready. I am writing this only to tell you how we are handling our situation. It was said very nicely on this site that when dealing with Osteo there isn't any WRONG way to deal with it. I am so sorry Zoolady for you, your family and Wonder. It just doesn't seem fair for these beautiful animals....

 

Marilee

Hugs to you too Marilee. Feel free to join us in the osteo thread for some support as well. I hope you have many more happy months with your girl Tatum.

 

Thanks I will join that thread.

[Charlies_Dad]

We know all too well the emotions you are going through. It is a brutal and shocking diagnosis and I sorry for for Wonder and you. We are here for you whether it's questions, advice, a shoulder to lean on, you name it. We are walking the path with one of ours as well and know all too well the excruciating decisions one has to make so quickly. It's not easy.

 

Please give Wonder a hug from me.

[sabrina]

No advice just sorry Wonder & you are going thru this.

to you both

[Guest mountain4greys]

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[Guest azlorenz]

I am so very sorry. My heart goes out to you.

[teri_d]

my heart hurts for you -- i highly recommend the LONG os thread on gt -- LOTS of good advice - help- support -- there are many different paths to walk down once you're in the os forest - we lost our rivie this summer - i could not have coped without my friends on gt in the os thread - my thoughts and prayers are with you as you start down the path

[DesiRayMom]

Prayers for Wonder.....strength for you.

[KahluasMagic]

I am so sorry. I lost my Magic to osteo 2 years ago. My thoughts are with you and Wonder.

[EllenEveBaz]

Just lots and lots of

[Sirocco_Nikki]

We went the pain med only route when Sirocco was diagnosed in mid July. While others chose amputation with/without chemo, pain meds only was the best decision for us. No two dogs/families/financial situations are the same so it is important to make the best decision for your circumstances. One of the big factors for us was Sirocco's separation anxiety. We believe his quality of life was much better since we kept him home in comfortable and secure surroundings. We made the same decision when our Chester (lab x) was diagnosed with bone cancer in his jaw for the same reason. I have never regretted either decision for a minute.

 

Also, there is no shame in admitting to yourselves that you just can't afford the amputation/chemo route if that needs to be the deciding factor. Make the best decision you can out of love and it will not be the wrong one.

[cleptogrey]

We went the pain med only route when Sirocco was diagnosed in mid July. While others chose amputation with/without chemo, pain meds only was the best decision for us. No two dogs/families/financial situations are the same so it is important to make the best decision for your circumstances. One of the big factors for us was Sirocco's separation anxiety. We believe his quality of life was much better since we kept him home in comfortable and secure surroundings. We made the same decision when our Chester (lab x) was diagnosed with bone cancer in his jaw for the same reason. I have never regretted either decision for a minute.

 

Also, there is no shame in admitting to yourselves that you just can't afford the amputation/chemo route if that needs to be the deciding factor. Make the best decision you can out of love and it will not be the wrong one.

 

that's the route i took w/ emily. jan 2nd it will be one year since we lost her to osteo. i have always felt very strongly that i would only consider pain meds. i have never regretted my decision either.

 

"MAKE THE BEST DECISION YOU CAN OUT OF LOVE & IT WILL NOT BE THE WRONG ONE."- well said.

[45MPHK9]

many, many hugs to you and your family. we will be thinking of you and Wonder in the coming days.

[MP_the4pack]

I'm sorry you joined the club.

 

I amputated Diamond's leg when she was just 2 weeks shy of 12. She did very well, was feeling way better just 2 weeks post op. And had 6b wonderful, happy, pain free months. (we also did chemo). Her lungs remained clear to the end, but the OS hit another leg.

 

Even though I only got 6 months, the fact that she felt so good I would definitely do it again, if the dog was a good candidate.

 

Good luck. The decision you make will not be the wrong one, because you're doing it out of love.