3DogNite Posted June 24, 2011 Share Posted June 24, 2011 (edited) The other day, My boy Power started crying when ever he'd lay down or got up,, started to favor his left front leg,, to me it seemed like the problem was in his shoulder. he had been diagnosed with a calcium deposit on his bicep tendon in February,, i figured acupuncture will help this flare up,, maybe he's been too active recently. X-rays show 2 vertebrae between his shoulder blades have suspicious areas. the vet (new to me cause we just moved to Phx.) is 99% sure it's bone cancer!!! The place of it though is so weird to me,,, Really in vertebrae? can this really happen there????? i've heard of rib bones, and of course in any leg, even in toes.. but I can't amputate a vertebrae.. can't even really get to it for a bone aspiration test very easily. Poor guy is most comfortable, if there is comfortable with bone cancer,, while standing up.. it's a real chore to get him to lay down.. seems like the location has pressure from either side while laying down,, so, he is wandering, pacing, panting, whining, and occasional crying out... X-rays are being sent to Dr. Couto today! and to an orthopedic guy in SLC who i love and would trust his second opinion. he is on tramadol and gabapentin,, since the pain is coming close to the spinal column and the nerves are an issue, this pill helps with nerve pain.... this is so hard. new vet, no history with them.. don't know much about them at all,, other than I do really like them and they have very good equipment. and my sweet boy is hurting! and my heart is breaking! 6/27 received word from Dr. Couto,, to my vet. He could not confirm osteo from the X-rays!!! now what,, CT scan with bone biopsy to get a confirmation = 2k full blood panel, with tick disease and valley fever ,, much less that 2k do nothing ~~ treat for the pain! this seems like management by hope, and not what i'd call pro-active. Power has been mostly comfortable. sleeping thru the night, eating well, enjoying treats and trotting around the yard exploring for bunnies. but he is in pain, some times considerable and that makes my heart hurt!! 6/28 the last several hours have been a roller-coaster - I talked with my trusted Orthopedic specialist in SLC,, he said,, oh that looks bad, and there isn't really anything to do for it in that location. It's really invasive to get in surgically for a biopsy and to what end.. will actually knowing it's cancer make much difference? pain management is what he suggested. In the mean time, I had decided to have chest X-rays and full blood work up done, to rule out Lung mets and VF and tick disease... we did that this morning.. Different Vet again, the one who diagnosed had the day off... so new Vet,, and this one said the area on the vertebrae in question looked "old and static" not active or mothy, but had the malformation of cancer... Lungs are clear,, and on a side note,, I was in awe of the size of his heart!!! we talked about other options (not many) but decided to do the VF test and once that comes in we will know what kind of anti-inflammatory to add to the daily pills. we are just going to try and see if Power gets any relief from anti-inflammatory meds. that's about it. I went from no hope last night,, to some hope this morning and then i look at the X-rays and i go back to less hope, trying to keep my stomach from tying in knots. It will take a couple days to get the VF test results,, until then, pain management, and watching his coordination,, if he starts to loose his back end, then the spinal column is getting involved, that of course would NOT be good! 6/30 I'm afraid to say this out loud.... Power is 100% BETTER!!! no crying out, no pain pills, head is up, ears are up, he can lay on either side (before it was only on the left) NO LIMPING! I just don't know. all the experts say, could be cancer, looks bad, but we can't confirm cancer, but it could be..... We had another set of X-rays taken the other day. It shows lungs clear,, it shows the space between the vertebrae is really small,, like the disk is collapsed or mostly gone,, that could cause the pain! it shows the area being static and old looking...instead of active or mothy.. the blood work is perfect! no tick disease, kidneys and liver perfect.. still waiting on the VF, but the vet is pretty sure it will come back neg...... this morning in talking with the vet, she said that they were talking about Power, and looking at his X-rays again, wondering if it could be a blood clot, that doesn't sound good to me, but she said, it could be dissolving, and it would present itself in the way Power has been acting. Well,, IF Power gets painful again, we will go to Prednizone or Rimadyl. treating for inflammation first,, This morning i had a hard time keeping the boy from doing ZOOMIES in the yard,, that's how good he feels!!! Does cancer have this roller coster? If it's cancer, he'd be in pain,, all the time, right, in varying amounts,, but not this 100% better thing??? Well, i said it all out loud, I hope i didn't jinx it.... crossing all toes, fingers, paws and anything else that can be crossed,, i'm crossing it! :goodluck Edited June 30, 2011 by 3DogNite Quote lorinda, mom to the ever revolving door of Foster greyhounds Always in my heart: Teala (LC Sweet Dream) , Pepton, Darbee-Do (Hey Barb) , Rascal (Abitta Rascal), Power (Beyond the Power), and the miracle boy LAZER (2/21/14), Spirit (Bitter Almonds) 8/14 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted June 24, 2011 Share Posted June 24, 2011 Can be in any bone, unfortunately. Sending lots of prayers for your boy. 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 Swifthounds Posted June 24, 2011 Share Posted June 24, 2011 I'm so very sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tallgreydogmom Posted June 24, 2011 Share Posted June 24, 2011 I've had two greyhounds with cancer of the spine. I am so sorry. Hugs to all 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 formercatlady Posted June 24, 2011 Share Posted June 24, 2011 I'm so sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP_the4pack Posted June 24, 2011 Share Posted June 24, 2011 A second opinion never hurts. Can you send the xrays to OSU? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sabrina Posted June 24, 2011 Share Posted June 24, 2011 Just wishing the best for Power, maybe get a 2nd opinion, 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...
Remolacha Posted June 24, 2011 Share Posted June 24, 2011 I am so sorry! Hoping the second opinion is different Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greysmom Posted June 24, 2011 Share Posted June 24, 2011 I'm sooooooo sorry to hear this! Please know we're thinking of you and your family. Quote Chris - Mom to: Felicity (DeLand), and Andi (Braska Pandora) siggy by Chris Harper, on Flickr Angels: Libby (Everlast), Dorie (Dog Gone Holly), Dude (TNJ VooDoo), Copper (Kid's Copper), Cash (GSI Payncash), Toni (LPH Cry Baby), Whiskey (KT's Phys Ed), Atom, Lilly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted June 24, 2011 Share Posted June 24, 2011 I'm sorry you and Power are going through this. I hope it's not Osteo but it can strike any bone unfortunately, just more common in leg bones with Greys. Good thoughts coming your way and your boys. 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 KennelMom Posted June 24, 2011 Share Posted June 24, 2011 Yep, that's where my boy Rocky had it Obviously you can't amputate, chemotherapy is you're only option other than palliative care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MTFSTHNDS Posted June 24, 2011 Share Posted June 24, 2011 Lorinda - for you and a for Power. Quote Adrienne - with the kitties Tippy & Tyler Too Missing my bridge angels Boo Zsee, Java Bean (Nitro Kristen), Zeeba and Baer the not-so-miniature schnauzer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4greyhounds Posted June 24, 2011 Share Posted June 24, 2011 We are very Sorry, You all are in our thoughts and prayers!!!! 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...
tbhounds Posted June 24, 2011 Share Posted June 24, 2011 Oh boy-- I'm sorry you are both hurting. Sadly, as others mentioned OS can involve the spine but, it doesn't have to be that. Years ago I had a Border Collie that presented with the same symptoms-- radiographs showed a lytic lesion involving 2 vertebrae- turned out to be a bacterial infection- she was on crate rest and massive antibotics for 2 months-- she lived to a ripe old age of 15. So, fingers crossed Dr Couto will give you a positive response. BTW-- I'm glad you didn't go the chiro path first-- would have had an awful outcome. Please keep us posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesiRayMom Posted June 24, 2011 Share Posted June 24, 2011 Prayers & best wishes for Power. Quote Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest eaglflyt Posted June 24, 2011 Share Posted June 24, 2011 I'm so very sorry. I'll be keeping both of you in my prayers. I'll be hoping for an outside chance that it isn't what is feared. My friend that introduced me to greys several years ago lost her grey to bone cancer involving the vertebrae. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NancyB Posted June 24, 2011 Share Posted June 24, 2011 I'm so sorry. Sending prayers and hugs Quote Nancy with Rocket, Umeko and Sasha Missing Albi, Kassie, Ramm, Ruby, my good boy Marvin and Mickey (BT) NANCY B'S COLLARS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackandgrey Posted June 25, 2011 Share Posted June 25, 2011 I'm so very sorry. I hope your boy finds some relief with the meds soon. Quote Susan, Jessie and Jordy NORTHERN SKY GREYHOUND ADOPTION ASSOCIATION Jack, in my heart forever March 1999-Nov 21, 2008 My Dancing Queen Jilly with me always and forever Aug 12, 2003-Oct 15, 2010 Joshy I will love you always Aug 1, 2004-Feb 22,2013 Jonah my sweetheart May 2000 - Jan 2015 " You will never need to be alone again. I promise this. As your dog, I will sing this promise to you, and whisper it to you at night, every night, with my breath." Stanley Coren Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4My2Greys Posted June 25, 2011 Share Posted June 25, 2011 Oh Lorinda I'm so sorry about this. I hope and pray it is not cancer. I hope the meds can give him relief from the pain. I hate the thought of him in pain like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobinM Posted June 25, 2011 Share Posted June 25, 2011 I am so sorry. Quote ROBIN ~ Mom to: Beau Think It Aint, Chloe JC Allthewayhome, Teddy ICU Drunk Sailor, Elsie N Fracine , Ollie RG's Travertine, Ponch A's Jupiter~ Yoshi, Zoobie & Belle, the kitties. Waiting at the bridge Angel Polli Bohemian Ocean , Rocky, Blue,Sasha & Zoobie & Bobbi Greyhound Angels Adoption (GAA) The Lexus Project Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3greytjoys Posted June 25, 2011 Share Posted June 25, 2011 Oh, my heart hurts for Power, and for you! We will keep Power in our prayers, and hope wonderful Dr. Couto can offer some helpful treatment for Power. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
queenwinniesmom Posted June 25, 2011 Share Posted June 25, 2011 Oh, Lorinda, I'm so sorry! I just wondered in the BDR how you guys were doing, and to hear this terrible news is so upsetting.You've had so much going on with the move, what a horrible diagnosis (or potential diagnosis) to have to deal with as you are adjusting to your new home. Precious Power....I pray that he will have many, many painfree days with you. Power Rangers suited up! And hugs to you, and gentle nose kisses from the girls. Quote Nancy, Mom to Evangelina and Kiva Missing Lacey, Patsy, Buster, my heart dog Nick, Winnie, Pollyanna, Tess, my precious Lydia, Calvin Lee, my angel butterfly Laila, and kitties Lily, Sam and Simon My Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Catsburgandhoundtown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SIGreyLady Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 Lorinda, Hoping the pain meds are helping Power and that you hear from OSU soon. Sending prayers and good thoughts out to you. :hope Kelsey is suited up too. Quote Mimi- mom to Burdette (KB's Burdette), Sophie (LL's Stupid Is) and bridge babies Kelsey (Kelso's Logo), Sterling (Cold B Tiger), Fritz, Tasha, Chloe and Molly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest vtgreys Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 I know it's far away for you in Arizona, but a friend of mine is just going through the same with her girl, osteosarcoma of the spine. He did the first surgery about a week ago, removing the tumor pressing on her spine, and yesterday performed a second surgery with an innovative method. It might be worth for your vet to consult with Dr. Potthoff at http://www.maineveterinaryreferralcenter.com/drpotthoff.html. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Potomacpupsmom Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 I am so sorry to hear the preliminary diagnosis for Power. Hopefully Dr Couto will be able to help! Quote Humans Kathy and Jim with our girls, Ivy (Carolina Spoon) and Cherry (Fly Cherry Pie) Missing our beautiful angel Breeze (Dighton Breeze) and angel Beka (BM Beko) - you are forever in our hearts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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