GreytHurleyDawg Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 (edited) Hurley was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his rear left leg (tibia) on November 2nd. He had been limping a few days and then he was on the bed with us and could not remain in one position for more than 5 minutes or maybe 10. He kept standing up, turning around and trying a new position, only to get tired of it again. Xrays showed a moth eaten area of his bone and we saw the oncologist later that morning. She explained our options and mentioned she would be at a conference until the following Tuesday but was available via email. I emailed OSU and sent the 5 xrays, they confirmed that it is most likely osteo. Once our doctor was back in town, we had our ducks in a row and had an appointment for a surgical consult lined up the day after we saw her again (we saw her Wed). She green lighted us for the amputation and we met the surgeon, liked the surgeon and were very relieved that both doctors acknowledged that OSU could provide the best resource in this case. They both called them, consulted with them and never made me feel like I was putting OSU first, above them. The amputation was scheduled for Wednesday, November 16. It went well!!!!! They called me about an hour before I had to leave for work and said he was already waking up and looking around. The surgeon called me later, as I requested. He told me there was one issue only: Hurley had an arrythmia or slower heart beats at one point and he thought that would mean doxorubicin would not be ideal for his heart. Other than that, we were still on track for having him come home Thursday. He mentioned that I could visit him after my work shift if I wished. I left work just 1/2 hour early after calling them for details on Hurley's progress and their preferences with late night visits. The vet tech was very nice and said Hurley had already been up and about with the help of the sling. I asked about food and whether he needed to eat. He had been refusing so far so I was given the go ahead to bring some tuna treats I had made at home. I was able to reach Jim after he got off work and we met up so we could drive together. We were shown into the comfort room and Hurley was brought to us, walking on his own!!!! He was shaven all the way to the hip, in case they were going to take all of it, so it looked naked. I was amazed that right now they just have a gauze on the bottom of the stump, at the incision. It had been bleeding but not badly. The doctor had told me his clotting was doing fine (we gave the Aminocaproic acid as instructed by OSU for all greyhound amputations and as Hurley requires because he does bleed EXCESSIVELY without it) so I was very relieved to hear that! Right now, the 'stump' is quite swollen. Hurley ate all the treats I brought and all the canned food they provided once I held the bowl for him. He was not overly welcoming towards us because he had other issues going on and he was slightly wobbly. But I know it was the right thing for us to have done (versus waiting until the morning to possibly even bring him home on our first meeting with him post-surgery). He tried to sit (which the tech said would be alright) but he caused pain by angling the wrong way and then getting agitated. We helped him sit onto his good side with the aid of the sling. He sat for quite awhile and was already starting to show interest in the wound, which the vet tech said was new behavior. I hope this is all making sense. I wanted to get it down now because if he comes home tomorrow, I'm not sure how much time like this I will have! I have scheduled time off from work Fri, Sat and Sun. By Monday, he will hopefully be okay to be alone for a few hours or more. We have a long road ahead. But I believe he will adapt quickly to having one less leg. Long live my sweet Hurley Dawg!! We aren't out of the woods yet but we hope to start chemo very soon, around Thanksgiving. Tripods rock!! I've seen them run faster than my 4 legged dogs! Edited November 19, 2011 by GreytHurleyDawg Quote Bow Wow Wow Yippie Yo Yippie Yay Johanna with hounds: Woodie (Molly's Marvin) (Grenade X Kh Molly) and Petra (Make Her a Pet) (Dodgem By Design X Late Nite Oasis) and forever missing Hurley (Jel Try Out) (Gable Dodge X Kings Teresa) with Kalapaki Beach in Kauai as the background Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest IrskasMom Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 You go Hurley Dawg Johanna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbhounds Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Way to do Hurley!!! Hoping a speedy recovery and a long long long happy life!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Feisty49 Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Wonderful outcome! All the love you have for him will help him heal that much quicker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Lala Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Keep up that awesome healing energy, Hurley, and you'll be zooming by everyone in no time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MandysMom Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 I'm glad he's doing well! Sending healing thoughts for Hurley. 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...
racindog Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Get well quick Hurley! We love you! And yes tripods do still " fly". Ivy ran so fast (as usual) that you couldn't see how many legs she had because she was just a blur. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Johanna, that is a fantastic report!!! I am so glad Hurley is doing well. Here's to a smooth quick healing process! 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 BrianRke Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Keep it up Hurley!! Sounds like you had some great docs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XTRAWLD Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Thanks for the write up. Have a good recovery Hurley! Quote Proudly owned by:10 year old "Ryder" CR Redman Gotcha May 201012.5 year old Angel "Kasey" Goodbye Kasey Gotcha July 2005-Aug 1, 2015 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPoopon Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 I hope he heals quickly and well. Go Hurley! 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...
winnie Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 I'm so glad to hear that Hurley's surgery went well. Quote Laura with Celeste (ICU Celeste) and Galgos Beatrix and Encarna The Horse - Gracie (MD Grace E) Bridge Angels Faye Oops (Santa Fe Oops), Bonny (Bonny Drive), Darcy (D's Zipperfoot) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mirinaaronsmom Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Keep up the good work, Hurley. We'll be planning on walking in the 4th of July parade with you again next year. You won't be getting attention for your hat this time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mariah Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Yay Hurley! Glad his surgery went well. Wishing him similar success with his chemo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greyers Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 YAY HURLEY!!! KEEP IT UP! Congratulations on a successful surgery.... fingers crossed recovery continues to go smoothly! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike516 Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Congratz Hurley on the successful surgery! Here's wishing you a speedy recovery and plenty of treats (Just thought I'd slip that in there for ya ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greytpups Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Wonderful report! Quote Jan with precious pups Emmy (Stormin J Flag) and Simon (Nitro Si) and Abbey Field. Missing my angels: Bailey Buffetbobleclair 11/11/98-17/12/09; Ben Task Rapid Wave 5/5/02-2/11/15; Brooke Glo's Destroyer 7/09/06-21/06/16 and Katie Crazykatiebug 12/11/06 -21/08/21. My blog about grief The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not get over the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same, nor would you want to. ― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iluvgreys Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 (edited) Great news! Sending loads of prayers for quick healing. Go Hurley! Edited November 17, 2011 by iluvgreys 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...
carronstar Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Sending prayers for a speedy and unventful recovery for Hurley. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissn333 Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Great news! Quote Kristin in Moline, IL USA with Ozzie (MRL Crusin Clem), Clarice (Clarice McBones), Latte and Sage the IGs, and the kitties: Violet and Rose Lovingly Remembered: Sutra (Fliowa Sutra) 12/02/97-10/12/10, Pinky (Pick Me) 04/20/03-11/19/12, Fritz (Fritz Fire) 02/05/01 - 05/20/13, Ace (Fantastic Ace) 02/05/01 - 07/05/13, and Carrie (Takin the Crumbs) 05/08/99 - 09/04/13. A cure for cancer can't come soon enough.-- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaineysMom Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 glad he's doing ok! this sucks that so many pups (and so many GPA-WI pups! ) are having to deal with this horrible disease :( Quote Kim and Bruce - with Rick (Rick Roufus 6/30/16) and missing my sweet greyhound Angels Rainey (LG's Rainey 10/4/2000 - 3/8/2011), Anubis (RJ's Saint Nick 12/25/2001 - 9/12/12) and Zeke (Hey Who Whiz It 4/6/2009 - 7/20/2020) and Larry (PTL Laroach 2/24/2007 - 8/2/2020) -- and Chester (Lab) (8/31/1990 - 5/3/2005), Captain (Schipperke) (10/12/1992 - 6/13/2005) and Remy (GSP) (?/?/1998 - 1/6/2005) at the bridge"Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut." -- Ernest Hemmingway Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
queenwinniesmom Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Sounds like he's doing great! I know you will all be glad to get him home, and that you'll have some time to spend with him. Looking forward to more positive updates. 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...
Houndtime Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Wishing Hurley a speedy and full recovery from central New Jersey. Quote Irene Ullmann w/Flying Odin and Mama Mia in Lower Delaware Angels Brandy, John E, American Idol, Paul, Fuzzy and Shine Handcrafted Greyhound and Custom Clocks http://www.houndtime.com Zoom Doggies-Racing Coats for Racing Greyhounds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreytHurleyDawg Posted November 19, 2011 Author Share Posted November 19, 2011 Thank you for all your words and thoughts!! Hurley has been home over 24 hours now and I wanted to share some pics from last weekend, when he was still a 4 legger. And then the post op photos, of course! Don't make me go to the hospital, please! Hurley, I wish you didn't have to! But you will be healthier this way! Confidently standing with the aid of pain meds: Maybe showing the slightest hesitation with the cancerous left hind leg: Ready to go if that critter makes an appearance: Definitely ON the move: Getting a ride to get his nails trimmed and to make sure he doesn't think ALL car rides end in vet visits! FINALLY, some after amputation pictures: This was taken yesterday, the day he came home. Home is the best medicine! (as you can see, it's good that I'm home for a few days so I can clean....we'll see if I can muster the motivation! ) Doing that sit that I've read about on the osteo thread. You wouldn't even know a leg was missing when they sit on that side! Another pic with no obvious leg missing but i'm posting it because while he was roaching, I could not get his whole body into one shot! #fail Lastly, today his bruising is quite widespread but not unusual: Thanks again for everyone's kindness. It is hard to believe this is just a stop gap until chemo starts and then we have to hope it kills as much as possible while we try to enhance his immune system to fight off the cancer cells. We are doing the fish oil pills and are giving the non-grain food a shot, even if it isn't proven. Right now, I'm perfectly content to spend every minute with him!!! His bandage change was hard on him but it was saturated and we wanted to take a look and clean it too before we changed it. He kept trying to bite us!! And we jumped everytime!! The e collar is problematic but better than letting him lick it open and cause an infection. He is still wobbly but getting the hang of it. The towel as a sling is also handy so he doesn't strain too badly. he POOPED yesterday and today!! Woodie is sharing the couch with him at the moment, he and Petra get "guest passes" to see him and be near him. Although, they didn't seem to wonder where he was during his absence. They did sniff me entirely after we returned from visiting him at least. They have sniffed him at home a little but not harshly. In my opinion, he is doing wonderfully!! Quote Bow Wow Wow Yippie Yo Yippie Yay Johanna with hounds: Woodie (Molly's Marvin) (Grenade X Kh Molly) and Petra (Make Her a Pet) (Dodgem By Design X Late Nite Oasis) and forever missing Hurley (Jel Try Out) (Gable Dodge X Kings Teresa) with Kalapaki Beach in Kauai as the background Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted November 19, 2011 Share Posted November 19, 2011 Sounds like he is doing well -- and, he looks really good. Continued wishes for quick, easy healing for your cute 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...
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