Beachbum1 Posted January 10, 2015 Share Posted January 10, 2015 Taylor (male, 87 pounds, just turned 6 and came to me just 3 years ago) started limping around 2 weeks ago. Normal walk was OK. Faster walk showed a bit of a limp. When he got up this past Wednesday after his afternoon nap, asking for dinner at 4:00, he was holding up his front right leg. He walked around a minute or so like that. Has still been favoring his front right leg, but he still has wanted to walk, jumps in and out of the Tuscon a half a dozen times a day, and even runs across the yard. Took him to the vet this morning. He whined a little when the vet turned his right wrist down. Vet felt a little swelling. X-ray this morning: shows a mottled area just above his right wrist. He feels it is osteosarcoma. The x-rays were sent out electronically to VitalRads in TX, and if it was a weekday, my vet would have had the results back in 2-3 hours, but now it will wait till Monday. My vet said the cancer cells are probably already in the lungs, which is where he said it goes, but may not be doing anything yet. My vet felt that amputation was not a good idea. He felt that would just speed up the process. He said maybe I should consider chemo and radiation to give Taylor some more time, and as far as time, he said in any event it would only be a year. Maybe less. I was emailed the x-rays. I would like to send them to Dr. Couto right now. ****Can anyone tell me what the turnaround time is for getting information back from Dr. Couto?**** There is also an animal oncologist here in Melbourne, FL, who might be able to suggest possible forms of treatment. Unfortunately, I was told there is no one around here who does chemo/radiation. South Florida can do it, but that's almost 3 hours away. They do it in Tampa, around an hour and a half to the west, maybe Orlando. These are all things I have to figure out. I feel shattered. Taylor is my life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted January 10, 2015 Share Posted January 10, 2015 There are many on here that can give you advice, unfortunately I didn't find out Charley had osteo until she broke her leg, so there were no decisions to be made about treatment. I am surprised your vet said Taylor would not be a good candidate for amputation given his young age. I also would recommend a lung x-ray, your treatment options will be affected by whether or not the cancer is in his lungs. I am so very sorry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ms3569 Posted January 10, 2015 Share Posted January 10, 2015 I'm so sorry to hear about Taylor. I'm new to the Greyhound breed but as an oncology nurse I would seek a second opinion. I would go to a large veterinary referral center. A large center might have a different treatment option or clinical trial. We have patients that travel all over the country for second opinions. I don't think you'll regret seeking another opinion, you'll know you gave him the best chance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramonaghan Posted January 10, 2015 Share Posted January 10, 2015 No advice, just hugs. I am so sorry. Rachel with littermates Doolin and Willa, boss cat Tootie, and feline squatters Crumpet and Fezziwig. Missing gentlemen kitties Mud, Henry, and Richard and our beautiful, feisty, silly Sweep. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beachbum1 Posted January 10, 2015 Author Share Posted January 10, 2015 I have just sent the x-rays off to Dr. Couto. There is a local animal oncologist who I will call Monday morning. Any suggestions on what to do or give for his limping. He wasn't holding his paw up before the vet visit, but I am sure he was twisted around for the exam and x-ray. He is holding it since we got home, but he did go out and pee and is sleeping quietly. I was given a 1 week supply of an anti-inflammatory. Previvox 227MG to be taken once a day with food. I don't know how he will tolerate it. 2 years ago, he had Rimadyl and threw up late that night. Instead of giving it to him with dinner today at 4:00, and risk him getting sick in the middle of the night, I think I will give him the Previcox with breakfast at 7:00 AM on Sunday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest IrskasMom Posted January 10, 2015 Share Posted January 10, 2015 We are so shattered with you . The Unthinkable just happen to Taylor and you. I really have no Advice but Mega Hugs to you and Taylor. A second Opinion is adviced. Just recently I send Dr Couto an EMail , that was in the Evening and by Morning I had an EMail back from Him. He is awesome .I Thanked him profoundly for always being there for us Grey Owners . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinw Posted January 10, 2015 Share Posted January 10, 2015 I'm really sorry. I've been through this three times. It's a nasty disease without a cure, especially if it's reached his lungs. Xavi the galgo and Peter the cat. Missing Iker the galgo ?-Feb.9/19, Treasure (USS Treasure) April 12/01-May 6/13, Phoenix (Hallo Top Son) Dec.14/99-June 4/11 and Loca (Reko Swahili) Oct.9/95 - June 1/09, Allen the boss cat, died late November, 2021, age 19. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walliered Posted January 10, 2015 Share Posted January 10, 2015 It is very painful. We could not control the pain (and I was taking him to a speciality vet place in Charleston). He limped and limped. I asked the vet to come to my house. I am so sorry for you and your hound. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a_daerr Posted January 10, 2015 Share Posted January 10, 2015 (edited) I am so very sorry... I'm with the others. I'd get a second opinion with a veterinary oncologist ASAP. With everything I know about OSA, and please, don't think I'm trying to discredit your vet here... but I can't understand how she could say with certainty that the cancer has metastasized to the lungs, and amputation is not an option. There is absolutely no way to diagnose that without taking a FNA of the tumor and chest rads of the lungs. OSA has a range of severity, according to the size of the tumor and the mitotic rate. For such a young and otherwise healthy dog, he could be an excellent candidate for amp. I'd also want to rule out other possibilities, like Valley Fever, fungal infection, or soft tissue sarcoma. Also, why in the world did they send you home with adequate pain meds? If she went as far as to say it's severe and inoperable OSA, why be conservative? He should be taking something for acute pain and nerve pain in addition to the NSAID. Osteo is an excuciating type of cancer- I'd want to keep him as comfortable as possible until you figure out what to do. A specialist is going to give you many more resources and options. Dr. Couto will have information for you too. Best of luck. Edited January 10, 2015 by a_daerr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beachbum1 Posted January 10, 2015 Author Share Posted January 10, 2015 The vet this morning said he figured the cells were in the lungs, but probably not doing anything yet. I will be seeing a second, possibly third opinion. Have to find out if it's spread, and then understand the options.. Taylor was running around the back yard this morning, and walked twice. He's been eating and sleeping and peeing and pooping OK. I think the discomfort he has right now is due to the exam and x-rays, and he is sleeping comfortably now. I already had a friend's vet look at the x-rays. That vet felt it looks very small, was caught EARLY, and he does NOT discount amputation, especially since this is a healthy, fairly young dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
45MPHK9 Posted January 10, 2015 Share Posted January 10, 2015 (edited) So sorry to read this bad news about Taylor. Aggressive pain management is an essential part of dealing with osteo. There are many posts about pain management, drug combinations, etc. in the osteo thread. I can tell you that it took three different drugs to keep Bee Wiseman's osteo pain under control. Even that combination failed to ease her pain after eight weeks. Sadly, a recurring theme in that osteo thread is the under-prescribing of pain medication. I'm not sure why some vets are afraid to aggressively prescribe meds to dogs with this terminal and extremely painful cancer. It's a nightmare disease. I'm sorry that you and Taylor are facing it. Edited January 10, 2015 by 45MPHK9 Tricia with Kyle, our senior mutt dog Always missing Murray Maldives, Bee Wiseman, River, Hopper, Kaia, and Holly Oaks Holly“You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.“ -Bob Dylan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP_the4pack Posted January 10, 2015 Share Posted January 10, 2015 We have someone on this board with a girl who celebrated her 3rd yr amp anniversary. Average post amp survival is either a year or 18 mos. My 12yr old made it 6mos. But those were good pain free mos. Unless your boy has a physical problem where he cannot manage as a tripod I would not automatically drop that option. Dr Couto will be able talk to you about that too. I took my girl to OSU when Dr Couto was there and he saw my girl. He told me that she would do well as a tripod. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riverhound Posted January 10, 2015 Share Posted January 10, 2015 Oh, God. I'm so sorry. This sucks. Masterful Joe and Naughty N Nice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4My2Greys Posted January 10, 2015 Share Posted January 10, 2015 I feet sick reading this. I'm so svery, very sorry you've gotten this devastating news about Taylor. Please do as others have advised and seek another opinion. It may not change the diagnosis, but you will have a better picture of what is going on. It sounds like your vet diagnosed the extent of the spread on supposition and not actual diagnostics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyhoundGirl Posted January 10, 2015 Share Posted January 10, 2015 I'm so sorry to hear this. I have no advice as I have no experience with this but my heart goes out to you, Taylor and Face. Please keep us posted. I do know a dog who was MICH older who successfully made it through an amputation. Please keep us posted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
galgrey Posted January 10, 2015 Share Posted January 10, 2015 Oh no! I'm devastated for you. I hope Dr. Couto can give you some hope. Cynthia, & Cristiano, galgoAlways in my heart: Frostman Newdawn Frost, Keno Jet Action & Chloe (NGA racing name unknown), Irys (galgo), Hannah (weim), Cruz (galgo), & Carly CW Your Charming Princess http://www.greyhound-data.com/d?i=1018857 "It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are." -- Unknown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest k9soul Posted January 10, 2015 Share Posted January 10, 2015 Felt my heart in my throat when I saw the thread title. Hoped so much I would open it and it would not be osteo . I don't have any personal experience or advice to give, I just want you to know that you and Taylor are in my thoughts. It's just not fair. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenbo Posted January 10, 2015 Share Posted January 10, 2015 Oh no! I hope hope hope that Taylor can be treated and goes on to live a long and happy life with you and Face. Camp Broodie with tuxedo Summer 12 and tuxedo Dio 6 Missing KC Kitty 2000-2016, Myka and part of my heart 2006-2020, and Saint YellBoy 2014-2020 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustSnoozing Posted January 10, 2015 Share Posted January 10, 2015 So sorry that you and Taylor are going through this. Dippy (Dinky Dipstick) and Velvet (Redbrick Velvet). Remembering sweet handsome Rebel (Emporio Rebel). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rschultz Posted January 10, 2015 Share Posted January 10, 2015 (((hugs)) I am still in shock as I am sure you are. Hopefully doctor Couto can give some answers and advice. Lexie is gone but not forgotten.💜 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesiRayMom Posted January 10, 2015 Share Posted January 10, 2015 prayers coming for you & Taylor for the strength to make it through this, whatever it may be. Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiveRoooooers Posted January 10, 2015 Share Posted January 10, 2015 Sigh. I am so sorry you have to look at this road. Hang in there. Dr Couto was traveling abroad when I had to consult him for Seamie, and he still responded in less than 8 hours. He is the best and absolutely should be on board for Taylor. I'm just sick about this. Old Dogs are the Best Dogs. Thank you, campers. Current enrollees: Punkin. AnnIE Oooh M Angels: Pal . Segugio. Sorella (TPGIT). LadyBug. Zeke-aroni. MiMi Sizzle Pants. Gracie. Seamie . (Foster)Sweet. Andy. PaddyALVIN!Mayhem. Bosco. Bruno. Dottie B. Trevor Double-Heart. Bea. Cletus, KLTO. Aiden 1-4. Upon reflection, our lives are often referenced in parts defined by the all-too-short lives of our dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted January 10, 2015 Share Posted January 10, 2015 I can offer no more advice that has been printed here already. I am so very sorry for the sad diagnosis. 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...
Guest MnMDogs Posted January 10, 2015 Share Posted January 10, 2015 I'm so incredibly sorry to read this . As others have already said, it's really important to get adequate pain meds, I think you just said he's on Prevacox, but he should also be on tramadol, or so,etching similar, and possibly gabapentin. It's been so long since we lost Matty to OS, I can't rememebr exactly what she was on, but you do need to stay ahead of the pain. Dr. Couto is wonderful. He was also traveling internationally when I consulted with him on 2 occasions, and he is very very responsive. Im glad you're pursuing other opinions. And again, I'm so sorry you received this news. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPoopon Posted January 11, 2015 Share Posted January 11, 2015 No advice, just best wishes for Taylor and you. 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...
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