Bone Cancer Question

[LaFlaca]

According to the vet, Wendy has "something going on" in two lumbar vertebrae. We are treating it as a bone infection with Tramadol and antibiotics for three weeks after which we will re-x-ray and reassess. My question is this; is early onset bone cancer fairly obvious to identify on x-ray?

[robinw]

I'm afraid that's it's not always easy to identify. All three of my greyhounds didn't show anything for the first set of X-rays.

 

Hopefully somebody with more knowledge than me will add to this.

Edited May 2, 2016 by robinw

[Rickiesmom]

Your vet might be able to send the rads out to a radiologist to be read - mine will do this for a small fee.

[greysmom]

You can also do a consult with Dr Couto. There is a fee, but it's worth it. A link is in the first post of the Osteo Thread.

Edited May 2, 2016 by greysmom

[LaFlaca]

You can also do a consult with Dr Couto. There is a fee, but it's worth it. A link is in the first post of the Osteo Thread.

Yup. This is definitely going to happen.

 

I'm afraid that's it's not always easy to identify. All three of my greyhounds didn't show anything for the first set of X-rays.

 

Hopefully somebody with more knowledge than me will add to this.

Crap! I was hoping it would be really obvious.

[Neighsayer]

My two osteo hounds were treated for soft tissue or sprain injuries, because nothing showed up.

[Guest asaccamora]

Our dog had what multiple oncoogists/radiologists suspected a sosteosarcoma but the FNAs didn't confirm. I was told it was early stage, sometimes its hard to get a confirmed diagnosis.

Edited May 3, 2016 by asaccamora

[NeylasMom]

According to the vet, Wendy has "something going on" in two lumbar vertebrae. We are treating it as a bone infection with Tramadol and antibiotics for three weeks after which we will re-x-ray and reassess. My question is this; is early onset bone cancer fairly obvious to identify on x-ray?

Not necessarily. How old is she? Anytime there is something suspicious with bone in a greyhound x-ray I keep osteo in the forefront of my mind, although to a lesser extent if the dog is young. Unfortunately I have seen way too many vets, especially soecialists mislead people because they are unwilling to diagnose something as osteo without "proof" via biopsy, etc. Bone infections are rare so unfortunately in my opinion, generally speaking, something suspicious on an x-ray of an older grey is much more likely to be osteo. The spine is a less common location though. Also, if you're in the Southwest, always rule out Valley Fever.

 

I hope this is something more benign and treatable.

[LaFlaca]

Not necessarily. How old is she? Anytime there is something suspicious with bone in a greyhound x-ray I keep osteo in the forefront of my mind, although to a lesser extent if the dog is young. Unfortunately I have seen way too many vets, especially soecialists mislead people because they are unwilling to diagnose something as osteo without "proof" via biopsy, etc. Bone infections are rare so unfortunately in my opinion, generally speaking, something suspicious on an x-ray of an older grey is much more likely to be osteo. The spine is a less common location though. Also, if you're in the Southwest, always rule out Valley Fever.

 

I hope this is something more benign and treatable.

Wendy is 10 years old. After reading up on bone infections, I agree with you that they are rare. Valley Fever came to mind, but we're in Florida...don't know if Wendy was a "valley girl" in the past. I hate to put negative vibes out in the Universe, but I'm thinking Osteo, too. The spine is a less common site for cancer. I keep hoping it's arthritis or something equally benign. Denial is a perfectly acceptable form of self-protection. I fully intend to consult with Dr. Couto regardless of what the vet has to say next week. I just want my girl to be comfortable and living a quality life as long as possible.

[rycezmom]

Hi Irene. I can't believe Wendy is 10. Has it been that long? Let me know if there is anything I can help you with. My vet belongs to Greyhound Health Initiative and is a very knowledgeable "Greyhound" vet. L.

[LaFlaca]

Hi Irene. I can't believe Wendy is 10. Has it been that long? Let me know if there is anything I can help you with. My vet belongs to Greyhound Health Initiative and is a very knowledgeable "Greyhound" vet. L.

Hi Leslie! Wendy chose me 8 years ago! Can you believe it? Thank you for your offer to help. I will certainly reach out to you, if necessary. Are you still using Dr. Cabrera?

[rycezmom]

He is out doing ortho procedures all over the county. I still see his partner Mark. I adore him and would not change for the world. I know where every Greyhound article in his office is! Call e if you need me. L.

[LaFlaca]

He is out doing ortho procedures all over the county. I still see his partner Mark. I adore him and would not change for the world. I know where every Greyhound article in his office is! Call e if you need me. L.

Thanks, I will.