Should we get a second opinion on OS diagnosis? MRI? Amputate?

[tbhounds]

Get a ct scan with contrast-you’ll have your answer.

[Gatorade]

So our images were sent to a specialist and it was confirmed that all indications point to cancer. It’s a sad day over here. 
 

So now the big question, how to proceed?

 

He now likely has had cancer for 4 months (since he started limping). 
 

I figured we could get chest x-rays. 
 

Has anyone amputated and not done chemo? Weighing options here. 

[Gatorade]

Thanks everyone. The radiologist consult also confirmed osteo. What an awful whirlwind. We had them take chest x-rays (even though we had them not long ago with the accident). Those don’t show anything concerning, though I realize it’s likely already spread.

 
I was reading the various osteo threads looking for direction, but I still keep asking myself the same question. How do you choose? How do you choose which route is best?

I’m guessing he had cancer at least since September, which was 4 months ago, when his limp started although we couldn’t see it on X-rays. 
 

I was reading the other threads and he also had similar signs of what people noticed that I never gave much thought to...  not using a leg going down stairs, sometimes falling downstairs, slow to get up and down, etc. 

Gator has been pretty adaptable to different living situations. We got him around 2 years old, and he will be 7 in March. We had to teach him the usuals (like using stairs lol), but I feel like he’s defied a lot. A sweet silly boy who lets his 3 yr old and 1.5 yr old human sisters snuggle and jump on him all the time. I feel like he’s (relatively) young and otherwise in good health. I wish dogs could talk.  I want to do what’s right for him. 
 

We can afford amputation and chemo and can dedicate time for his recovery and ongoing care. Is that the best choice?

 

feeling so confused. 

[EllenEveBaz]

Oh, he's so young.     

This may sound silly, but have you talked it over with him?  My dear Romie was diagnosed with lymphoma years ago and I went into super-organization mode, researching treatments, taking him for pre-tests, and lining up extra help for him during the day at home.  He had never been sick a day in his life before this.  He was quieter than usual, and obviously not feeling well.   He had always enjoyed his visits to the vet (attention!  petting!  treats!), but when in the parking lot for his first treatment, he didn't want to get out of the car.  He was telling me he didn't want to go through with this.  So we didn't.  

If you start a new thread with a more obvious title, or post in the ongoing Cancer thread, I think you'll get more responses from people who have been down the osteo path in various ways.  But of course, it's your family and Gator's decision.  A decision made with love, and his best interests at heart, will never be wrong.  But it will be hard.  Sending all our best wishes.  

[MP_the4pack]

Dr. Couto told me age is only a number. I took my very healthy 12 year old to him when he practiced at OSU. Specifically to find out if my 12 year old could be a tripod. 

She spent the day there getting prodded and poked. The answer was she was physically able to handle it. 

She was a happy energetic, deer chasing 12 year old for 6 months.  Osteo came back to her rear legs and we had to let her go. My 9 year old tripod lasted 14 months before osteo hit her hips.

The decision you make is hard. But remember whatever the decision it is correct.  Because you do it out of love.

[FiveRoooooers]

2 hours ago, EllenEveBaz said:

Oh, he's so young.     

This may sound silly, but have you talked it over with him?  My dear Romie was diagnosed with lymphoma years ago and I went into super-organization mode, researching treatments, taking him for pre-tests, and lining up extra help for him during the day at home.  He had never been sick a day in his life before this.  He was quieter than usual, and obviously not feeling well.   He had always enjoyed his visits to the vet (attention!  petting!  treats!), but when in the parking lot for his first treatment, he didn't want to get out of the car.  He was telling me he didn't want to go through with this.  So we didn't.  

If you start a new thread with a more obvious title, or post in the ongoing Cancer thread, I think you'll get more responses from people who have been down the osteo path in various ways.  But of course, it's your family and Gator's decision.  A decision made with love, and his best interests at heart, will never be wrong.  But it will be hard.  Sending all our best wishes.  

^^ 

[Gatorade]

Thanks all! After talking it over, we are going to amputate. We think he will physically and mentally handle it well, and quite honestly be happier without the pain. We will try chemo treatments and see if he tolerates it. I appreciate everyone’s well wishes. I’ll let you know how he does!

[MP_the4pack]

Good luck.

A word of warning.  The first 2 weeks are very difficult  and you will question if you made the right decision.  Hang in there.  Much of the anxiety is more related to the meds than pain or becoming a tripod.  

[Beachbum1]

The 4th leg is a "spare".

Within 3 weeks of having his front right leg amputated due to Osteo, Taylor was jumping in and out of the back of my SUV. 

He was about the same age as your boy, and a BIG boy (90 pounds).

He had 4 once a month rounds of Carboplatin chemo, with no side effects.

He loved and demanded rides and walks, 2-3 times a day.  Every single day, for almost 2 years, until something else sent him to the Bridge.

He was a happy, hopping tripod.