kudzu Posted February 28, 2022 Share Posted February 28, 2022 We’re ending our third day post osteosarcoma diagnosis. We have ruled out amputation. There are already spots in the lungs. It’s the upper, right humerus. She already has a weak, wobbly & arthritis in her hind end. Su was already on Galliprant & gabapentin for her hind end trouble. Now we’ve increased the gabapentin & added tramadol. It took a day for visible pain reduction. Today she is finally wagging her tail, putting ears on full mast. She tried to have a spring in her step but quickly relapsed to limping. We are monitoring & looking for further short-term improvement. At this point it appears the outer portion of bone looks solid enough to give me hope a break won’t happen in the short term. (It’s all short-term now.) We already had a ramp fit the outside stairs. We’ve put the baby gate up to block the stairs inside. This did not please little miss picky butt! Doesn’t matter that were brought The best bed downstairs. What else can we do? I know she won’t be with us long & I’ve no interest in dragging things out if she goes back to the pain she had Friday. But… but, well, I’m … lost Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MerseyGrey Posted February 28, 2022 Share Posted February 28, 2022 I’m so sorry. I can’t offer any advice but we are thinking of you and sending our best wishes Quote Buddy Molly 🌈 5/11/10-10/10/23 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted February 28, 2022 Share Posted February 28, 2022 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cleptogrey Posted February 28, 2022 Share Posted February 28, 2022 sorry to read this. SPOIL HER ROTTEN! just remember spontaneous breaks do happen and they are horrible. annie had NO signs of osteo. jumped off the bed and her rear leg snapped in 2. X-rays revealed a star burst configuration of the bone- osteo. emily had osteo of the front leg and increased pain meds(tramadol, metacam, gabapenten and amandine) went from working to no help what so ever over night. of course this was a friday new year's eve and she had to hang in there until our vet reopened on the 4th. why didn't i use an e-vet- to avoid unnecessary x-rays. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiveRoooooers Posted February 28, 2022 Share Posted February 28, 2022 You feel lost but please know that you are not alone If she's already maxed out on the best meds and still shows signs of pain, you'll know what you need to do. You've been here long enough to know that there are many of us who believe that a day early is far better than a day late - avoiding the looming crisis. You'll make that last day one of the best days ever, and those will be the memories that fill your heart along with those created for all the years you've shared each others' lives. Our hearts are with you Quote Old Dogs are the Best Dogs. Thank you, campers. Current enrollees: Punkin. AnnIE Oooh M, Ebbie, HollyBeeBop (Betty Crocker). 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...
EllenEveBaz Posted February 28, 2022 Share Posted February 28, 2022 Oh, no. to you and Su. Is Miss Pickybutt eating? Quote Ellen, with brindle Milo and the blonde ballerina, Gelsey remembering Eve, Baz, Scout, Romie, Nutmeg, and Jeter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP_the4pack Posted February 28, 2022 Share Posted February 28, 2022 My vet says that the newest evidence shows tramadol doesn't work in dogs. But the good news is gabapentin can really be upped. I'm sorry for your news. I've lost 2 to OS. Sucks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Time4ANap Posted February 28, 2022 Share Posted February 28, 2022 So sorry you are dealing with this. We've been through this a few times too, and Miss Jan from CG said it best above. It never gets easier. Spoil her rotten! Quote Camp Broodie. The current home of Mark Kay Mark Jack and Gracie Kiowa Safe Joan. Always missing my boy Rocket Hi Noon Rocket, Allie Phoenix Dynamite, Kate Miss Kate, Starz Under Da Starz, Petunia MW Neptunia, Diva Astar Dashindiva, and LaVida I've Got Life Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LBass Posted February 28, 2022 Share Posted February 28, 2022 I'm so sorry you and Su are dealing with this. I'm in the spoil her rotten until she let's you know she's had enough. My MoMo has osteo and was not a candidate for amputation either. Knowing your girl and her preferences is a huge part of the decision making. It is a brutally hard decision. For me with Mo, I looked for adequate pain relief and reasonable physical independence. When either of those was gone it was time. We had 6 good months. Then we had an absolutely blissful November afternoon basking in the sunshine and cuddling on a blanket in the yard. The memory of that still makes me smile. Enjoy every day. Quote Lucy with Greyhound Nate and OSH Tinker. With loving memories of MoMo (FTH Chyna Moon), Spirit, Miles the slinky kitty (OSH), Piper "The Perfect" (Oneco Chaplin), Winston, Yoda, Hector, and Claire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greysmom Posted February 28, 2022 Share Posted February 28, 2022 1 hour ago, MP_the4pack said: My vet says that the newest evidence shows tramadol doesn't work in dogs. But the good news is gabapentin can really be upped. I'm sorry for your news. I've lost 2 to OS. Sucks! This. Tramadol doesn't even work that well in people. And Fentanyl can really cause anxiety and other mental issues with dogs. We've used Codeine Sulfate with very good results for the past 10 years instead. And just keep in mind that what you're really doing is providing at-home hospice care. There's no need to be (too) concerned about long term side effects or other effects that may come about from long term use. Talk with your vet beforehand - now - about incremental increases you can make to her pain medications, and keep smaller or dividable tablets of each on hand so you can tweak her amounts as she needs more. And talk with him about what to do in case she does suffer a break at home. Monitor her daily for quality of life. One thing our vet told us was to pick her favorite three things, and when she can't enjoy those things anymore it will be time to let her go. Big hugs!!! {{{hugs}}} 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...
tbhounds Posted February 28, 2022 Share Posted February 28, 2022 You might want to consider adding Tylenol 4. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dante2zoe Posted February 28, 2022 Share Posted February 28, 2022 I am so very sorry. When Sherman was diagnosed, the vet figured he would have a couple months. The pain increased faster than thought (His tumor was in his knee). I literally spoiled the cr@p out of our boy. He got to eat everything that he wasn't not allowed to have. He decided chocolate was wonderful, so he got some more. He went to the bridge with a mouthful of peanut butter cookie. Once the meds had to be upped and he was more drugged than not, we let him go. I just only hope that the pain in our hearts was nowhere close to what he felt. You and Su are in my thoughts. Quote Cindy with Miss Fancypants, Paris Bueller, Zeke, and Angus Dante (Dg's Boyd), Zoe (In a While), Brady (Devilish Effect), Goose (BG Shotgun), Maverick (BG ShoMe), Maggie (All Trades Jax), Sherman (LNB Herman Bad) and Indy (BYB whippet) forever in my heart The flame that burns the brightest, burns the fastest and leaves the biggest shadow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramonaghan Posted February 28, 2022 Share Posted February 28, 2022 I'm so sorry. You are definitely not alone. We found that Galliprant wasn't quite as effective for pain relief as Previcox. Given that you don't need to worry so much about kidney values now, could you try switching to a different NSAID? Quote Rachel with Doolin Doodle Dooooo, boss cat Tootie, and feline squatters Crumpet and Fezziwig. Missing gentlemen kitties Mud, Henry, and Richard and our gorgeous, gutsy girlhounds Sweep and Willa. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kudzu Posted February 28, 2022 Author Share Posted February 28, 2022 (edited) Su heartily agrees with the recommendations for spoiling her. Right now she is demanding feta cheese omelettes. (And it makes me hungry!) She is still eating canned dog food but it doesn't hold a candle to omelettes. Am picking up more supplies tonight. I think tomorrow will be cheeseburger sliders day. She is also getting a lot more attention. Thanks, all. Su is doing okay right now, but I would still like improved pain control. The pronounced limp shows we can do better. Thank you for the suggestions there. The vet did give us 100 mg gabapentin capsules so we can customize that dose more. Will definitely ask about a potential switch in NSAID. I'm hesitant about Tylenol 4 because it makes me feel ill. Then again, I am not Su so I'll have that discussion with the vet, also. We are doing new xrays Friday to see if there are changes. Am trying not to ponder in advance what I will need to do if it is worse. Had made up my mind long ago what I would do if I had an osteo dog. The first one was Salsa, the humble little lurcher. Her shattered leg took us completely off guard & her lungs looked really bad. There was only one thing to do, really no decision to make. Still I knew if I was in a position like I am with Su it would either be immediate amputation, if a good candidate, or immediate euthanasia. So easy to think that until it happens. Clearly, I chose a third path. Now I'm off to the store for Suni supplies. She's looking like she wants another omelette. Edited February 28, 2022 by kudzu poor speeling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Time4ANap Posted February 28, 2022 Share Posted February 28, 2022 There was a time when I scrambled a dozen eggs at a time for a certain brindle boy. I'm really glad that he didn't know about omelets. I suck at omelets. Let the spoiling continue! Quote Camp Broodie. The current home of Mark Kay Mark Jack and Gracie Kiowa Safe Joan. Always missing my boy Rocket Hi Noon Rocket, Allie Phoenix Dynamite, Kate Miss Kate, Starz Under Da Starz, Petunia MW Neptunia, Diva Astar Dashindiva, and LaVida I've Got Life Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BatterseaBrindl Posted March 1, 2022 Share Posted March 1, 2022 We know you'll do everything you can to make her happy and comfortable. Quote Nancy...Mom to Sid (Peteles Tiger), Kibo (112 Carlota Galgos) and Joshi. Missing Casey, Gomer, Mona, Penelope, BillieJean, Bandit, Nixon (Starz Sammie), Ruby (Watch Me Dash) Nigel (Nigel), and especially little Mario, waiting at the Bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spottydog Posted March 1, 2022 Share Posted March 1, 2022 We were able to get a prescription for oxycodone for our non grey. For our big grey boy, I didn’t wait… I second a lot of spoiling…and a day too early…sending best wishes… Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kudzu Posted March 2, 2022 Author Share Posted March 2, 2022 Day 5 Post Diagnosis Someone is possibly too perky this morning. She was out in the yard for her morning doodies. She looked over, saw me in the porch & decided to trot across the yard & then broke into a run all the way up the ramp. She still has a limp but it is so much better. I do worry about a break but her energy & enthusiasm, for a lazy 13.5 yo, made me very happy. So the change was made to up the gabapentin dose & we did switch NSAID. Crossing fingers & toes this improvement holds for… is hoping for a couple weeks too much? Also, I have in my possession alendronate. Not giving it to her yet as it is someone else’s leftovers. Will be speaking to vet about it. A few days like today would be gift enough. (Thinks my pessimistic self) A few more than that would feel like a miracle. Wish us luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaineysMom Posted March 2, 2022 Share Posted March 2, 2022 you can try adding Amantadine! It ups the effectiveness of Gaba and the other meds such as Meloxicam. It got us almost 6 more months with our 13 YO Larry (back end went out). It might help. Sending hugs. 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...
MarkRo Posted March 9, 2022 Share Posted March 9, 2022 I'm so sorry. We just went through all of this ourselves. There's nothing really to say here other than Tex went downhill very quickly after the diagnosis and even though I tried to prepare myself for inevitable, it was . . . you know. As a practical matter, if you're likely to have the vet euthanize your Su, it's worth a call to understand the protocol particularly as it relates to Covid. We had a few tense minutes when they said only my wife or I could be with Tex. This was resolved fairly quickly, fortunately. There were a couple decisions that I would have preferred not to have to think about. They offered three different ways of handling remains and also offered a mold of his paw. I just would have rather sorted this out beforehand. They did bring the credit card machine into the room which was good although I would have preferred to have had the payment out of the way if I could have. Our previous vet was a Vietnam War fighter pilot and had a very structured approach to such thing. When our greyhound Trey had a stroke, I was in and out in 15 minutes. With Tex, it was a solid hour. My wife appreciated the "spending the last few minutes." Me -- not so much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BatterseaBrindl Posted March 10, 2022 Share Posted March 10, 2022 I will just add to the above post ... Yes... Plan what you want done now .... prepay if they will allow. My Vets will come to our home... perhaps your will, too. Quote Nancy...Mom to Sid (Peteles Tiger), Kibo (112 Carlota Galgos) and Joshi. Missing Casey, Gomer, Mona, Penelope, BillieJean, Bandit, Nixon (Starz Sammie), Ruby (Watch Me Dash) Nigel (Nigel), and especially little Mario, waiting at the Bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kudzu Posted March 10, 2022 Author Share Posted March 10, 2022 Thank you for the reminder on planning. I've had to do this too many times already, but my brain gets fried everytime so advance planning is much better. And, sadly, the reminder was timely. Su's pain level is ramping back up. We've had a good two weeks since diagnosis. While there is more we could do for pain control, she is already on 4 different pain meds and at max dose for 3 of those. Her hind end is getting more wobbly, either from shifting more weight to hind legs or from the meds or likely a combo of those. She's landed on her bum a few times now. Balancing pain control while keeping her on her feet and managing risk of a pathological fracture is hard. And if she gets too stressed it can trigger her LP. Making sure things are good in Su's world is starting to feel impossible. With the help GT and a very caring vet, we've had a good two weeks. I am very thankful for that. We have Su's last vet appointment tomorrow morning. She'll get trazadone before we leave. The vet will come out to the van. From now until then Su gets whatever littlemisspickybutt wants. That means lots of eggs, meat and cheese. She'll get at least a couple bacon cheeseburgers with an egg on top. She can also have junk food like Beggin' Strips and Pupperoni. Not sure how, but a couple bags of those just fell into my grocery cart (my hands were involved) so I had to buy them. I never get stuff like that, but I figured now was the perfect time. Su approved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP_the4pack Posted March 10, 2022 Share Posted March 10, 2022 Let her try chocolate before she goes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dante2zoe Posted March 10, 2022 Share Posted March 10, 2022 I am sorry to read this and will keep you in my thoughts. As I mentioned before, Sherman spent his last day eating all kinds of things and would strongly second the suggestion for chocolate. Wishing you much peace as Su prepares for the next chapter. Lordy, I loathe osteo. Quote Cindy with Miss Fancypants, Paris Bueller, Zeke, and Angus Dante (Dg's Boyd), Zoe (In a While), Brady (Devilish Effect), Goose (BG Shotgun), Maverick (BG ShoMe), Maggie (All Trades Jax), Sherman (LNB Herman Bad) and Indy (BYB whippet) forever in my heart The flame that burns the brightest, burns the fastest and leaves the biggest shadow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted March 10, 2022 Share Posted March 10, 2022 I am glad you got the good two weeks, but it is never any easier Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.