Osteosarcoma - Page 2

I have a young dog that was recently diagnosed with lymphoma (not the same I know).  He is currently undergoing a 25 week course of chemo.   He is duoing great, achieving complete remission after the first couple treatments.  He actually has more energy and is more playful than prior to his diagnosis. (I had no idea he was sick)  I spend alot of time at the oncologist's office and see many dogs doing really well with different types of cancer.  The chemo doesn't effect most dogs any where close to the effects of people (probably cause the dosage is smaller).  They stress quality of life over all other things.  Most dogs who are amputees seem very happy and don't really miss the limb.  

Sorry about the diagnosis, I hope things go well whatever you choose to do. 

There are some chemo protocols that dogs do quite will with.  Two of those being lymphoma and osteosarcoma.

I did not have a good experience with trying to treat a dog for Hemangiosarcoma.  Nasty cancer!

I think that it was more the herbs that I was giving him that helped him more than anything.

He only lived 4 1/2 months post splenectomy.   Which considering the cases I have seen come through the door afterward, is long. 

What a terrible decision for you, 4pack.   I am so sorry that you have to go through this with one of your dogs. It's heartbreaking.

4pack, you'll do what's best for your dog, no doubt about that.  My thoughts are with you.

Thank you all for responding. My vet seems to think 6 mos is all he will get with treatment even. I have no doubt he would do beautifully on 3 legs. He did great when he broke this leg last year. I just don't know that I would want to amputate and put him or us through all of that not knowing what the end result would be. I have a standing rule of my own. I wont do Chemo on myself if I ever get cancer again. I'm not all that sure about dogs taking it better than humans. Dogs can be pretty stoic and uncomplaining.

It is heartbreaking, I'm not a public crier but I broke down. Wasn't expecting the C word at all this visit. Just thought he re injured last years broken leg somehow. Just as I finally got my act together, the vet tech came out and said she was so sorry. I started flooding over again. He was being so sweet to her, licking her face when she bent down to take his temp and weigh him. She really has that pained look on her face too.

I still need to look this up further on the NET.

Thank you again, all of you with kind words. I'm so drained right now. I'm going to go take a bath and try to sleep. Tomorrow I will research this more. Just can't deal yet.

I know every dog responds differently.  My male just turned 4 in June.  Other than the lymphoma he is fine.  He had his chemo treatment this morning, came trotting happily out from the back and came home and played with my other dogs.  He runs and plays after most of his treatments.  I do give him a pill to prevent him from vommitting before his treatment because he was looking a little pukey after his second treatment.  My boy was given roughly 2  months without treatment.  I always said I would never submit a dog to chemo, but this experience has taught me never to say never!  I am glad I made the decision I did.

Do as much research as you can and know whatever decision you make is the right one for you and your dog!

I agree dogs can be very stoic.  That's why it's important to look for the subtle cues that indicate the truth of how they are feeling.  Appetite, willingness to play, bright eyes,  how they hold themselves, are they continuing to assert themselves in the main stream of your day, are just a few of the things you have to keep an eye on.  For me and my dog what worked was to take it day by day.  I knew that if the time came when life was no good for him I wouldn't hesitate to put him down.  I was also able to retire so I was in the position of being able to give him the extra hands on care he needed.  I think the outcome might have been different otherwise.  I did eventually have to put him down  at 14yrs 2months.

I know when I got the initial diagnosis I felt like I was kicked in the heart & stomach all at the same time, so I know how you feel.  The thing is, each dog & situation is different.  Only you can know what's right for your dog, what he can endure, and what would be too much for him.  I have every confidence you will make the right decision.  I'm truly sorry for what you guys are going through, my heart goes out to you.

If there is anything I can do, please let me know.

-Sue

So sorry to hear you bad news. Do take heart tho they can do well after amputation. I even have a friend whose guide dog continued to work ( because he wanted to) after amputation. Osteo is very common in Goldens youmay want to check some of their sites.  I believe the mean survival after amputation is 18 months.

But keep in mind no one even your vet has a crystal ball. Statistics are just numbers and don't tell the whole story.  I had a bitch (9yrs old) diagnosed with mammary gland cancer years ago and my vet and all the specialists gave her no more than 6 months to live.  At the time I was moving a lot wh/ was very stressful on her so I called my mom and asked if I could send her to CA to live w/ her. Boy you should have seen me at the airport sitting in front of the baggage doorway balling my eyes out because I figured I would never see her again. The baggage handlers were so nice they waited until the very last minute to load her on the plane so I could have more time with her. Three years later when I moved to CA guess who was there to greet me. She lived hale and hearty until just about 14 years of age. :))) We took off a few more small tumours in that time but no radiation or chemo.

Finally  you might want to consider Essiac tea ( dble check the ingredients but I don't think there is anything in there that can hurt dogs. I have a friend who has used to good effect with sheep). I believe this falls into the can't hurt  might help catategory.  Rene Caisse, discoverer of the Essiac recipe always urged people to use it instead of/ before chemo or radiation. To read up on it just google her name with Essiac. Supposedly Ted Kennedy's son who suffered Osteo as a young boy and had a leg amputation was treated with it and he's alive and well today. Also high levels of good antioxidant support ( fish oil, borage oil, vitamin e, c, grape seed etc) certainly can't hurt and might help since they are anti-inflamatory.

Good luck. Keep us posted.

4pack, so sorry to hear this terrible news.  I have no experience with cancer in dogs but, have had cancer in my 3 yr old child.  I know it's not the same but, I know the heartbreak and the shock on hearing those words. 

You know your dog better than anyone.  Only you can make the right choice for her and for yourself.  Rest assured knowing that whatever choice you make, you'll have done the best you can for your friend.

God Bless You in your decision.

forgive me, I meant "him" not "her".  My sincere apologies.