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Our great dane was recently diagnosed with osteosarcoma- looking for advice, experience from others
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Member Since:
2 May 2015
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2 May 2015 - 11:31 am
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First, I would like to thank everyone for the opportunity to post and ask for yall's experience and advice. This may be a long post and I apologize in advance. 

Our 5 year old great dane, Pursey, developed a sudden limp to her right hind leg on April 21, 2015. We gave her a bath the weekend before and she slipped getting out of the tub so we figured it was a simple strain/injury. The limp persisted so we took her to the vet for further evaluation on April 24, 2015. Xray of her right distal femur was clinically significant for osteosarcoma. The vet discussed our options with us- prognosis, referral to oncology, palliative care, etc and sent us home with pain medicine and the weekend to discuss our options. We researched it all weekend and our lit reviews were devastating to say the least. We decided on a referral to oncology and followed-up with Dr. McFadden of Carolina Veterinarian Specialists on April 30, 2015. On exam, Pursey was found to have swollen lymph nodes and a fever, both classic symptoms for lymphoma, however, this was not consistent with the lesion on her femur (typically do not see lymphoma and osteosarcoma and rarely can lymphoma cause a bone lesion). Her blood work was good and chest X-ray was negative for mets. We did a lymph node biopsy to rule out lymphoma, which was negative. Ortho saw her for a detailed exam of her other extremities. Her left knee was a bit swollen but X-ray of this extremity was negative. We are not sure if the swelling is an acute process, possibly due to her shifting her weight to this leg because of pain in the right leg, but it does set her up for ACL issues in the future, which could present future issues with amputation. 

So at this point, its almost certain that she has osteosarcoma. We have not done a biopsy for fear of introducing a fracture to the femur due to the aggressiveness of the tumor to the bone. Our options are strictly palliative care, amputation + chemo, palliative radiation alone, or some infusions to strengthen the bone. We are so torn and do not know what to do. If amputation+chemo offered a cure, or guaranteed us 5 more years with her, we would do it in a heart beat. Unfortunately, that guarantee is not realistic. To be honest, we're not sure we could handle going through such an aggressive procedure, just to have the cancer return a few months down the road.

We understand that amputation is the definitive treatment for pain management , but we have concerns for amputation in such a large breed dog. We are aware that hind limb amputation is considered easier than fore limb, but how well do great dane's do status post amputation? We welcome other great dane owner's experience with amputation. We live in a two-story town home and are concerned for how she will adapt if we agreed on amputation. Then there's the issue of chemo. From what we understand, dogs typically handle chemo without traditional side effects that humans do. We also know that they don't give dogs the full dose of chemo because it's not curative, its palliative. Plus, our estimate for amputation+chemo is roughly $7000. I wish the financial aspect was not an option but unfortunately, it has to be considered. 

As hard as it is to swallow, we understand that Pursey is terminal and is not going to live as long as we wish she would. Are there any owners out there that would be willing to share your experience with amputation? If you chose to amputate on your dog, knowing what you know now, would you do it again? If you chose not to amputate, do you wish you would have? 

Thank you guys so much. We really appreciate any feedback you guys can offer! 

Kevin, Danny & Pursey

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
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2 May 2015 - 1:13 pm
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Welcome to Tripawds, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.

I sorry cancer has brought you and Percy here.  We have had plenty of giant breed dogs do fine with amputation, Cemil, Nova, Tazzie. I will let some of the big dog parents discuss that part with you, my tripawd was a little pug named Maggie.

You may want to look through Jerry's Required Reading List, or maybe download one or more of the eBooks in the Library.  Both are full of helpful information from this site.

Amputation is a big decision and you are very wise to think through all of your options.  Most of us will tell you that amputation is very worth it, but its what we did and what we know.  Hopefully we can answer your questions and share some experiences that help you make the best decisions for Percy.   Sometimes amputation is not the chosen path, we have several members here that for one reason or another could not do an amp.

I hope you don't mind that I moved your post to Presentation and Diagnosis as this is the usual starting point at diagnosis.  

Oh, and please don't feel bad about considering finances!  We all wish money was no issue, but in most cases it is.  You have to do what is right for the whole pack.

 

Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls

Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.

1999 to 2010

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo

Member Since:
23 April 2015
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2 May 2015 - 4:24 pm
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Hi Kevin, Danny and Pursey,

Reading your story brought me back to our experience just two weeks ago. We thought that Mac had tweaked his leg because he started limping a day after we returned from the ranch. We took him to our normal vet, they took x-rays, and said he might just be getting old and we should put him on Rimadyl. A few weeks after that, we decided to take Mac to a specialist because we didn't think his limp looked like 'old age.'

So we wake up 2 weeks ago, excited to meet the specialist so we can FINALLY figure out what's wrong with Mac. Excitement turned very quickly to grief when the vet pushed her thumb into Mac's shoulder and he yelped in pain. She took him back for x-rays and came back to tell me she thought it was osteosarcoma. Grief stricken, I went with the vet's advice to do the bone biopsy. The bone biopsy was inconclusive, since they only take a small piece of bone, and the radiologist suspects it is Chondrosarcoma, instead of Osteosarcoma. The odds are slightly better, but the cancer acts in the same way.

We had the same thought process as you - if amputating his leg did not mean that his chances would be elevated, we would not do that to him. When we found there was a chance that he might beat this thing, we went for it. Mac had his front right leg amputated on Wednesday, and we brought him home yesterday. The amputation plus 2 nights of overnight stay at the animal hospital cost us about $5,300, and we have to take him to 4 rounds of chemo, every 3 weeks ($630-730 a pop) once his wound heals. We are just a couple years out of college, so this was definitely not something that was easy for us. Heck, we just adopted Mac less than a year ago! But we figured he was #1, in excellent health, and #2, still so full of life. We knew we could not put him down without giving him a chance first. I consulted with about 10 vets to seek their opinion, to try to gain confidence in a decision that was nearly impossible. They all said they would give him a chance, given the circumstances.

We struggled and struggled with our decision, not knowing whether putting an 11-yr old golden through this was the right choice. But our oncologist directed us to this community, who has guided us through each step and been there for us through everything! I kid you not-I don't know if we would have gone through with this without the knowledge and support of this community.

I knew we made the right decision when, on Mac's last 4-legged day, we took him for a walk (his favorite thing in the world). The next morning, when we were getting ready to take him to the vet for his big surgery, he was in so much pain just from going on that walk. I knew, more than anything, this surgery would take that pain away from him. 

I am happy to say that he has had a relatively smooth recovery - we just brought him home last night and he has been pretty easy to care for. I know other dogs do not have this same experience, so you have to be prepared.

I am not sure if this helped you at all. I just want you to know that we know what you are feeling - we literally just went through this. I know how hard it is. I don't think there is a cancer more evil than bone cancer because of how painful it is and how unfair it is to have to decide something like this for your dog.

I have posted pics of Mac's journey on his tripawd blog (http://teammac......pawds.com/) - it might help you to see some pics! There are many dogs on this website who were diagnosed with osteosarcoma and lived a happy 2 more years of life. I know you will find some comfort in speaking with some of these wonderful tripawd parents. 

I hope that helped a little. It is hard - there is no doubt! But you will make the right decision for your pup!

 

- Jamie and Mac

We adopted Mac in June 2014 from the GRCGLAR and he is our little baby boy, despite the fact that he is 11.5! Almost a year of bliss turned into complete devastation when he started limping on his front right  leg and it was discovered on April 16, 2015 that he has bone cancer - specifically Osteosarcoma. We were luckily directed to Tripawds by our oncologist, Dr. Avenelle Turner, which changed our lives and guided us through the amputation process.

Read more about Mac's incredible story on his blog: http://teammac.tripawds.com/

 

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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2 May 2015 - 9:25 pm
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Apologize for being so quick...naving connection issues..... check out Atlas...a Great Dane who alsonjsd wobblers in addition to osteosarcoma

I think you'll find this I formative and k nspirational

Hugs. a d will write more later

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

On The Road


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3 May 2015 - 10:29 am
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Kevin, Danny & Pursey,

Hi and welcome. I'm so sorry you're in this scary place. Many of us understand exactly what you're feeling and your concerns, and can be  here for you to answer questions and help.

We started Tripawds because our dog Jerry was also diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 2006. When we wavered about amputating his leg, we searched the web and found this amazing video.

Moose is the whole reason we proceeded with amputation. We figured if he could live life on 3 and be happy, pretty much any dog could! If it wasn't for Moose, Tripawds wouldn't be here. Moose lived over two years on 3, and Jerry ended up living two amazing years with osteo too, and many members have gone even longer. So I hope this give you the inspawration you need.

Amputation isn't right for every dog, and many members have gone the palliative route when it wasn't a good choice due to pre-existing conditions. Either way we will be here to support you in your decision.

Have you searched our blogs for Great Dane stories about life on 3? You'll find lots in there!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
2 May 2015
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3 May 2015 - 2:58 pm
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Thank you all for your replies. We are still just so uncertain as to which direction to take and I'm afraid we are running out of time. We told the oncologist we would have a decision by tonight and as soon as we think we have made up our minds we start second guessing ourselves. We still have so many questions.

1. How do dogs do with going to the bathroom after amputation? Do they have issues balancing or do they even have the strength to squat (female dogs) with one remaining hind leg?

2. What about stairs? We live in a two story house and just don't think she would understand why she couldn't go back up stairs with us if we had to restrict her. Do they adjust to going up and down stairs after amputation?

3. And we have read a lot about pain and depression after amputation. How did yall's dogs do after amputation? Did they cry at night? Did they whimper over "phantom" pain? We have one week off, the week after next, and could use that time to help her recover but after that she would be alone at home for 6-8 hours while we are at work and school.

Some of these answers you may not be able to give us. We appreciate all your help and support.
Kevin, Danny, Pursey and Lola (Pursey's yorkie sister).

Member Since:
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3 May 2015 - 3:17 pm
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A one more question if I may... For those of you that chose amputation, regardless of how much time it gave you, do you regret it and/or would you do it again? 

Thanks!

On The Road


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3 May 2015 - 3:28 pm
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Ask as many questions as you'd like, that's why we're here.

Sorry to run, we're doing Tripawd Talk Radio in a few and I have to get my ?s ready, but for now, know that the answers to all of these questions can be found in Jerry's Required Reading List and the Tripawds e-books , I promise they will put your mind at ease with answers and so much more.

Also you can feel free to call the Tripawds Pals Helpline too, that's why it exists. Michelle is on-call today and will take live calls later this evening, central time at 7:30 pm I believe.

Here's a post from Tripawds Spokespup Wyatt Ray that explains how rear-leggers go potty.

The Poopy Dance

Back soon after the show!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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3 May 2015 - 5:03 pm
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Thank you. 

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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3 May 2015 - 5:13 pm
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Boy oh boy, does this bring all the emotions back! From absolutely no way woulkd I amputate my Happy Hannah's rear leg (a rather "fluffy and chunk" of a Bull Mastiff) crying hysteriw for weeks, scheduling amputation surgery then cancelling it, then rescheduling. For at least two weeks I thought it was a horrible decision and I could not believe I had done this TO my dog!

But when her sparkle started coming back beigger and brighter than before...BAM...BEST DECISION EVER! I realized I had done this FOR my Happy Hannah!
Imw going to give you the link to the first post I made here and you can see for yourself what kur journey was like.

I'll be back...naving awful time keeping a connectio !!

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Maryland
Member Since:
28 March 2015
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3 May 2015 - 5:15 pm
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pursey said
A one more question if I may... For those of you that chose amputation, regardless of how much time it gave you, do you regret it and/or would you do it again? 

Thanks!

Our Ellie (100 lb Pyr mix) became a rear tripawd on 9/18/14. We do not regret it. We also questioned the idea of such a big dog getting around on only 3 legs. We also had stairs. We also thought, at first, that it was too much to put her through for such only a year or so more...All these questions you are asking are so perfectly normal! 

Our decision was based on a couple of factors. One, she was otherwise healthy. Two, we knew that for us it was either amputation to get rid of the pain, or it was put her to sleep. And she was not ready to go yet---she was still so full of life! Three, even a year was a long time in a dog's life (like a 70 yr human old getting another 7 years, 10% of their whole life). And finally we knew that it doesn't matter how long you get w/ your pup, it is never long enough. So we were prepared to take what we could get, pain free. 

Amputation isn't an easy road. There will be ups and downs for sure. But I would not let the idea that she couldn't adjust or would suffer as a tripawd be the deciding factor. Our experience has been just the opposite. The vast majority of time we've had since amputation has been really really good, quality time. 

Denise, Bill and Ellie. 

Active 10+ Pyr mix suddenly came up lame with ACL tear in left rear leg. Scheduled for a TPLO but final pre-op x-rays indicated a small suspicious area, possibly OSA, which could have caused the ACL tear. Surgeon opened the knee for TPLO but found soft bone. Biopsy came back positive for OSA. Became a Tripawd 9/18/14. Carbo6 with Cerenia and Fluids. Pain free and living in the moment. Crossed the Bridge on 7/12/15 after probable spread of cancer to her cervical spine. A whole lifetime of memories squeezed into 10 months. Here's her story: Eloise

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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3 May 2015 - 5:20 pm
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Okay...nkt very computer savvy...let's see if this works. Oh, and the ORIGINAL title was.....scared I made a horrible decision...as opposed to GREAT DECISION

six days after rear leg amp and getting worse--update: VERY HAPPY-GREAT DECISION

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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17 May 2014
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3 May 2015 - 5:35 pm
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Hello - welcome to Tripawds.

Johnnie is 11-months post-amp, he is a 90 lb male Golden Retriever, front leg amp, diagnosed at age 5 1/2, now almost turning 7.

Starting backwards:  never regretted the decision to amputate - on the contrary, I give thanks to God that I had the strength and serenity to make the right decision.  The turning point for me to decide to go forward with the amputation was also a video of a Golden called "old dog, new tricks", showing how well the dog was doing after the surgery.

Other questions:

1. How do dogs do with going to the bathroom after amputation? Do they have issues balancing or do they even have the strength to squat (female dogs) with one remaining hind leg?

- balance issues: yes, the first time Johnnie went out to pee he feel over, but quickly managed to understand how he should do it.  They learn quickly.

2. What about stairs? We live in a two story house and just don't think she would understand why she couldn't go back up stairs with us if we had to restrict her. Do they adjust to going up and down stairs after amputation?

- stairs: we moved him definitively to our office.  He doesn't sleep in the bedroom any more, because of the stairs.  We started adapting him to this new space before surgery, and this is where he slept all through his recovery.  We blocked the stairs, and he quickly understood.  The problem isn't going up - the problem is going down, since he is a front-leg amp.

3. And we have read a lot about pain and depression after amputation. How did yall's dogs do after amputation? Did they cry at night? Did they whimper over "phantom" pain? We have one week off, the week after next, and could use that time to help her recover but after that she would be alone at home for 6-8 hours while we are at work and school.

- our surgeon blocked some nerves during the surgery, in order to prevent phantom pain . Johnnie never had any issues, never cried or whimpered.  I slept with him during the recovery period, much more for my own sake than his - very worried that he would need something in the middle of the night.  No depression either.  He was a bit sad before, because of the pain and the fact that he was limited in what he could do.  Once he was out of the medications from the surgery, he was back to his old self.  Three weeks after surgery he was back to swimming.

Good luck!

Our awesome Golden Boy was diagnosed for OSA in April 2014 in the proximal humerus, front-leg amp on 05/20/2014. Finished chemo (Carbo6) on 07/10/2014. Ongoing treatment: acupuncture + K-9 Immunity Plus ( 3chews) and home-cooked no-grain diet.   Stopped Apocaps because of liver issues.   Liver issues: controlling altered enzymes with SAM-e and Milk Thistle.  October 17:  started having seizures.  Taking fenobarbital for seizures.  April 18: started prednisone.

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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3 May 2015 - 5:36 pm
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Okay....not working!!!

Anyway, Denise laid it out very well.

Just want to add that my Happy Hannah and I had THE most GLORIOUSLY delicious time loving, snuggling, sleeping side by side, laying in the shade, taking strolls through the fields for over kne year and two months! And in doggy years, that's over SEVEN YEARS!!

For me, and this was just me, I knew I woukd have regret if I didn't try. I would be racked with what ifs.

A survey was done here...again, nkt comouter savvy to give you the link......of tripawd parents and al ost all, even those who only had a very short time after amputation, did NOT regret their decision.

As impossible as this may sound, you will kearn to let go of "longevity! and immerse yourself in the NOW...in the present. We call that Being More Dog. Dogs are not worrying about days on a calendar, or tomorrow. They just wa t all the @oving and spoiling they can get and to be by our side.

Keep it chunked down for now. Just focus on lroceeding or not with amputation. You can focus on chemo (or not+ ir other treatments later.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!! We understand the nightmare kf trying to make decisions all to well. You WILL make the right decision because it will be a decision made out of love!

Sending lots of hugs and love,

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Member Since:
17 May 2014
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3 May 2015 - 5:47 pm
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This is how we solved the issue "STAIRS":  

https://drive.g.....sp=sharing

The cone of no-no

Not sure what an interior decorator would think of this modern-art installation, but dogs go first here in this house.  True, he is a Golden Retriever.  True, he is exceptionally perceptive and obedient.  

Daniela & Johnnie

Our awesome Golden Boy was diagnosed for OSA in April 2014 in the proximal humerus, front-leg amp on 05/20/2014. Finished chemo (Carbo6) on 07/10/2014. Ongoing treatment: acupuncture + K-9 Immunity Plus ( 3chews) and home-cooked no-grain diet.   Stopped Apocaps because of liver issues.   Liver issues: controlling altered enzymes with SAM-e and Milk Thistle.  October 17:  started having seizures.  Taking fenobarbital for seizures.  April 18: started prednisone.

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