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Our great dane was recently diagnosed with osteosarcoma- looking for advice, experience from others
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2 May 2015
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10 May 2015 - 1:04 pm
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Hey guys. So we've almost made it through the weekend! Surgery was 3 days ago and so far we're adjusting rather smoothly, or so we think! Here are a few pictures of our journey. 

Our beautiful girl, Pursey.

Our beautiful girl, PurseyImage Enlarger

 

3am drop off at the vet for surgery on May 7, 2014 at Carolina Veterinarian Specialists in Matthews, NC. Pictured below is Pursey with her "Mama" (Danny). 

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I consider myself lucky to have been able to catch this photo before we left her that morning. It is my absolute favorite picture of Pursey and Danny. I think it captures the love between a dog and her owner perfectly. 

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This is our first night home. Danny and I decided to take shifts staying downstairs with her. He took the first shift. We are both in healthcare so I think this picture is the epitome of patient-centered care. (we put this pic on Facebook so we blurred the image in case there were sensitive eyes viewing it).

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As per above, Danny took the first shift, I took the second. I'm happy to say that we successfully made it through our first night home. It was as rough as we all look in this picture. Even her sister, Lola, helped out!

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Day 2 post-op (yesterday) and she woke up with her ears as perked up as ever and eyes as bright as they were before the diagnosis. Here's her standing on her own and slowly starting to eat again. She never ceases to amaze us. We are actually having a hard time keeping her down...all she wants to do is "go, go, go." She's requiring minimal assist when we walk her, although we probably give her more than she needs because we're more cautious than she is and we're concerned for that back leg. 

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Today she seems a little more laid back, probably worn out from yesterday. She wants to go for a walk so badly she can't stand it so she's settled for looking out the window and taking selfies with Danny. She also enjoys "ice time" and had about as good of a bath that a dog can get with wipes!

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So that's our journey so far. Like we said, we're having trouble keeping her down. She's like a kangaroo! She's used to sleeping on the couch and we're trying to keep her off of it. As soon as we turn our backs or she thinks we're not paying attention, she make a rapid hop for it! Still no poo, we've added apple sauce to her diet. Hopefully she'll be successful today! 

Thanks again for everyone's support. 

On The Road


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10 May 2015 - 3:36 pm
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OH yaaaaayyyyY! I've been away all weekend and had wondered if you updated. These photos are so darn sweet! Thank you for allowing us to follow along on your journey.

Yes, a lot of dogs will think they're invincible after surgery. As hard as it is to keep her calm, it's for the best. Sure sounds like she'll bounce back in no time.

As for the poop....some dogs take longer than others, sometimes a few days. As long as she's urinating that's good. A little olive oil to her food can also move things along, as can steamed squash or pumpkin. You'll be doing the poopy dance soon!

Too sweet. Pursey is gorgeous (and you too Lola!).

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

Maryland
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10 May 2015 - 4:56 pm
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Great news and great pics. So happy for all of you. You're off to a great start. 

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

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10 May 2015 - 5:26 pm
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Thanks guys...we are having one issue that I wanted to ask if any of you experienced- when we brought her home, she had a little urinary incontinence- nothing major, a few dribbles here and there- we thought likely due to meds, major surgery, etc. She went out twice yesterday and urinated on her own. Today its almost like she has regressed- she is not urinating outside and now, after she drinks, she urinates when she lays down- almost like an overflow incontinence or something. Sometimes its a few drops, other times she is filling up 4 pee pads at one time. It's alsmost like she doesn't realize she is doing it. She will urinate as she is lying down and not even lift her head up to look back that way or anything. We can't keep taking her out every two hours or so because it wears her out. 

Anyone experience urinary incontinence with their dogs immediately post-op? We've called the vet and can't get past the vet techs, who are very nice, don't get me wrong, but I don't think they fully understand our questions and concerns (ie- caudal equina syndrome or other surgical issue that should be addressed) at this point and merely instruct us to put towels under her. There was nothing mentioned about incontinence in the brief post-op discharge instructions. We don't think its the meds that she is on because she was on the exact same regimen before surgery and was urinating on her own 4-6 times a day without issues. 

Any ideas? Thanks guys!

Virginia







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10 May 2015 - 5:47 pm
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WOW! These pictures are tugging at my heartstrings like crazy!!! Such a handsome, handsome dog! And Lola is adorable!! But the love....oh mu!!! The lpve just jumls out through the screen!!!!

Okay...I'm no vet...and you've done EXACTLY the right thing by calling your vet...and...yes this does happen with some dogs after surgery. Actually, one of the ones that comes to mind, if I recall correctly, was a Great Dane.

However, I would absolutely INSIST that a veterinarian call you back! I dealt with the same issue n of not being able to get past a vet tech. I was reminded in this site that I paid a whole lot of monty for the amputation and that I needed to be a strong advocate for my dog! The next call I made I felt a lot more empowered and I did get to speak with the surgeon!!!

I do think they will probably tell you it is med AND surgery related though...even though it's the same meds, she probably still jas a bit of hospital meds in her as well.

Just a reminder that, no matter how much she insists, she MUST take it easy and only be getting up for pottey breaks. You may probably still have a few uos and downs over the next several days. It REALLY sounds like she is doing incredibly well though and that is just wonderful to hear!!!

Let us know what the vet says AFTER YOU SPEAK DIRECTLY WITH him/her!!

Thanks for the great pictures! I'm smilin big smiles over here!!!

Loave and hugs to all!

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!

Michigan
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10 May 2015 - 8:25 pm
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Hi ~

I'm just catching up ...sorry!  Murphy is a now 9 year old retriever mix who had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma just over 2 years ago.  So much of your story definitely resonates, as I'm in healthcare too...I'm a nurse, so I had a hard time wrapping my brain around a lot of this.  I never had a hard time thinking of Murphy on 3 legs, but it really, really bothered me to think of his leg laying on the pathologist's table to be examined - I know, what a thing to get hung up on!  lol  We had a bit of time between the diagnosis and his surgery ... he had a biopsy first that came back inconclusive.  He had first started limping in October and his surgery didn't take place until April, so then I kept worrying that what if we waited too long? (He was originally misdiagnosed by a radiologist)  Money always plays a part in things, too ...we don't have a lot to spare, we are like most people and live paycheck to paycheck most of the time.  But at the time Murphy was diagnosed we had our income tax refund in the bank, so that helped.  And other than the limping, Murphy was only 7 years old and perfectly healthy, so we felt that we had to give him a chance!  The first 2 weeks after surgery, I was filled with so much doubt ... he was being so stubborn about eating, was just not himself, I'm so glad that didn't last.  We did do the chemo, it was about $300 each treatment + blood work & medication to protect his liver & a cbc the following week at our regular vet (the treating hospital is an hour & a half away) and the treatments were every 3 weeks for 6 treatments.  Histiocytic sarcoma is very aggressive, and we were told that if we were lucky we'd get 12-18 months -  but April 4th was 2 years, and Murphy is still hopping around, chasing squirrels, barking like a maniac, jumping on the bed and just being goofy smileyWe definitely have no regrets for spending the money on the surgery!  We know that every day is a gift, and things can change at any time, but we'll take it!  We have a ranch-style house, so stairs aren't normally a problem for us, but when he goes to our groomer's, he has to go down to the basement, and he can cruise down & up in a blink!  He also jumps right up into the car with no problem, but we use the harness to make sure when he gets out he doesn't land all his weight on his one good front leg.  Murphy didn't have any issues with incontinence, but he's a front leg & a boy, so there may be some differences there....I wonder if they catheterize them for surgery?  Maybe one of the vets on here can answer that ... sometimes in women (people) that can cause some temporary issues.  Pursey is so lucky to have you!

Donna

Donna, Glenn & Murphy 

Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17  
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs

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11 May 2015 - 12:48 am
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Hey Pursey & Co,

I have to do a better job at looking at other peoples stories as I just came across yours. FANTASTIC! I'm glad your pooch is home and doing well.

I had a few nights on the hardwood and it actually helped my back, I hope that is the same for you!

Glad to hear you are part of the tripawd nation now!

Maryland
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11 May 2015 - 4:47 am
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pursey said
Thanks guys...we are having one issue that I wanted to ask if any of you experienced- when we brought her home, she had a little urinary incontinence- nothing major, a few dribbles here and there- we thought likely due to meds, major surgery, etc. She went out twice yesterday and urinated on her own. Today its almost like she has regressed- she is not urinating outside and now, after she drinks, she urinates when she lays down- almost like an overflow incontinence or something. Sometimes its a few drops, other times she is filling up 4 pee pads at one time. It's alsmost like she doesn't realize she is doing it. She will urinate as she is lying down and not even lift her head up to look back that way or anything. We can't keep taking her out every two hours or so because it wears her out. 

Anyone experience urinary incontinence with their dogs immediately post-op? We've called the vet and can't get past the vet techs, who are very nice, don't get me wrong, but I don't think they fully understand our questions and concerns (ie- caudal equina syndrome or other surgical issue that should be addressed) at this point and merely instruct us to put towels under her. There was nothing mentioned about incontinence in the brief post-op discharge instructions. We don't think its the meds that she is on because she was on the exact same regimen before surgery and was urinating on her own 4-6 times a day without issues. 

Any ideas? Thanks guys!

Hopefully now that it is Monday you'll be able to push past the vet techs and talk to the doctor. I haven't been here that long, but this is the first time I've seen this issue mentioned so it strikes me as odd. (Ellie is/was on Proin for urinary incontinence and we saw no impact on her ability to control urine after the surgery.)

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


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11 May 2015 - 10:29 am
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Some of the narcotic drugs including Tramadol can have this side effect. If she is not taking a narcotic I would have your vet check a urine sample for a UTI and if her urine is clean I would try Incurin or other estrogen replacement for urinary sphincter incontinence.  You can also try Proin or other PPA but my preference is the estrogen.

Pam

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11 May 2015 - 8:30 pm
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Our 2 yr old mixed breed, Ada, has just been diagnosed with OSC. Bone biopsy confirmed. We are planning amputation and working on an oncology consult. We are so sad to receive this diagnosis for our 2 year old baby! Anyone else have experience with a young dog and OSC?

On The Road


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11 May 2015 - 8:51 pm
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adababy said
Anyone else have experience with a young dog and OSC?

Welcome adababy! Your future forum posts will not require moderation. Please consider starting a new topic so others can provide direct feedback without responses getting lost in this topic.

When you share your story, please clarify if you mean osteosarcoma. We've heard it referred to as OSA, but never OSC...and best wishes for Ada!

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

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14 May 2015 - 6:59 pm
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So we're having trouble with Pursey not eating. She won't eat or drink unless we give it to her by hand. We took her to the vet today for a check up and the surgeon signed off on her- said she is walking well and has no signs of dehydration. He said she looked good! He seems to think it's behavioral. Did anyone else have trouble with their pet not eating or drinking regularly after surgery? 

Thanks!

kevin

On The Road


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14 May 2015 - 7:13 pm
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Oh glad she got an OK from the vet. The not eating could be caused by a few things but after learning what we've learned over several years about how animals deal with pain, I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss not eating as behavioral. What kinds of pain meds, if any is she on? Is everything else normal? Sometimes we do need to tempt them with smelly meats and stinky baby food, that kind of thing, if they're not eating. But I would look for a cause, she should be getting her appetite back.

Here's a post about pain management for Tripawds.

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

On The Road


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14 May 2015 - 7:15 pm
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I just saw your comment about how you're feeding her by hand. What happens when you feed her like normal? How long do you give it before you hand feed?

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

Maryland
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15 May 2015 - 4:10 am
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pursey said
So we're having trouble with Pursey not eating. She won't eat or drink unless we give it to her by hand. We took her to the vet today for a check up and the surgeon signed off on her- said she is walking well and has no signs of dehydration. He said she looked good! He seems to think it's behavioral. Did anyone else have trouble with their pet not eating or drinking regularly after surgery? 

Thanks!

kevin

We had a lot of experience w/ not eating after amputation. Ellie didn't really eat consistently for about 4 weeks. She dropped 20 lbs after her amputation and it was the most distressing thing about the amputation. She wasn't in pain but she was absolutely nauseated all the time. If she would eat something once, the next time the smell would just nauseate her and she'd turn away. So we kept trying different things each time---all the old standbys! 

In the end, a couple of things turned the corner for Ellie. One, we took her off Tramadol. It made her extremely anxious and agitated. She's naturally a bit of a worrier (thunderstorms, fireworks etc) and Tramadol just kicked her into some sort of hyper anxious state. Ever try to eat when you're really worried about something? 

The second thing was to take her in to the vet and have her given fluids + injectable Cerenia, followed up by 4 days at home w/ Cerenia. The fluids are really just supportive therapy. The vet said that even if they're drinking, getting them really really hydrated will often just make them feel a lot better. The Cerenia is a motion sickness drug. I'm pretty sure the vet told us that it doesn't act on the stomach (like anti-acid or something) but it acts on the brain's hunger signaling system. It really was the magic pill for Ellie. She started eating and never looked back.

Nausea was really obvious w/ Ellie. Even the smell of food would make her drool and turn away from it. This is her looking her worst! In some ways though it is one of my favorite pictures of the recovery because it makes me remember how we got through it in the end. 

Denise, Bill and Ellie

 

20140927_0030.jpgImage Enlarger

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

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