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Worried about our Great Dane - Otis
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Member Since:
2 December 2016
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16
1 January 2017 - 4:23 pm
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Here is a tip to get admitted to a Vet School earlier rather than later. When I tried to make an appointment back in November ( for orthopedics), that department was booked out until JANUARY 10. Welllll....my local vet and vet techs ( some of whom also work at the Vet School) said GO THROUGH EMERGENCY. Well, duh:) Worked like a charm. It costs about $150 extra but they then admit and place in a service or make an immediate appointment for a service or surgery. Now some folks call that gaming the system but I call it good pain management ...mine. Dogs with OSA should not have to wait to be seen. And Vet Schools do have surgery slots open: especially if your dog comes through EMERGENCY services. ( Sshhhhhh....this is my number one top secret secret Otis! And Tufts is stellar!!! Plus, all the services will consult for one fee and their diagnostic equipment is generally sate of the art. Shhhhhhhh Otis. You keep this a secret between CharlieBear and you:)

Member Since:
14 February 2016
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1 January 2017 - 4:25 pm
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Didn't Milo go through Tufts?

Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016.  Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016.  Lung mets August 25, 2016.  Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016.   Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.  

Wherever they are, they are together.

Member Since:
31 December 2016
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1 January 2017 - 8:08 pm
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charliebear said
Here is a tip to get admitted to a Vet School earlier rather than later. When I tried to make an appointment back in November ( for orthopedics), that department was booked out until JANUARY 10. Welllll....my local vet and vet techs ( some of whom also work at the Vet School) said GO THROUGH EMERGENCY. Well, duh:) Worked like a charm. It costs about $150 extra but they then admit and place in a service or make an immediate appointment for a service or surgery. Now some folks call that gaming the system but I call it good pain management ...mine. Dogs with OSA should not have to wait to be seen. And Vet Schools do have surgery slots open: especially if your dog comes through EMERGENCY services. ( Sshhhhhh....this is my number one top secret secret Otis! And Tufts is stellar!!! Plus, all the services will consult for one fee and their diagnostic equipment is generally sate of the art. Shhhhhhhh Otis. You keep this a secret between CharlieBear and you:)  

Thank you, I will keep this in mind in case I need to use it!

-Rhonda

Otis - 121 lbs pre amp - 114 lbs post amp and now 118 lb Great Dane - English Mastiff X.  Started limping on 12/24/16.  Diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 12/28/16 - amputation of front left leg on 1/6/17.  Stitches out and 1st round of Chemo on 1/19/17.   2nd round of Carboplatin on 2/10/17 - 3rd round on 3/2/2017.  4th round was scheduled for 3/22/17 - however due to low WBC postponed - 4th Chemo completed on 3/28/17.  Had breathing difficulties, stayed in Tufts ICU overnight.  Due for 2 more rounds of Chemo but we are opting to go with homeopathy with Dr. Loops instead.

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1 January 2017 - 8:15 pm
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eurydice said
Sweet Rhonda 🌹

Don't even think about what ifs ... or try to.

We all have our moments but we must remember we can only do the best we can. 

We are fighting a monster and are left with limited options so any choice is the best choice we can make at that moment in time always aiming to give our fur friends the best chance 👊🏾👊🏾👊🏾 and the best quality time for both of us 💘

And don't worry about the distance either. 

The important thing is that Otis will have great care 👍🏼 and be well looked after !   

Thank you for your posts. 

I think as long as we are not making a choice for "us" and being selfish and make it for Otis himself, for his quality of life, then the choice will be the right choice for Otis.

I know he is still like a puppy, seems to have a lot of life left in him.  I can't imagine euthanizing at this point!  I feel so bad for those that have no choice due to financial reasons.  Trupanion may very well help save his life!

-Rhonda

Otis - 121 lbs pre amp - 114 lbs post amp and now 118 lb Great Dane - English Mastiff X.  Started limping on 12/24/16.  Diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 12/28/16 - amputation of front left leg on 1/6/17.  Stitches out and 1st round of Chemo on 1/19/17.   2nd round of Carboplatin on 2/10/17 - 3rd round on 3/2/2017.  4th round was scheduled for 3/22/17 - however due to low WBC postponed - 4th Chemo completed on 3/28/17.  Had breathing difficulties, stayed in Tufts ICU overnight.  Due for 2 more rounds of Chemo but we are opting to go with homeopathy with Dr. Loops instead.

Member Since:
14 February 2016
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2 January 2017 - 3:14 am
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Reach out to goodmilo.  She just posted about Tufts under another thread about Boston area oncologists.  She might have more recommendations for you!

Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016.  Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016.  Lung mets August 25, 2016.  Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016.   Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.  

Wherever they are, they are together.

Member Since:
22 December 2016
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2 January 2017 - 7:51 am
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I have a St Bernard who just went through surgery last Thursday.

I also consulted with many experts- 2 oncologists, a radiology oncologist, 5 emergency doctors, and a surgeon. I also found this site.

The final straw was also a really bad night with my girl being very uncomfortable despite the Gabapentin.

She also presented very quickly which made it extremely difficult for me to process, investigate, and make an educated and compassionate decision.

I have an excellent surgeon and assistant surgeon and there is an oncologist on staff who reports to a very well known doctor who has written and studied about cancer in pets. It's still not easy. 

I made the best decision I could with the information I received from doctors and my own independent research. I needed statistics and factual data from authoritative sources to help me understand osteosarcoma, current research being done, who has clinical trials currently and what is the research goal, and latest recommended treatment options. I tried very hard to do what's right for my girl not me.

Also, I found that some oncology centers can put you into clinical trials being done. You don't always have to physically go to a university. It wasn't a good option for us, but might help others to know that.

One other tip: 2 of the members of this group recommended writing down all of my questions and keeping track of what was said. I had a full page of questions when I walked in yesterday. I handed it to a nurse who filled in some answers and went over the rest with the surgeon. I found that having a list is extremely helpful. I retain information well, but my girl's status keeps changing and because she's in a 24 hour hospital, I talk to different people depending on who's on duty. Everybody has a different level of experience. Putting it on paper helped.

I'm also not taking her home until she is somewhat on her feet. I can lift her to get her in and out of an SUV, but not hold her up for a length of time without her help. And it's a little too late to start lifting weights to get stronger. Although, don't laugh but it is an option I considered but concluded that it would leave me spent while building muscles and would take too long. Hey leave no rock unturned right?

Best of luck to you. I'm new to this group, but it's been a lifeline to me. They say lean on them and I have. Do the same and you will find an incredible group of people - all with different levels of expertise and experiences. All very helpful and valuable. Gracious with their time to a stranger with no expectations in return. 

London, UK


Member Since:
15 December 2015
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2 January 2017 - 11:55 am
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I think as long as we are not making a choice for "us" and being selfish and make it for Otis himself, for his quality of life, then the choice will be the right choice for Otis

Absolutely! And we will be here to support you, whatever decision you make.

Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.

Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...

The Amazing Adventures of Ruby Tuesday 

My Life as a Megastar

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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2 January 2017 - 12:13 pm
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charliebear said
Here is a tip to get admitted to a Vet School earlier rather than later. When I tried to make an appointment back in November ( for orthopedics), that department was booked out until JANUARY 10. Welllll....my local vet and vet techs ( some of whom also work at the Vet School) said GO THROUGH EMERGENCY. Well, duh:) Worked like a charm.

Brilliant! We say whatever works. Osteosarcoma pain cannot wait. Thanks for this reminder, it's a tip we had forgotten about.

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

On The Road


Member Since:
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2 January 2017 - 12:15 pm
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Rhonda, whatever you or your family members need please don't hesitate to ask. You've gotten great insight here from our members, and I just want to send our best to you and Otis. No matter which path you choose, we will support you.

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

Member Since:
31 December 2016
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3 January 2017 - 5:38 pm
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I was able to schedule a surgical consult at Tufts for Monday.   I decided against that place in CT because of bad reviews.  However I mentioned to the woman I spoke with that I felt I may end up coming into the emergency department with him before that.  She said if he is lethargic or won't eat to bring him in.  Weeeeelllllll I'm not going to wait that long.  His whole leg is now swollen, not just that one spot. 

I put up a camera and watched him for 5 hours live today from my office.  He barely moved except to change positions and looked so uncomfortable.

We plan to see how he is overnight and first thing in the morning and will likely be heading to Tufts when the sun comes up.  Please keep Otis in your thoughts and prayers, this is going to be so hard on him.  He has never been away from us and is fear aggressive so everyone is afraid of him.  He has never bitten and I don't think he ever will but we muzzle him when we go to the vet's office. 

I was just searching for photos of him on my computer and ran across this...

http://otisgrea.....-a-memory/

Otis - 121 lbs pre amp - 114 lbs post amp and now 118 lb Great Dane - English Mastiff X.  Started limping on 12/24/16.  Diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 12/28/16 - amputation of front left leg on 1/6/17.  Stitches out and 1st round of Chemo on 1/19/17.   2nd round of Carboplatin on 2/10/17 - 3rd round on 3/2/2017.  4th round was scheduled for 3/22/17 - however due to low WBC postponed - 4th Chemo completed on 3/28/17.  Had breathing difficulties, stayed in Tufts ICU overnight.  Due for 2 more rounds of Chemo but we are opting to go with homeopathy with Dr. Loops instead.

Member Since:
31 December 2016
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3 January 2017 - 5:48 pm
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Otis at 1 years old

otissigpic.jpg

Otis at 5 years old

Otis at 5 years oldImage Enlarger

Otis now at 8.5 years old

Image Enlarger

Otis - 121 lbs pre amp - 114 lbs post amp and now 118 lb Great Dane - English Mastiff X.  Started limping on 12/24/16.  Diagnosed with Osteosarcoma 12/28/16 - amputation of front left leg on 1/6/17.  Stitches out and 1st round of Chemo on 1/19/17.   2nd round of Carboplatin on 2/10/17 - 3rd round on 3/2/2017.  4th round was scheduled for 3/22/17 - however due to low WBC postponed - 4th Chemo completed on 3/28/17.  Had breathing difficulties, stayed in Tufts ICU overnight.  Due for 2 more rounds of Chemo but we are opting to go with homeopathy with Dr. Loops instead.

Member Since:
14 February 2016
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3 January 2017 - 5:51 pm
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We are all sending you positive thoughts and prayers!

Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016.  Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016.  Lung mets August 25, 2016.  Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016.   Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.  

Wherever they are, they are together.

Member Since:
2 December 2016
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3 January 2017 - 5:56 pm
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Hey Rhonda and Otis! I just PM you. That is an EXCELLENT plan!!! Good for you!!! And even if you need to leave in the middle of the night tonight, GOOD FOR YOU!!!

OtIs is a GRAND dog!!! What a noble and handsome dog!!! 

Do not worry about the fear aggression. Even the very best behaved and most chill dogs are snappish and less likely to want touching when they are painful. Good vets are used to this and make accommodations. 

Thank you for posting his pictures. WHAT A DOG!!! WHAT A DOG!!! You got this Otis!!!!!!!!!!!! You are a champ!!!!! And once your pain is gone, you will be sooooo happy. GOOOOOOOOO OTIS! 

Best wishes, hugs, and PyrPaws all around!!!!

P.S. TriPawds Nation is standing with you and take Jerry and others up on their offers!!!

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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3 January 2017 - 6:07 pm
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Looooove these photos....and loooove this strikingly handsome boy named Otis!!! I love his coloring! 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

We are all sending positive energy for Otis tomorrow.

You clearly have Otis's best interest at heart and you know him better than anyone!

Have all yiur quesw written down and get all your answers. I've actually videoed some visits because I couldn't remember a word by the time I got home!

Let us k ow how things go! I know you'll feel better coming up with a plan.

Lots of hugs!!!

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!



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21 May 2016
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3 January 2017 - 6:13 pm
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Otis you are such a beauty 💘

Me and Eurydice are totally in love 🏹💞

We are keeping you in our thoughts and sending lots and lots of pawsitive energy for your sugar pie 😘😘😘😘💞🐶

Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-) 

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