Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

… thanks, I could not for the life of me remember the word - losing my mind.  Stereotactic radiation, and sometimes it's called "cyber knife".  EVen though cyber knife more commonly refers to brain surgery, it turns out that is what it was  called…

…when the folks at CSU referred us to a place on Long Island that could have done it.

The folks at CSU are doing research in efficacy of stereotactic radiation on OSA dogs - they are willing to discuss - might be worth a call to anyone going the radiation route for OSA

…- radiation would be in the title and it would be in June of 2010.

Is this what you mean?

"Chrondrosarcoma and Radiation"

We have discussed "Stereotactic Radiation Therapy" a few times, here are some posts about it.

…Help if Postponing Amputation?
Another study at Colorado State University showed that a large percentage of osteosarcoma dogs who were treated with stereotactic radiation therapy instead of amputation had good long-term survival rates. Instead of succumbing to sudden pathological fractures or untreatable bone cancer,…

… the cancer eventually metastasized as it does for dogs who do undergo amputation.

Why Amputate Sooner Rather than Later?
Although stereotactic radiation therapy is showing great promise for bone cancer dogs, it's only available at Colorado State University and the University of Florida. For the

…was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in his proximal humorus (which, in and of itself, is amazing!).  We live in Florida and opted to treat him with Stereotactic Radiation at UF in Gainesville.  For quite a long time life was just like it was before the cancer diagnosis, limbs and all, which was our goal. 

…type of radiation therapy that Kathleen is talking about is called "Stereotactic Radiation Therapy." Here are some search results about it.

Stay warm all you tripawds out there in the East Coast, that weather looks brutal!

…we weren't even sure it was causing pain.  I had a horrendous time deciding what to do, and explored in great detail radiation options, including stereotactic radiation which was a decent option if one wasn't worried about the spread of the cancer.  Ajax is only 8, and VERY active, and I was very worried about what

…stroller in the Tripawds Gear Blog
:

Strollers Help Dogs Large and Small Get Out

Oh, last bit of tips here for you…the pros and cons of Stereotactic Radiation Therapy has been discussed here in the forums. Here are some links for you, hope they help.

A Look at Colorado State University's Animal Cancer

…be able to do everything after amputation that he can do now.  I'm very curious about whether this is actually true, as we are also considerating stereotactic radiation as an option..

Pup is an 8 year old Lab who does not have OS, and theoretically will be "cured" after an amputation, and is otherwise in great

…said:

I'm starting a new topic re: stereotactic radiation

Please be sure to search for existsing SRS topics before you do!

Specifically, consider reviewing these threads and adding your feedback:

…from our minimally invasive removal of thymoma (all gone and no further issues) while deciding on the leg .... I'm starting a new topic re: stereotactic radiation

…Marcia and Dane's Mom and everyone else:

I'm Rosie's Mom from Central Florida. Another member told me you all were talking about Stereotactic Radiation  also known as (SRS). So I thought I'd check your discussion out and tell you our experience if it might help. 

Rosie, my

…treatment but now since her leg has fractured we have to deal with the pain in her leg.  We didn't choose amputation we had the option or Stereotactic Radiation (a one time strong dose of Radiation) that kills the cancer on the spot, available at the University of Florida, in Gainesville,.  Rosie

…take a deep breath and remember this first of all; there are no guarantees, no matter what decision you make. You've already learned that with the Stereotactic Radiation, now, it's the same thing for amputation. And honestly, it seems that neither age, nor size makes a whole lot of difference with the outcome. Sure,

…the concern and thought s from everyone here.   Rosie and I have been going thru a long ordeal with Chemo and a Fractured leg after Stereotactic Radiation at the University of Florida Small Animal Clinic.  The people at UF are wonderful.  It has been a long ride.  Since Sept last year

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…said:

UF is one of the best places in the country to seek treatment for canine cancerl, you are so lucky to be there. The stereotactic radiation therapy machine is one of the few in the world and it is reported to be incredible stuff. We got to see the machine in person when we were at

…the intern Dr. took so much time with us explaining.  So different than the regular Vet office visit.

Rosie qualified for the "SRS" Stereotactic Radiation treatment, and we didn't want to give that up even though she is faced with a 2nd surgery now.  So at our greater expense we decided to go…

…metastesized to her body yet.  The liver tumor is a completely different thing it is not metastatic from her leg.  They did the "SRS" (Stereotactic Radiation Treatment)  on Friday.  It went very well,  we picked her up Saturday a.m.  she was very tired, but is now able to walk

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…ok this morning.  Today they gave her a CT Scan which is to find out what condition she is in before they do anything to her.  Either the Stereotactic Radiation  (limb sparring treatment ) or Amputation..  They said either way they had to do these tests.  They called me back this afternoon

…m so nervous about Tuesday when we go to University of Florida to College Vet Medicine.  I have struggled all week with our decision to try the Stereotactic Radiation Treatment.  Yes we asked the Oncologist  in Tampa and he said that the success rate is the same as Amputation.  I  will…

…the way "GO GATORS"  my husband said I had to say that.  But we will ask the Oncologist at UF Tuesday again about the success rate of the Stereotactic Radiation.  And about the side effects and pain after?  I have a lot of questions about that, The bone will be weakened but I was told that it will…

…has not metastisized to lungs yet according to my xray 2 weeks ago.  So I'm sure they will check again.

But if she doesn't qualifyfor the Stereotactic Radiation,  the CT scan will decide,  with all your help we have realized that Amputation will be the next step. And we are not waiting around we'll…

…going to try and see if they can save her leg.  If not we'll amputate.  They also give them chemo right away the same day as they do the Stereotactic Radiation.  Then 3 more treatments after that. 

We feel confident we are going to the right place.  We have struggled with amputation.

…that works for all of you.

UF is one of the best places in the country to seek treatment for canine cancerl, you are so lucky to be there. The stereotactic radiation therapy machine is one of the few in the world and it is reported to be incredible stuff. We got to see the machine in person when we were at

…bathroom.  The Dr. Said he thought she could handle amputation and he recommended that with chemo or a single dose radiation treatment called stereotactic radiation theapy performed at the University of Florida in Gainesville. which we live 2 hrs from.  The radiation kills the cancer cells on the tumor and