Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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We got Sassy's bone Biopsy back today. The pathologist said its not enough sample to make the determination that it is 100% Osteo. They would like to do another bone biopsy. I know the risks, but I also know that if we amputate then we can't put her leg back on if it comes back that it isn't Osteo. I do not know what to do.
I don't want to put her through another anethesia if its not necessary but I also want to be 100% sure. Maybe that is wrong and I should just do the amputation but I have no clue what to do any more. She seems to be walking around ok. Gets stiff if she lays too long in one spot. She is still on her pain meds & rimadyl. What does everyone think?
The vet said that they would support any decison I make with the supporting information being this biopsy & the x-rays. We can say possiblilty but not 100% they would go ahead with an amputation if that is what I wanted. But she kinda agreed with me about wanting to know before proceeding with an amputation. I want to do what is best for my baby.
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Wow that's so unusual. I'm so sorry! Is there a way for another lab to look at that sample?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
You can request that a different pathologist review them, either at the original lab or a different lab.
Have they done fungal assays (blood work) to rule out fungal infection? A fungal or bacterial infection in the bone can look similar radiographically to an osteosarcoma. Bacterial osteomyelitis (bone infection) is more common in young dogs.
It's really hard to give you strong advice one way or the other without seeing the x-rays. You've had multiple opinions from vets on the x-rays, right? If they're all leaning toward osteosarcoma, then, personally, I would probably amputate. If they're not sure what it is, then I'd do another bone biopsy.
So sorry you're having to go through this.
Right hind limb amputated 7/3/12 for OSA, started on alternating cycles of Carboplatin and Doxorubicin and oral Palladia. Single lung met 9/1. Met in the neck muscle removed 9/30. Large mass in sublumbar lymph node 10/2. Rescue chemo with ifosfamide 10/6. Mets to the rib and axillary lymph node 10/21. Started Leukeran and Pred 10/25. Wookie left this Earth for a far better place on 12/4/12. I miss you, Boo, you were my heart.
There were 2 pathologists that read the sample and both couldn't make the determination. I let them draw blood but I do not remember if they ran fungal assays. The vet did send out the x-rays to be read by a radiologist but those were not conclusive either. So that is why we did the biopsy.
I want to do the right thing for her and the vet who is doing this said she would support the decision to amputate with what we have but from her tone of voice & the recomendation of another biopsy makes me really wonder? I don't want to amputate and then find out that it wasn't Osteo. Just hard to know the right answer in this situation.
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Wow, that is such a tough situation. I'm so sorry!
I would find out if they ran the fungal tests, then go from there. I hope you get some good news soon.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Here in the Pacific Northwest we don't have to worry about fungal disease so I typically amputate and get my biopsy post-op. How do the xrays look? If the location and radiographic pattern are typical for bone cancer and your dog is a high risk breed (Rottie) then I would probably amputate rather than put the dog through another procedure.
Before I took my dog's leg off I did have a specialist do an echo of her heart as well as an abdominal ultrasound and 3-view chest xrays just to make sure that the cancer wasn't obvious in any other location.
Pam
Major frustration did the 2nd biopsy. The pathologist still doesn't see the Osteoblast cells and said they can not determine. Said to go by what the x-ray says. I am so frustrated. They found Osteoporosis in the bone and Osteomylitis which my vet seems to think the Osteomylitis is from the 1st surgery.
The want to set up an amputation. I am very conflicted. The surgeons & Oncologist that the vets consulted with at Kansas State said they have seen this happen before where they can not determine that it is cancerous from the biopsy and they would proceed with the amputation. Never having been in this situation I don't feel like she has it but then again what the heck do I know. She was still limping.
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Hi Michelle,
Wow, I'm so sorry. I know this is a tough situation, we all want that 100 percent guarantee that what we're looking at is cancer. When that 100 percent isn't there, it really puts folks in a tough spot, especially when a giant breed dog is involved.
If the vets are saying that no matter what her leg should come off, then you can always do more biopsies later after the leg is removed. If she is in pain, and as you said in the chat last night that you aren't ready to let her go, then amputation what's next, medically speaking. Since you said that radiation therapy isn't an option in your area, it's looking like amputation is the way to go if you believe she can handle it.
Amputation isn't right for every dog, but since your vets said she is a good candidate for amputation, that's a great thing! But the truth is, only you know if it's right for her. Analyze everything about her personality, about what you believe you can and can't handle as far as helping her get around for a couple of weeks while she recuperates, and then sit down and have a long talk with her. Seriously, find a quiet place and look into her eyes. Ask her what she wants, and I believe she will tell you.
{{{{hugs}}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I know that it is scary to think of amputation in the face of an inconclusive bone biopsy but if the location of the lesion on the xray is consistent with cancer then I would amputate. The pain will only get worse and there is a risk of fracture especially after 2 bone biopsies. Even if you do not pursue chemo you will at least control the pain!
PAM
Hey Michelle
Jerry's comment struck a nerve with me and my Fizzles, as I did exactly that the night before her amputation, and I was sitting in her bed crying and she sits on my lap, licks my tears and basically slaps me around the face !! and she told me that she wanted to fight this, and then I knew I needed to fight this too 
The Rottweiler breed are fighters and with a bravery of spirit that I found awe inspiring, but it seems that it's not just Rottie's on here that are amazing, as it seems there are any number of breeds on here with incredible stories of courage
It seems that it more our own weakness that causes us the most problems, I know with Fizz she always led me and told me what she wanted to do, and I just followed normally a few steps behind but, always close enough to catch her if she falls,
Michelle you know Sassy and you know if she could cope or is willing to fight this, no~one not a specialist or vet knows Sassy Like You Know Sassy and that in the end is more important than any test out there, and your love for her will always lead you down the correct path, trust your instincts and in the end you will know what is best for Sassy and You
Take care and good luck
love zena and Fizzly in spirit xoxox
Thank you everyone. I know Sassy is not ready to go. She was playing last night. I look at her and I tell her and have told her she is gorgeous and I love her.
I agree it is not easy and part of what is making me do this is she isn't ready to go.
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
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