Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I just had a quick question...Our dog Pierre had his leg amputated on 11 days ago today. When they removed his leg, they did a bone biopsy and the vet simply told me it came back as OSA. I was hoping we'd get more information from the biopsy because I've read online they can tell what stage the cancer is at? Just curious. Thanks!
Curiosity is a good thing!
I'm not a vet, and I know that Wookie or Tazziedog will have a great answer for you, but I often refer to the Dog Cancer Survival Guide where I'm always learning something new. In the book, there's a whole chapter dedicated to how cancer is diagnosed and staged, and mentions that staging involves more than the biopsy itself. It says:
"Depending on the cancer type, several different tests may be used to diagnose and stage your dog's cancer. . .
When I run diagnostic tests on cancer patients, I often order blood work, urine tests, lymph node or mass aspirates, chest x-rays, abdominal ultrasounds and sometimes, a bone marrow test. I may ask a colleague for an informal consult or get a formal second opinion on a biopsy. These tests can total over $1000 just to stage the cancer.
These tests are important. Knowing the stage of the cancer helps me to predict outcomes and decide which treatments to use. Most general practice vets would order the same tests I do, with a similar price tag."
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Well, that's odd. I posted last night but now my post is gone. So here it is again:
Different tumors are graded differently. Since osteosarcoma is generally a high grade tumor (meaning that it is aggressive and likely to metastasize), often times no particular grade is assigned (because it it presumed to be high).
I send all my biopsies to Colorado State University and I don't remember if I've seen an osteosarcoma graded. Other labs may differ. There are different subtypes of osteosarcoma based on their microscopic appearance (osteoblastic, chondroblastic, and fibroblastic), but I don't think it makes any difference in the prognosis as to which type your dog has.
Staging is different. Staging tells you if the are any signs of cancer spread, i.e., the lungs, lymph nodes, abdominal organs, etc. So even though osteosarcoma may be diagnosed at an early stage (before any detectable metastasis), it is still a high grade tumor.
I hope that makes sense.
And you could always ask your veterinarian for a copy of the biopsy report.
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.
Wookie I always learn something new from you. Thanks for explaining the difference between tumor grading and staging. That makes sense to me, but I have a question: how does tumor grading and staging play into the prognosis given? I thought I read that a high grade tumor may not be indicative of a bad prognosis?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
jerry said
I thought I read that a high grade tumor may not be indicative of a bad prognosis?
It very much depends on the type of tumor. High grade tumors generally have more rapid cell division, which makes them potentially more responsive to chemotherapy agents. But, some tumors are resistant to chemotherapy, even though they may be a high grade.
I'm sure an oncologist could explain it much more eloquently!
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.
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