Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I posted earlier about my mastiff's OSA diagnosis... but now I am wondering. They didn't do a biopsy. The x-ray showed a very visible lesion, and I could see it as soon as the vet did. They were sent to a radiologist, who confirmed OSA. Is that enough? Should I be putting him through a bone biopsy too?
Thank you!
I did not do a biopsy. I have heard that they can be painful and then you have to wait for the results to come back. I went through quite a long process to get my boy diagnosed. This ordeal included a synovial fluid draw. My dog was in a lot of pain after that and he never put weight on his leg after that. The vet that diagnosed him seemed quite sure that she was looking at Osteosarcoma. I just did not want to waste any more time with testing. Lori and TY
TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater.
This journey is just so crazy and so full of differing opinions among vets!
I can only say that, this site being real life experiences, many here who did do biopsies found them to be very painful AND, in some cases anyway, inconclusive. Many, not all, regret going through yet another painful surgery.
Happy Hannah did not have that done either. The surgeon and oncologist and my regular vet all felt that the xray dictated osteo.
Others can chime in with more experience and links.
Sending you the best! Stay strong...you're doing great! Checking options is a good thing!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle
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!
Hi,
I didn't have a biopsy done either. My vet actually had my dog scheduled for one because she wasn't sure if it was a fungal infection or OSA. I had looked at the Xray and I'm in the human xray field and it looked like a tumor to me but I'm no vet. Before the biopsy I found out my dog's father died of OSA so I was sure it was OSA. So I changed the appointment to an amputation. I think if the vets feel pretty certain it's a tumor it is best to get the amp as soon as possible. Good luck.
Penny
We did a biopsy, but only because Theo did not have a very visible lesion, the presentation was not very traditional, and because I mentioned Theo having a weird wound on the limb several months prior. The biopsy did cause him a lot of pain and made the swelling much worse, so if your vet is pretty certain I wouldn't put your pup through it.
A couple of things I realized from devouring every piece of information on this ugly disease (but I'm no vet!!):
- The chances of it being viral are about slim to none unless your pup traveled to and dug around in dirt in the SW United States.
- The chances of it being bacterial without your pup having either an open wound at the time or previous surgery/wound is also unlikely.
- Also, since the breed of your guy is a giant breed, that significantly increases the chances that it's OSA. 
But they also always tell humans to get a second opinion, if you can afford it, I guess it couldn't hurt to ask another vet. I do also want to point out that you should 100% be an advocate for your pup, and if you are questioning something do not hesitate to call the vet again or get another opinion. The worst thing would be regretting not asking questions, or getting a definitive answer when you really want one.
Sending you guys the best during this tough time!
Rachel and Snaggliest Angel Theodore
Based on breed and location of lesion most vets will not do a biopsy since they are painful and there is a risk of fracture. I biopsied Tazzie's leg after it was removed to confirm the cancer type since there are several that can involve bone and different chemo drugs are used based on tumor type. Most cases turn out to be OSA.
Pam
I also opted for the biopsy to be done post amp. Much less painful that way, and allowed the leg to come off faster than it would have otherwise.
Deb and Angel Lexie* Diagnosed at age 13. Tried radiation first; wish we had amputated upon diagnosis (even with lung mets). Joined Club Tripawd April 2014 & Lexie loved life on 3 legs! Advice: Start physical therapy as soon as your vet clears it, especially hydrotherapy if available :-) See Lexie pics here.
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