I'm sorry you got that diagnosis…it's really overwhelming. And I'm especially sorry the vets are not being responsive or helpful. Can you go above someone's head and demand to talk to a higher being there, or have your regular vet call? I think by now I would have gone there in person, shoved my way into someone's office, grabbed someone by the collar and demanded an explanation! In fact I don't think I would have, I know I would have. (Red hair, temper…)

Anyway. This site might also be useful:

http://www.bone.....rdogs.org/

There's a lot of information out there. Also read Jerry's blog on this site, and through some of the discussions here. I decided, on the advice of my vets and an oncologist, and after research, not to do chemo for my Rottweiler. I am not going nuts with supplements….from everything I read, you want to feed a low-carb diet to Wilson so cut out the vegetables at least. Google Dr Oglivie cancer diet for more theory on cancer diets from Colorado State. I have always fed raw primarily, and am continuing to do so. My dogs also have gotten fish oil caps (the canned salmon, or mackerel, you're feeding is also a great source) and I've upped them, along with vit E, for Cooper. He was losing quite a bit of weight initially, but it's stabilized - his amp was only five weeks ago.

It doesn't sound like Wilson is that unusual in still lacking some energy…his body is dealing with a lot, and it's good that he is eating, drinking and all just fine. Give him a little time and you have taken THE most important first step for him with the amputation, which is very brave.

I would definitely enlist someone like your vet to call these yahoos over at Auburn vet school, or call the directors office, or otherwise make a big stink.

Hang in there and hugs to you and yours and Wilson too.

Yes well, it's only still red because it comes out of a bottle nowadays. LOL!

Could be some hitch between the lab and Auburn, if they sent it to an independent lab...I dunno. Auburn...Alabama?

It's an emotional rollercoaster, for sure...this is the second dog I've had with osteosarcoma; the first by the time it was diagnosed was already in his spine, it went very fast and there was no controlling the pain. So while horrible and never easy, the decision of what to do was simple...he simply couldn't continue in the pain he was in. With Cooper, amputation resolved the pain, but nowadays there is such an overwhelming array of choices for treatment. The first time was before everyone and their sister had internet access...I don't know if having all this knowledge at my fingertips makes it easier or not.

I opted for oral neoplasene, along with a little supplement and diet tweaking but since it's already metatastized, I have come to an acceptance...balancing that with fighting is a hard choice and everyone does what feels right. No matter what choice, there are no guarantees...someone I know personally just lost her dog earlier this week five months post diagnosis and amp, and she did chemo. But her dog had a good five months, and that's what counts.

But the "not knowing" would make me crazy! Cooper's ortho surgeon doesn't see any practical purpose in doing next week's follow up xrays and ultrasound, but acknowledges that I'm the sort that needs to know. I've asked myself questions like...what if a large tumor is found in his spleen, would I opt for a splenectomy? I don't think so. He had major ortho surgery in October, never fully recovered, then the amputation...I don't think I would put an eight year old Rottweiler with osteosarcoma through another surgery. He has been brave and amiable and wonderful with all the vet visits and so very patient...he is doing good TODAY and that's what counts.

Anyway I'm rambling and have to take him for his evening hop around the block before going to agility class...please stay in touch here and all fingers and paws crossed here for Wilson!

Wow. I can't tell you how happy I am for you, but also how envious.

When I was talking to the pathologist who is doing my dog's final biopsy (one of the perks of being a vet student, I can just track them down if I need to) the other day he told me that osteosarcoma is one of those diagnoses that you never, ever want to get wrong because the consequences can be terrible, and that's why it is often difficult to get a straight answer out of them unless they feel they've found absolute proof that's what it is. Because many pet owners will euthanize outright, and even if they go for treatment, that has side effects, risks, and considerable expense.

But he basically said something along the lines of, “I keep looking and hoping that I won't see osteosarcoma… That instead I'll find evidence that it's a fibrosarcoma.”

What I know about fibrosarcomas really just relates to soft tissue fibrosarcomas--bone FS are pretty rare, I think. But if bone FS behave like soft tissue FS, this is very good news indeed! In soft tissue, they have a fairly low rate of metastasis (unlike the >90% in osteosarcoma) and even though they are very locally invasive, if you get good clean wiiiide margins they often won't come back. I hope that ends up being the case.

Anyway, pretty much any other bone tumor besides osteosarcoma is good news–congratulations!