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Our rottie Dino was diagnosed with osteosarcoma
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Kaprun, Austria
Member Since:
20 April 2014
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20 April 2014 - 4:02 pm
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Last week while running around the beach, our 8 year rottie Dino started to limp. After an xray at the vet the results showed what looked like osteosarcoma on his left front wrist. Still barely noticeable size wise. The day after tomorrow we are taking him to the oncology department of the veterinary university in Munich. I've spent the last two days researching this matter (between tears) and it looks like he is going to have a tough time ahead. He is still a happy dog with a zest for life other than the limp. If anybody can chime in in the his time of great pain and difficult decisions, please chime in. It will be much appreciated. Unbelievable that this was him just three days ago. http://youtu.be.....fUeDsBFweM

Member Since:
18 September 2013
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20 April 2014 - 6:55 pm
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Hi Dino's pawrent

Welcome to tripawds.....the Club that no one really wants to be a member of!

My ten year old lab, Tucker, had his right front leg amputated seven months ago due to an invasive but localized sarcoma so the path that lead us here is a bit different than the one that osteosarcoma presents.

I will let others who have more experience with osteosarcoma "chime in" but I do want to encourage you to come here to vent, ask questions and get the support you need.

Many hugs

Linda and Tucker

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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20 April 2014 - 8:55 pm
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Hi DINO!

You are a very, very, handsome boy!!

I Know this is so scarey and you feel like you are stuck in a nightmare. B R E A T H E! You are ot aolne. We are all here with you!

My computer is not working very well so I'll write more later.

Remember, Dino doesn't kow he's "sick" and he's ot worried avout a thing.

should he need his leg amputated, once recovery takes place he will be pan free and livimg life to the fullest! The fact that Dinomis so vibrant andjas such a zest forlie are all veryimportant traits to have! We have a lot of Rotties here who have done very well with amputatin andjave jad wonderful quality time tobe loved and spoiled and get lotsof tummy rubs! No dogjas a time frame stamped on his butt!

Michelle, who was owned by Sassy overcame all sorts of challenges but never let a ife on three legs slow her down one bit.

We all understand the fear...do your research, stay connected to us...eat chocolate...lots of chocolate...and we'll help pull you through.

Sendingnyou lots of hugs.

Sally and Happy Hannah

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!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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21 April 2014 - 8:58 am
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Hey Dino and family, welcome. We're sorry about the diagnosis, many of us have coped with the same kind of situation; healthy and strong one minute, an amputation surgery scheduled the next. It can make your head spin.

But the good news is that Dino CAN go on to live a very great, hoppy and athletic life after recovery! Take a look at our Tripawds Swimming videos and you'll see that yes, even front leg Tripawds can swim. Meanwhile, as you learn how to live with the cancer diagnosis, you'll come to see that every day is indeed a gift, that as heartbreaking as cancer is, it really teaches you how to live every day to the fullest with Dino.

If you haven't already be sure to check out Jerry's Required Reading List and the Tripawds e-books library for answers to questions about life on three legs. And of course ask away here, we are always ready to help.

Thanks so much for joining. Please keep us posted.

 

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet





Member Since:
16 October 2012
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21 April 2014 - 9:06 am
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Hi Dino & family.  Welcome to the group no one wants to join.  Sally is correct. Sassy had Osteoscaroma in her Right rear leg.  At the time of Amputations she was 138 pounds but we did take some weight off of her.  At the time of diagnosis for Sassy she was 6 years old.  She fought a good battle.  We did 4 rounds of carboplatin and somewhere between 4 & 5 developed lung mets.  We then did metronomics and she survived 9 3/4 months.  Just a week or so short of 10 months.  We do have our blog on the bottom of my signature.

 

Hugs

Michelle & Angel Sassy

 

sassymichelle-sm.jpg

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."

Kaprun, Austria
Member Since:
20 April 2014
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21 April 2014 - 9:59 am
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Thanks a lot for the very kind words guys. Dino, my wife, and two legged family and I really appreciate it. Right now he's still energetic and full of love and barely wanted to lay down in the car for the drive from Zell am See in Austria over to Munich. Right now my wife, me and our best friend are scared to death about what comes tomorrow after further diagnoses. But hey, the big melon head bundle of love is a trooper. He was a first mate on my sailing trips around the California coast, gave me support on my move from the US to Europe, traveled with my wife and I all over Europe and is still ready for more Dino adventures. So folks, lets all pray and keep our fingers crossed. Again, thanks a million for the support.





Member Since:
16 October 2012
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21 April 2014 - 10:37 am
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I know its scary.  He looks like a beautiful dog.  Don't let the stats scare you.  That is just what they are.  There are lots of dogs on here that have survived a long long time with Osteoscaroma.  Good luck and keep us informed

 

 

hugs

Michelle & Angel Sassy

 

sassymichelle-sm.jpg

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."

New Jersey
Member Since:
25 May 2013
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22 April 2014 - 6:39 am
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Welcome Dino and family,
We all here know and understand the shock when this diagnosis is given. It's overwhelming initially, but the more info and talking to people who have experienced the same, helps. Our Snoop was 9 yrs when he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma on right front leg. We amputated, did 6 rounds of chemo and we are on metronomics presently. He did great through it all as is doing very well. We are almost one year post op. We are greatful for every day.
Good luck with your follow diagnosis.

Esther and her Snoop

Kaprun, Austria
Member Since:
20 April 2014
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22 April 2014 - 9:55 am
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Hey guys, Dino did good today at the Munich veterinary university. Other than his left wrist, nothing was seen on xrays lungs and all. Tomorrow, at another clinic they will do a ct scan. They also said that since his tumor isn't on a weight bearing part of the arm, he would be a good candidate for limb sparing. Personally, I'm not so keen on limb sparing. If there are any opinions, please chime in. The oncologist wants to see how the rest of the Dino's joints are in order to assess his ability to walk on threes but personally I'm of the opinion of "who cares at this point". Besides, the end justifies the means and the video above shows. That, btw, was over one hour of chasing that stick into the Adriatic. Even with a little left hip pain at 11pm post fun running day, I don't see it as any obstruction to 3 leg walking. Apparently, in Europe they tend to have a lot more interest in limb sparing but I'm still a believer in amputation. Oh, the Munich university uses carboplatin fully while the clinicjpg
ere amputations or bone sparing are done uses carboplatin and doxo. Any opinions on which way to go. I can always chose of course. Thanks a bunch for the support folks.

Anyway, here is Dino last night
https://www.dro.....225123.jpg

Here he is today
https://www.dro.....121439.jpg
https://www.dro.....120929.jpg

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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22 April 2014 - 1:52 pm
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Oh Dino you are one handsome dude! You are fit and spunky, you'll do fine no matter which way you go with amputation or limb sparing.

Well, when it comes to limb sparing, I think it's a toss up (see these Forum discussions for mentions of limb sparing). When it works it's miraculous, in fact I've met a Tripawd Rottie who had TWO limb sparings, both front legs, and he did great! But when it doesn't work, which we see here more than the patients who have successful procedures since they don't need to come here, that's when the leg goes and there's that added expense of two surgeries, two recoveries, etc. I think when it comes down to it it's all about how much money you can afford to risk and whether or not you think how Dino would do with two recoveries if it came down to that.

As for the type of chemo, carboplatin is as of now the gold standard but I didn't do IV chemo so I can't offer any experience there. Others will chime in I'm sure.

OH and Eduardo, thank you so very very much your generous supporter gift! That is so very kind of you.

Give Dino a smooch from us!

 

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Orrtanna Pa.
Member Since:
25 January 2014
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22 April 2014 - 5:21 pm
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Just wondering how your appointment went. He is a beautiful, or should I say handsome guy. Lori and Angeldog 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. 

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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22 April 2014 - 10:43 pm
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The pictures of Dino are splendid! He is just a magnifcent cuddle bear. I love his little Rottie Stuffy...it loks just like him!

and his video...WOW! He should do just fineon three legs!

Gosh, the limb sparing just seems like a risk as far as probavly havng to go through an amputation anyway. And yeah, as Jerry said, carboplatin is used mostly here and has very few side effects...if any at all.

Look forward tohearing from you.

Remember, you are not alone...we are here with you!

Hugs!

Sally and Happy Hannah

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!

Kaprun, Austria
Member Since:
20 April 2014
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23 April 2014 - 1:32 pm
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Thanks for all the support!! Alright folks, here are the news. Went over today to the best oncology clinic in Munich where Dino had further scans. Same results with clear lungs and organs. His hips aren't the best but they never were anyway since he was young. But it never affected him and does not as you see in the videos. The key being the weight we always maintained him at. Anyway, we spoke to the oncologist and he said, honestly, we do more bone sparing in Germany than amputations. Regardless, yesterday I felt that he was a great candidate for bone sparing but still favored amputation. As did me and my wife. But today, he said, after further looking at his wrist, I feel that he is the absolute best candidate for bone sparing I have seen in ten years of doing the surgery. We will work in conjunction with the university and after the carboplatin rounds, 6, we might also carry on with metronomic. We will watch the arm like hawks and be ready to amputate at any moment we feel necessary. Yes, we have had complications here but after ten years we have really progressed and are getting the same longevity as with amputation. Monday is the surgery. Mind you, we can still change our minds, but are pretty confident. We will keep posting Dino's progress. Anyway, the boy still does not quit. Two hours after full anesthesia today he starts to run around the place limp and all. God we love our boy.

On The Road


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23 April 2014 - 7:34 pm
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Awesome! Sounds like a great clinic, we are very interested in following along to see how it goes and are sending lots of love across the miles. Please keep us posted every step of the way, I know we can learn a lot from your journey!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
15 July 2013
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23 April 2014 - 9:34 pm
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Hi, just lost my Rottie on April 9th to osteosarcoma. He lived about 10 months after the amputation.  We did the cyclophosphamide - 6 rounds and then metronomic therapy as well.  He had a rough time of it as his other joints were not too good and he got sick from the chemo. But most dogs do not get sick so definitely do it.  I would have loved to do the limb sparing surgery so he didn't have to use his remaining rear leg so much but it wasn't offered. I think the location of the tumor precluded it. There's a great orthotic/prosthetic place for pets - Orthopets.com - check them out for a prosthesis for Dino. Looks so much like my boy. Miss him so. I wish the very best for you and Dino! 

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