My dog has Osteosarcoma
Discussion
Boosted LS1 said:
I guess the question is how will the treatment effect quality of life and how much longer can your pal be around.
Very sorry to hear the news so make the most of it. Have you any pet insurance and how old is your dog? I've been there myself.
He is 10.Very sorry to hear the news so make the most of it. Have you any pet insurance and how old is your dog? I've been there myself.
Still very fit, so it just makes it harder to let him go.
We have insurance, up to 2,500 but vets charge mega bucks. This will not last long.
My wife and I have agreed that we will do what we feel best for him, regardless of the cost.
OK... SO everyones a cretin tonight. Come on ladies, lighten up.
Sorry to hear about your dog. You could keep us updated in the relevant forum as it would be nice for other owners. Not sure what the best procedure is for this type of cancer but it can't be easy letting go. Best of luck with him.
Sorry to hear about your dog. You could keep us updated in the relevant forum as it would be nice for other owners. Not sure what the best procedure is for this type of cancer but it can't be easy letting go. Best of luck with him.
TotalControl said:
OK... SO everyones a cretin tonight. Come on ladies, lighten up.
Sorry to hear about your dog. You could keep us updated in the relevant forum as it would be nice for other owners. Not sure what the best procedure is for this type of cancer but it can't be easy letting go. Best of luck with him.
Thanks for that.Sorry to hear about your dog. You could keep us updated in the relevant forum as it would be nice for other owners. Not sure what the best procedure is for this type of cancer but it can't be easy letting go. Best of luck with him.
Sorry, I did not realize I put this in the wrong forum.
I really don't have a clue about the drug you have mentioned. Just out of interest, what breed of dog go you have. Is it just one limb affected.
If not too big or heavy a breed (though the breeds affected usually are) sometimes amputation is advised. It won't necessarily slow down the spread but it is aupposed to be a way of relieving pain as the affected leg does become extremely painful, eventually it swells considerably and usually ends up with pathological fractures.
If it has already been going on several weeks it may be to late to consider this so good pain relief and any drug they suggest would be worth a try. Often lifespan after diagnosis is 3-6 months (occ less, and v. occ sl more)
Sorry to hear of the diagnosis, just remember to know when to call it a day. Unfortunately I have seen a couple of cases where they pet was really left too long before the owners could be persuaded to make the right decision.
Has chemotherapy been discussed. This can often be done at your own vets (we do it) however I really do not know how much extra time it will give compared to not doing it and whilst dogs don't tend to suffer the same side effects as humans, it does mean regular visits to the vets for blood tests and treatment. If your dog doesn't like the vets it may not be the kindest thing to put your pet through. (Radiotherapy is another option but only done in 1 or 2 specialist centres in the country I think)
If not too big or heavy a breed (though the breeds affected usually are) sometimes amputation is advised. It won't necessarily slow down the spread but it is aupposed to be a way of relieving pain as the affected leg does become extremely painful, eventually it swells considerably and usually ends up with pathological fractures.
If it has already been going on several weeks it may be to late to consider this so good pain relief and any drug they suggest would be worth a try. Often lifespan after diagnosis is 3-6 months (occ less, and v. occ sl more)
Sorry to hear of the diagnosis, just remember to know when to call it a day. Unfortunately I have seen a couple of cases where they pet was really left too long before the owners could be persuaded to make the right decision.
Has chemotherapy been discussed. This can often be done at your own vets (we do it) however I really do not know how much extra time it will give compared to not doing it and whilst dogs don't tend to suffer the same side effects as humans, it does mean regular visits to the vets for blood tests and treatment. If your dog doesn't like the vets it may not be the kindest thing to put your pet through. (Radiotherapy is another option but only done in 1 or 2 specialist centres in the country I think)
Edited by becksW on Saturday 12th September 13:51
albundy89 said:
Not A total cretin,I have grown up with dogs all my life and had a few good ones die but life goes on,not quite the same as your only child dying before your eyes during what should have been the best years of her life.
:shock:
I do hope that's not happened to you, if it has I can understand your anger and frustration at someone upset over a dog. However, best not to get yourself wound up over a dog and person you neither know or will ever meet.
That's life really, dogs never outlive their owners. Hope doggy does get better.
zip929 said:
We have known for a few weeks.
Vet has advised Bisphosphonates.
Has anyone had good results with this treatment?
I know the prognosis is not good, but do these drugs have benefit?
Any advice, experiences welcome.
As far as I am aware, bisphosphonates are used to stop the loss of calcium/strength from bone. As such they are only a palliative approach to the underlying problem of the cancer. This class of drug is not widely used in pets, but could make a painful limb problem less painful by slowing the loss of bone structure. It makes a huge difference tot the outcome as to what sort of dog you have, how old, where the tumour is, whether there are any secondary lumps that have spread anywhere, whether there are any other health problems and whether any other treatment has been attempted yet. The biggest problem seems to be spread of the tumour to the lungs. If this has happened [can be diagnosed by chest xrays usually] then unfortunately, the cancer will kill your pet. If not, then perhaps surgical removal may work, but bear in mind this can mean amputation of a limb due to the tendency of OS to appear in the long bones of the legs. Again, this may sound a terrible option but if you have caught the cancer early enough, it could really be a life saver. So, more info needed to be any further help Vet has advised Bisphosphonates.
Has anyone had good results with this treatment?
I know the prognosis is not good, but do these drugs have benefit?
Any advice, experiences welcome.
GTIR said:
albundy89 said:
Not A total cretin,I have grown up with dogs all my life and had a few good ones die but life goes on,not quite the same as your only child dying before your eyes during what should have been the best years of her life.
:shock:I do hope that's not happened to you, if it has I can understand your anger and frustration at someone upset over a dog. However, best not to get yourself wound up over a dog and person you neither know or will ever meet.
That's life really, dogs never outlive their owners. Hope doggy does get better.
Yes it may only be a dog, but the OP has had it 10 years and I can fully understand why he'd be very upset.
My old Dog was 7 years old when diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, she had it in her back leg.
The problem with Osteosarcoma is that by the time the Dog shows any sign of pain it has generally spread to far for anything over than prolonging their life as long as possible.
So a tough choice you will need to make.
For us, this came down to choosing to have her leg amputated with a 5% chance it might work or giving her the best attention she could get from the time she had left.
We choose the latter, we spent over £300 on strong pain killers for her. Further X-Rays showed the cancer had spread to 30% of her internal organs already, out look was grimme.
She went from enjoying walks too not being able to walk, she was a fighter and a strong dog (Rotty)
She was diagnosed in a February and Died in June.
The problem with Osteosarcoma is that by the time the Dog shows any sign of pain it has generally spread to far for anything over than prolonging their life as long as possible.
So a tough choice you will need to make.
For us, this came down to choosing to have her leg amputated with a 5% chance it might work or giving her the best attention she could get from the time she had left.
We choose the latter, we spent over £300 on strong pain killers for her. Further X-Rays showed the cancer had spread to 30% of her internal organs already, out look was grimme.
She went from enjoying walks too not being able to walk, she was a fighter and a strong dog (Rotty)
She was diagnosed in a February and Died in June.
Edited by igiveup on Saturday 12th September 22:00
No experience of this so no expert, from reading the posts though it sounds like the kindest option is to get her put to sleep. Just do not keep hanging in there and spending a small fortune, the only benefit in that is delaying the inevitable, causing a lot of suffering and at the end of the day the only reason is so you can have a little more time with your pet.
albundy89 said:
Not A total cretin,I have grown up with dogs all my life and had a few good ones die but life goes on,not quite the same as your only child dying before your eyes during what should have been the best years of her life.
Yet for some people the dog is their child. Plenty of people have dogs, but care little. Those people are not deserving of pets.OP, what breed of dog is it? 10 years is very good going for some breeds.
I would say, in your position, I would treat the animal with whatever it takes whilst it works and there is no pain/suffering, but once it gets to the point at which it's plainly hurting him/her, then you know what to do for the best.
Why are there so many a
holes on PH these days?
O/P sorry to hear of your woes, I am not really a pet person but I know for a lot of people their cats and dogs are members of their family. Sometimes other people fail to realise this and are crassly insensitive, when what they need to do is Not Post.
holes on PH these days?O/P sorry to hear of your woes, I am not really a pet person but I know for a lot of people their cats and dogs are members of their family. Sometimes other people fail to realise this and are crassly insensitive, when what they need to do is Not Post.
FourWheelDrift said:
Gaz. said:
Unbelievable.
What a vile forum this has become.
Exactly, quite a good thread to see who the really nasty pathetic people are on PH. The ones who clearly aren't going to be here much longer and won't be missed by anyone.What a vile forum this has become.
Similar to the Ali Kat cat thread not so long ago that went down the same road.
Really not neccesary.
Gaz. said:
Unbelievable.
What a vile forum this has become.
Agree Gaz, some of the posts on this thread are inexcusable, perhaps it's time to review future posting privileges to the lounge for some members.What a vile forum this has become.
To the OP thoughts are with you, hope all goes well with the diagnosis and that all goes well for the future.
When my Boxer had cancer we discussed what was best for the dog with the vet. He prescribed some form of steroids which he said would significantly improve life quality for weeks to maybe a few months. He also was honest that chemo was not going to save the dog's life. It worked for a while, and then the inevitable decline came in , and fast. We knew we had to say goodbye. I took the Boxer for a last,slow walk outside the clinic and brought her in . I held her, and in a second it was over.
The period when she had the steroids was wonderful and she was the same playful maniac she had been before, so we did get quality time. As others have said, the dog's wellbeing and lack of suffering is the most important, and I am very sorry that your dog is sick. Each dog is different and I have known some who have lived much longer than mine did. I wish you the very best in your decision.
The period when she had the steroids was wonderful and she was the same playful maniac she had been before, so we did get quality time. As others have said, the dog's wellbeing and lack of suffering is the most important, and I am very sorry that your dog is sick. Each dog is different and I have known some who have lived much longer than mine did. I wish you the very best in your decision.
NiceCupOfTea said:
Why are there so many aholes on PH these days?
O/P sorry to hear of your woes, I am not really a pet person but I know for a lot of people their cats and dogs are members of their family. Sometimes other people fail to realise this and are crassly insensitive, when what they need to do is Not Post.
Spot on.holes on PH these days?O/P sorry to hear of your woes, I am not really a pet person but I know for a lot of people their cats and dogs are members of their family. Sometimes other people fail to realise this and are crassly insensitive, when what they need to do is Not Post.
Thevet said:
zip929 said:
We have known for a few weeks.
Vet has advised Bisphosphonates.
Has anyone had good results with this treatment?
I know the prognosis is not good, but do these drugs have benefit?
Any advice, experiences welcome.
As far as I am aware, bisphosphonates are used to stop the loss of calcium/strength from bone. As such they are only a palliative approach to the underlying problem of the cancer. This class of drug is not widely used in pets, but could make a painful limb problem less painful by slowing the loss of bone structure. It makes a huge difference tot the outcome as to what sort of dog you have, how old, where the tumour is, whether there are any secondary lumps that have spread anywhere, whether there are any other health problems and whether any other treatment has been attempted yet. The biggest problem seems to be spread of the tumour to the lungs. If this has happened [can be diagnosed by chest xrays usually] then unfortunately, the cancer will kill your pet. If not, then perhaps surgical removal may work, but bear in mind this can mean amputation of a limb due to the tendency of OS to appear in the long bones of the legs. Again, this may sound a terrible option but if you have caught the cancer early enough, it could really be a life saver. So, more info needed to be any further help Vet has advised Bisphosphonates.
Has anyone had good results with this treatment?
I know the prognosis is not good, but do these drugs have benefit?
Any advice, experiences welcome.
My vet originally suggested an amputation, but then said the bisphosphonates could be better as he is quite a large dog and could possibly struggle with the loss of his front leg. The tumor is in the distal radius.
She said there has been some quite positive publishings on their usage recently, but that treatment for animals with these drugs is still a fairly new idea.
We are just taking it day by day.
At the moment he appears to be in no pain unless he is walking, when he limps quite badly.
He is not whimpering constantly, so the vet has advised that we just monitor him.
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