[Hooligan]

I strongly second mmctaq's advice. It was osteosarcoma that finally got our big ol' guy. But like mmctaq, we spent a lot of time in an oncologist's waiting room while Fred was being (successfully) treated for lymphoma, and we met several three-legged dogs who were thriving. Unfortunately, Fred was at least 15 when he developed osteosarcoma, and he was suffering too many other health problems to make amputation an option. But if the circumstances had been different, we would not have hesitated to go for it.

FYI, Fred's osteosarcoma was diagnosed instantly by his own vet. We had taken him in because he was limping. She examined his leg, didn't like what she felt, and immediately whisked him downstairs for an x-ray, which confirmed her fear. The whole process took about 30 minutes.

But let's hope that all this advice is unnecessary because your guy's tumour is benign. How long must you wait for the result? Osteosarcoma is very aggressive (and very painful), and it's my understanding that quick action is key to stopping it in its tracks.

 

[Audrey1]

The vet said that he was concerned with the way it looked but that the tumor needed to be removed. He said it could be osteosarcoma but doubts that it's that bad because he is so young... or on the very mild side, it could be tissue damage that the bone reacted to, though he said that it wasn't all that likely either.

All in all, he thinks it might be cancerous but doesn't know for sure and that's the reason he wants to send the tumor out to the lab for analysis. I just don't even know how to feel. This could go either way and I am so scared.

Thanks for all the support and the links.

I think time and money will be well spent if you see a specialist for their opinion. I also agree with the others that what your vet is saying sounds confusing.

 

[SpecialK]

I'm so sorry to hear this But I agree with above posters who recommend a second opinion, especially a specialist. When Baron was diagnosed the vet knew immediately from the xray, no biopsy needed to be done to tell it was Osteo. I wouldn't put him through all that without knowing for sure what it is and researching all available options fisrt. :/ That being said, don't waste time because some cancers (especially Osteo) can be very aggressive and the quicker you move the better the prognosis may be. Good luck!!! Fingers and paws crossed for you over here.

 

[Dobies 71]

My high in trial obedience bitch died of cancer because the vet I used didn't know how to diagnose it. He was treating her for everything under the sun but was clear off.

Finally, I got sick of it; and, with his protests, and an IV hanging, looped to a hook in my truck, I took her to a specialist. I went to his hospital and took her right out.

Had I went in sooner, I would have been successful. But this bitch had breast cancer which now went to her brain. She was blind from this tumor. But he was treating for all these exotic diseases and I said, "We need to go to a specialist."

This was a hard lesson learned. Now I just go straight to a specialist before messing around with someone who really is not qualified in these things.

Time is of the essence. Use it wisely.

I wasted alot of money at the original vet and had to pay that bill too.

 

[Zeus's Mommy]

I found this place that's actually in Orange County. Have any of you heard of it?

Advanced Veterinary Specialty Group

I called the cancer group specialist office and the surgery specialist office and explained the situation. They said that it's possible that they could give me a diagnosis but that a biopsy is really what's going to point to what the problem is. I don't know what to do. My boyfriends says that we need to go through with the surgery and not waste time. Which is true, time is not on our side. I do trust our vet and I think we're going to keep the appointment tomorrow and go through with the surgery.

 

[Adara]

I found this place that's actually in Orange County. Have any of you heard of it?

Advanced Veterinary Specialty Group

I called the cancer group specialist office and the surgery specialist office and explained the situation. They said that it's possible that they could give me a diagnosis but that a biopsy is really what's going to point to what the problem is. I don't know what to do. My boyfriends says that we need to go through with the surgery and not waste time. Which is true, time is not on our side. I do trust our vet and I think we're going to keep the appointment tomorrow and go through with the surgery.

I'm not a vet but I'm wondering if they do NOT think it is osteosarcoma then? The few people I know with dogs that had it were diagnosed via xray. Assuming that is the case, I'd proceed with the biospy myself.

IF the vet feels it really IS osteosarcoma I would nicely ask why he/she isn't able to diagnose via xray in this particualr case since that seems to be the way to diagnose. Maybe this is some kind of unique case???

 

[Dobies 71]

Having spent my career in the med/legal business this is what I have learned:

Never ever let your emotions of attachement to any doctor allow you to make decisions based on that.

I know it is hard to do this for anyone.

But believe me, you are just a customer in any doctor's eyes, and he will abandon you the minute he is in over his head. The patient on the other hand has a totally different side to the relationship.

Look only for the best. Do not let emotions decide your case/situation.

So if you are satisfied you have the best, proceed. If not, pick up the phone and check things out.

 

[mmctaq]

I would encourage you to have all of the "What if...?" conversations up front if you let your vet perfom this surgery. As has been pointed out, you cannot remove a bone tumor. If the leg is opened up and this is what is found, I would suggest that the leg be taken at that time. There should be a full series of chest x-rays prior to see if there are tumors elsewhere... if other tumors are found, it may be kindest to simply do palliative care.

Good luck tomorrow, and please post as soon as you have news. I will think good thoughts in your direction...

 

[Zeus's Mommy]

The vet said it very well COULD be osteosarcoma or it could be any of the other "sarcomas" but that he wouldn't be able to tell which one it is without sending it to the lab.

He is going to be removing the bone on which the tumor has been found. It is on one of the bones that form his toes, if that makes any sense. It is right below his wrist joint.

Don't get me wrong. I do trust the vet. He has been the one to see Zeus all his life, pretty much and was the vet to diagnose his lower back neurological issue. I agree, I do need to speak with him before the surgery goes through.

What kind of questions should I make sure to ask?

• What happens if this turns out to be cancer?
• When would you recommend doing chest x-rays?
• What is the prognosis if it is cancerous?
• What is the next step?

These are some of the ones on my list.

 

[EmilyB]

... if other tumors are found, it may be kindest to simply do palliative care.

Since this is common thinking, and ground that I am on right now, I just thought I would speak to this comment.

Not necessarily true. Priscilla had her amputation long ago, but her lung mets began to enlarge in June. (I had dropped off on her holistic care). There was some question as to whether or not to perform dental surgery, however we decided to go ahead. That was a couple months ago and she is still going strong.

Sometimes it just depends on the individual dog and his/her current health and attitude.


OP, you may want to join the yahoo groups, canine cancer, bonecancer dogs, artemisinin_and_cancer if there is a diagnosis of cancer.

 

[Adara]

What kind of questions should I make sure to ask?

• What happens if this turns out to be cancer?
• When would you recommend doing chest x-rays?
• What is the prognosis if it is cancerous?
• What is the next step?

These are some of the ones on my list.

Again I would ask what is it about this case that makes it more difficult to diagnose via xray. In a quick google, xray is the most common way to diagnose. I know life isn't always that simple I had a vizsla with a RARE form of lymphoma and it took 5 WEEKS for a diagnosis vs 3-5 days.

Some good sites:
Bone Cancer Dogs
http://www.animalemergencycenter.com/images/vets_OSA.pdf
Bone Cancer Dogs

And if it is cancerous, I would immediately request a referral to an oncologist. That is what they specialize in.

Sending hugs to you. It's a very difficult thing to go through.

 

[dax0402]

I have nothing informative to add but would like to send lots of good thoughts and prayers to Zeus.

 

[Chatty]

I will be thinking of you, I am sorry you are going through this now. I am happy that you are wanting to do the best no matter what. Keep strong during this difficult time.

 

[TakeItDeezy]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Zeus. I know how hard this is for you. I have been there. I know all cases are different but I wanted to let you know we had a diagnosis as soon as we saw the X-ray. We sent it to a onc for confirmation. We didn't have the option of biopsy or removing tumors. That makes me think that maybe Zeus has a better chance than Deez did. I truly hope so. But just so you know. Osteosarcoma affects young dobes as well. Dezal was only 3 when he passed.

 

[wantsaDobe]

I am so sorry that you are having to ask these questions when your boy is such a baby. Please keep us posted, we will all be "with" you tomorrow.

 

[GrdnDelite]

So sorry you have this to deal with at all. Wish I had sage advice.

 

[Hooligan]

Will be thinking of you and Zeus today and hoping for the best possible outcome.

 

[MeadowCat]

No advice, but you guys are in my prayers.

 

[mmctaq]

How did Zeus's surgery go today?

 

[Zeus's Mommy]

Zeus came out of surgery today with no complications. He did start to bleed out during the procedure but a blood transfusion fixed that. The vet said that his case is unusual in that the doctor found a torn main ligament in his paw that went straight through the tumor. He is not sure if the tumor ruptured the ligament or if the ligament tore, causing a huge reaction from his body. It could either be really good news (just a torn ligament) or really bad news. The tumor is on its way to the lab to see if it is just a bad reaction or if it is, in fact, bone cancer. He said the tissue looked very spindly and that concerns him but we will know at the end of next week. Thank you all for your prayers. We aren't out of the woods yet but we're very hopeful.

Here are some pics of Zeus after the surgery.