I took Trouble to the vet this afternoon because of a limp she has had on and off for a couple of weeks. The vet found a bump on the outside of her right leg, took her in for X-rays, and shortly thereafter crumbled my world. The X-rays show a bone tumor, osteosarcoma. Of course Bob and I are both in research mode now.
I'd greatly appreciate any feedback, positive or negative, from those who have had experience with this disease. Our plan right now is to go to either A&M or Gulf Coast for a consult. Our vet is setting it up and we will be heading out as soon as we have an appointment.
The prognosis looks grim and we're pretty much in shock. Of course we ask for all the support that has been shown through all the other illnesses this past year. Good thoughts for my baby please.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble We beat osteosarcoma - 27 months 20 days cancer free 'Spirit' Trouble departed for the Bridge 3/16/2011 a victim of aging Visit - http://k9cancer.org
Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain--and most fools do. ~Dale Carnegie
"Remember - every time your dog gets somewhere on a tight leash *a fairy dies and it's all your fault.* Think of the fairies." http://www.positivepetzine.com"
Leslie H wrote:I've only had a little experience, but it was very aggressive cancer. I would act quickly and aggressively if I were you. It's very common in rotties.
The one unknown at this point is whether or not it has actually metasticized to the lung. We're thinking we will take her to the other local vet we've used and ask him for a followup with a chest X-ray.
That will likely determine how we actually choose to address the monster.
I know it is aggressive, are there any things you learned along the way that would help you if you had it to do over again?
Shanna & Spirit Trouble We beat osteosarcoma - 27 months 20 days cancer free 'Spirit' Trouble departed for the Bridge 3/16/2011 a victim of aging Visit - http://k9cancer.org
Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain--and most fools do. ~Dale Carnegie
Many thanks to all of you for the replies and for the many PM's. I'm sure we'll need your encouragement as the days go on. Will update you tomorrow.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble We beat osteosarcoma - 27 months 20 days cancer free 'Spirit' Trouble departed for the Bridge 3/16/2011 a victim of aging Visit - http://k9cancer.org
Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain--and most fools do. ~Dale Carnegie
Osteo is by far the most common cancer in Greyhounds, thus I did a good share of reading up on it in the past.
Most of the dogs who were caught early enough and had the leg amputated ASAP did fine.
LOADS of good thoughts for all of you. Cancer smurfing sucks.
"All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another." -Anatole France