Rottie may have cancer...

[scarletsmom]

Hi there. I am new to this forum. I found it looking for information for my baby, Reggie. He's 9. Last week out of nowhere his toe (front right foot) started swelling. I though it was a cut at first. I cleaned it up, bandaged it and gave it a couple of days to heal. 2 days later it was the size of a golf ball or larger and didn't even resemble a toe. I took him to his wonderful vet. I figured that he'd need an antibiotic shot. The vet said he was fairly sure that it was cancer, but there is a chance that it was a terrible infection. He did blood work and Reggie went into surgery the next day. He had to have his toe amputated (up to the ankle, actually) to remove the growth. He did a biopsy and we'll find out on Monday or Tuesday. The vet said that the bone in his entire toe was "gone" when he went in to do the surgery. He said that it is either the worst infection that he has ever seen (and I want to believe that that's what it is - his foot was perfect up until 2 days before I took him to the vet, but I've never seen anything like this and I can't fathom what could have injured him) or the most aggressive form of cancer that can be had (osteo...) and by the look on his face I have to think that he's thinking its the latter. Can anyone tell me what the growth initially looked like in the case of bone cancer? How fast the tumor grew? I am frightened and hoping for the best... also, he was on morphine for a day and is now on pain meds. I know that he's in a lot of pain from the surgery (just yesterday), but he's grumbling or growling at me when I pet his head or back and he NEVER growls at me. He has the disposition of an angel and didn't behave this way after ACL surgery 2 years ago. Could it be pain? The meds? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.
Michelle

[szky]

Sorry to hear about Reggie's medical problems. I've had two Rotties with Osteosarcoma. Bettis had what was first thought to be a cyst on his left rear leg. Within two weeks, the mass doubled in size and he was diagnosed with bone cancer. Eventually, the tumor started to affect his leg/spine area. Bettis was 10.5 yrs when I adopted him and he was PTS just after he turned 11. For him, surgery was not recommended due to his age, arthritis and HD. Buster had a rare form of Osteo that started in the lung, with no related skeletal tumor. Bettis did growl if you got near his left rear leg, so he was in pain (the Vet had him on pain meds until he was PTS). Buster didn't have any issues and was great until he crossed the Bridge.

Love with your angel. There is a lot that can be done. Hopefully, you caught this early. Our thoughts and prayers for Reggie's speedy recovery.

He's a link that gives some good
[url]http://www.caninecancerawareness.org

[beledi]

I hope it is not cancer. Our rottie, Erda, was diagnosed with cancer last March. She has the slower moving kind. We had her front leg amputated two days before Christmas, and everything looks good, so far. I understand your fears. I had a bout, with skin cancer, on my eyelid, earlier last summer, so we had a double whammy.

Beledi/Erda's mom

[StephanieandToby]

Toby had a mass on his left paw, between the toes that was very slow-growing, but "not-right" looking....his Osteocarcoma was in his right wrist. The Vet did not remove the mass because he suspected osteo and Toby was an older dog....I am hoping for the best in your dog.

[scarletsmom]

Thanks so much for all of your input. The vet called at 10 pm tonight (we love him) and said that the results came back and it is/was squamous cell carcinoma. He was very proactive with the amputation and went way above the affected tissue, so we are all positive about his recovery and health. Reggie is walking much better today and is more in his usual good spirits (he really is just a huge, lean 125 lb puppy). The vet said that "Reggie dodged a big bullet (OSA)". I know that this type of cancer has a small rate of recurrence and infrequently travels into the lymphatic system, but I am so relieved and so grateful. He's going back to see his doc on Sunday to have the bandage changed or possibly removed and I'll ask him if he has any further suggestions (he told me that he wants to check his feet and lymphnodes regularly). Thanks again for your responses and my heart goes out to all of those on this forum who have lost their angels - this past week was so difficult and I feel so much for anyone who has had to endure this process and far worse.
Michelle

[szky]

Thanks for the update on Reggie. Good to hear his surgery went well. Keep us updated on how fast he recovers.

[beledi]

Originally Posted by scarletsmom

Thanks so much for all of your input. The vet called at 10 pm tonight (we love him) and said that the results came back and it is/was squamous cell carcinoma. He was very proactive with the amputation and went way above the affected tissue, so we are all positive about his recovery and health. Reggie is walking much better today and is more in his usual good spirits (he really is just a huge, lean 125 lb puppy). The vet said that "Reggie dodged a big bullet (OSA)". I know that this type of cancer has a small rate of recurrence and infrequently travels into the lymphatic system, but I am so relieved and so grateful. He's going back to see his doc on Sunday to have the bandage changed or possibly removed and I'll ask him if he has any further suggestions (he told me that he wants to check his feet and lymphnodes regularly). Thanks again for your responses and my heart goes out to all of those on this forum who have lost their angels - this past week was so difficult and I feel so much for anyone who has had to endure this process and far worse.
Michelle

My cancer was squamous cell. Just got a six month checkup and all is well. Am so happy your baby is doing well. That particular type of cancer can be life threatening, but less of a problem then some of the other types, if gotten early and excised and regular checkups.
Beledi/Erda's mom