OS Diagnosis

[AustinsMom]

I have just recently joined this forum. I am writing to THANK EVERYONE who has posted about OS and choices that you have made. I found out yesterday that my boy has OS and that it has spread throughout. I relocated from NY to TX about a year ago and had to establish with a new vet, etc. I had been taking him to a vet since May, they thought he had MMM or mys.gravis and tested him several times for both, muscle biopsy, titre tests, etc. and kept him on pred but I saw no improvement. Severe swelling in his jaw, muscle loss on his head, etc. I decided to leave my vet and went to another who pointed me to a specialist. Unfortunately it is too late. I brought him home yesterday and now have to 'pick a day' to send him to the Bridge. I'm heartsick. I know I need to let him go. Your posts have helped me tremendously and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
AustinsMom

[busbysix]

I am so sorry to hear about your boy. I can't imagine the pain you are feeling, but try to imagine his! Just know that by setting him free, you are giving him a wonderful gift - a pain free existence! My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

[KatMc]

AustinsMom,

I'm so sorry to hear what you are going through. I've never had to deal with cancer in one of my dogs (I've been lucky there), so can't imagine that diagnosis.

But I know before when I had to make the decision I was sick, mentally and physically, but once I made that decision I was better. Sad and heartsick but more at peace, knowing that I was giving them the last possible gift I could ever give them.

I'm so sorry you're facing that.

You are both in my prayers,
Kathy

[observer]

You are in my prayers as well. It saddens me every time I see another dog and owner facing this crisis. Knowing you are showing him the kind of selfless love on one occasion that he has shown you all his life eases the pain only a little.

Make some memories, do one last thing he loves to do, and hold him in your arms that one last time. He will love you and be your Rottie angel forever.

I'm so sorry.

[StephanieandToby]

I'm very sorry to hear of this diagnosis. OS is a miserable disease that has taken so many of our friends here.

Our thoughts are with you and your dog.

[spoiledbabies3]

AustinsMom...I am so very sorry to hear about the cancer dx of your boy. How old is he?

Unfortunately, there are few vets in SAT that are good with rotties...many seem to be in it for the $$$ and continue to test to collect more $$$ (even when they are pretty sure of the dx...I found this out the hard way with my Sasha and lymphoma dx )...PM me and I can give you a few...2 specifically come to mind. They are both very up front with you and to the point...some ppl can handle this and others can't...my vet has been good and is starting to respond positively with some of the "quirky" things I tend to come up with...he's not negative, just honest...he dx cancer in both of mine...Sasha in Jan with lymphoma and Samson in April with 2 abdominal tumors who is still going strong and vet continues to test him and change protocol as warranted...sometimes I get frustrated, but I can honestly say that he continues to research until he has an answer...

I lost my 1st not-weiler to OS...a very painful disease...My heart breaks for you as you endure this most difficult time. As Layna has said...Take pictures, do the things he absolutely LOVES to do, then hold him tight as he crosses the bridge. It is a gift you can give him for the unconditional love throughout the years he has given you. Treasure the moments you have together...the memories will get you through the darkest hours. This forum is a wonderful place with tremendous support...they were my lifeline in Jan...and will be again with my Samson. Bless you...I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

[Sam's Mom]

Oh no...not another one. This so so heart breaking. My heart goes out to you. Is your rottie on pain meds...cause this is very painful and rotties are so brave they will not show the pain. I know you will do the right thing and not prolong his suffering.....he will be very grateful...you will see it in his eyes. Be strong and know so many of us are right there with you. Blessings your way..and a big hug to your always baby.

[AustinsMom]

The amount of support and good wishes from all of you is so appreciated. I have scheduled Austin for October 27th. His 'daddy' still lives in NY and wanted to be with him when he leaves us. I am keeping him comfortable, he is on tramadol, prednisone, and antibiotics as well because he has pneumonia. I also have a nebulizer and need to mist him every eight hours. He protested at first, curling his lip on one side like Sylvester Stallone (which is so much like him!) but rests his head on my leg and I rub his ears which he absolutely adores. Spoilbabies3, I don't know how to PM (new here) but would like to talk to you.

He is brave, and he shows no pain, never has. Right now he is digging through his toybox and acting so much like himself. I can only hope that means he is comfortable. If I have to take him to the vet earlier, I will, but I hope I don't. I don't know how I will face each day without him.

Thank you so much everyone. I am so glad I found you here...

[AustinsMom]

I appreciate all the support and kind words from all of you and that you are willing to share your experiences with me, I know how hard it has been for all of you too. I scheduled Austin for October 27th. His 'daddy' stayed in NY when I moved and wanted to be here with him when he leaves us. I told him if I have to take him sooner, I will, but I hope that doesn't happen. Spoiledbabies3, I dont know how to PM, new here, but would really like to talk to you. I chose the wrong vet and that was the case, test after test for MMM, never looking any further. I am not sure if the outcome would have been different but if I would have known sooner he would not have had to endure the pain for all these months.

Austin is 7, he'll be 8 in February. He was a rescue dog, I found him (or he found me) when he was 4 1/2 months. He was an absolute handful but after obedience and constant (constant) reminders, he was a complete gentleman.

Right now he is on tramadol, predisone and they have him on antibiotics as well because he has pneumonia. I have to mist him with the nebulizer every 8hours. He protested at first, giving me that one sided Sylvester Stallone lip curl, but he rests his head on my leg and lets me continue. The pneumonia is under control, breathing easy.

I try to see my days without out....its unimaginable for me. My poor boy. I am going to miss him horribly but will see him again one day.

[Sam's Mom]

When my Sam was diagnosed on a tuesday my husband was as well out of town (had been gone for 3 months) and not due home till Fiday. My plan was to give them the weekend together. I made an apointment to PTS on Monday.
Dad got home....and the very next day he had gone way down hill.... it became evident that even with the pain meds he was in pain. What I am trying to say is they can change so rapidly from one day to the next...and it may be unrealistic to project so far out. Enjoy every minute, listen to him with your heart... his eyes will tell you when it is time. So very sorry you too are having to travel this path with your beautiful baby

[AustinsMom]

Sams Mom: I know what you are saying, but I need to give "dad" the time to get here. If Austin needs to go sooner, I will take him and Dad knows this. I see him now and he is so active and so HIM. I dont understand and I dont know how to separate what he feels and what I see. I know his eyes, like the back of my hand. I will know. I hope he can wait for 'dad' because he loves him so....if not I am here and he knows that...he is by my feet right now. I think I will go and hold my boy....talk to you all soon.

[lovemypuppies]

Another heartbreak. So sorry your boy is suffering. Austin will be in my thoughts and prayers. I guess we have to be as stoic as our brave rotties...not an easy standard to live up to.

[spoiledbabies3]

Austin's Mom...I'm not sure if you can PM until you gain Member status...so if you will ask your questions here...I will answer them for you. If you need someone with you because Dad doesn't get here in time, please let me know. One of the most difficult things is letting them cross the bridge...and doing it alone is unthinkable. I am so very sorry that you are going through this...my heart breaks for you. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[Sam's Mom]

Austin's Mom...sounds like you are being the best Mom ever and very in touch w/your guy. I hope that he will have the time needed, by both of them, w/his Daddy. You have this time to enjoy your sweet boy every minute...you KNOW he is... and always has.