Bone cancer

[observer]

I'm so sorry you are going through this. Rimadyl (carprofen is the generic name) is an anti-inflammatory, not a pain medication. In most dogs, it doesn't do much for cancer pain. It does have significant side effects in some dogs. I don't use it for Missy's arthritis. I would be looking for something else (tramadol, piroxicam, or other pain meds).

These dogs are so stoic about pain and so eager to please us. It makes it hard to know what they are really feeling. I would suggest that you not wait too long. If the bone breaks due to the cancer, the pain will be excruciating, and moving the dog to the vet will be extremely difficult.

[maryellen]

i am so sorry you are going thru this. i just lost my rottie mix at 13 1/2 to bone cancer, we adopted him when he was 6 1/2.

[juniata302]

My heart goes out to you. I've had to put down 4 of my precious Rotts in the last 2 years. 2 from cancer, 1 from complications with an enlarged heart and one from complications from old age and a bad fall. All were age 9-10. The 2 that passed from cancer collapsed and I had to rush each of them to the emergency vet clinc. My last moments were with them in my arms on the way to the vets knowing that they would not be at the door to greet me when i got home from work the next day. Spend all the quality time you can with him and enjoy it.

My wife and I do not have kids, Rottweilers are our kids. I cannot put adequately into words how I feel about this breed. They have given me great joy over the years and I try to focus on that instead of the painful heartache of having to see them go. I will never be without a Rott - I now have a 3 1/2 year old female named Maya who we rescued last August. I hope that as time passes and the ache eases you are able to bring another magnnificent Rott into your life to honor the memory of your boy.

[my kids]

ANNE, I took Drake off Rimadyl. After a week it killed his appitiet. He is on Tramadol (Ultram) and a steroid twice a day both low dose. he is his old self except like us at night he is a little more swollen on his leg. We pit an ice bag on it and he loves it. It helps. I also have hin on immume supplements. I got them from 4life. They seem to help. I like you an spending every day with him and loving on him even more that I did before. If that's possible. I wont let him suffer. I think he and I will know when the time for him to go will be. I hope not for a while. I always have the thought that he will be waiting for me when I cross over.

[Anne]

Originally Posted by my kids

ANNE, I took Drake off Rimadyl. After a week it killed his appitiet. He is on Tramadol (Ultram) and a steroid twice a day both low dose. he is his old self except like us at night he is a little more swollen on his leg. We pit an ice bag on it and he loves it. It helps. I also have hin on immume supplements. I got them from 4life. They seem to help. I like you an spending every day with him and loving on him even more that I did before. If that's possible. I wont let him suffer. I think he and I will know when the time for him to go will be. I hope not for a while. I always have the thought that he will be waiting for me when I cross over.

Good work My Kids. Rimadyl does nothing for osteo pain. The Tramadol has made a huge difference to my dog too. She's not in pain and has a good appetite but since the osteo is in her jaw she can't eat unaided so I spoon feed her. Her appetite is good and she makes it easy for me to feed her. She is her happy, fun loving self.

I too believe our much loved dogs will be waiting for us. It's the only thing that makes any sense to me.

I wish you both good times together and please keep us posted.

[cally01]

I would be seeking the assistance of a holistic vet who specializes in Cancer. We had a Newfoundland that died of bone cancer (this was before we knew about holistic care and proper diet). He lived for about 4 months after diagnoses. I wish I knew then what I knew now :(

There is a lady on another board whose dog was diagnosed with an untreatable cancer and the vets gave her no hope. She did tons of research, talked to holistic vets etc. Her dog lived for about 7 years past being diagnosed due to holistic care. If you go on this board thedogfoodproject.com She can point you in the right direction and possibly give you all kinds of tips from going to a complete raw organic diet to cutting out grains (grains feed cancer). She also wrote a book about her dogs cancer and how she went about helping her dog.

Another vet who would be great to have a consultation with is Dr Pasternak. He mentioned dogs with bone cancer do extremely well having amputation done. He does not recommend chemotherapy. There are come supplements you can look into as well, of course you would need the help of a holistic vet to put together a diet plan and which supplements are the ones to give.

Carnivora - immune stimulating and modulating effects are shown in the rebalancing of CD4/CD8 ratio. Other documented effects are increased debris clearance.

Enzyme therapy - Wobenzyme imported from Germany is the best. It is composed of pancreatin, trypsin, chymotrypsin, bromelain, papain, and rutin and is entericly coated to be absorbed in the small intestines and therefore absorbed in the bloood.

Essiac - this strengthens the immune system, reduces toxic side effects of many drugs, increases energy level, and has anti-inflammatory effects.

You could also research Lapacho & Pacific Yew.

I wish you the best of luck, I know how devastating this disease is.

[kohlfranz]

I am so sorry about Drake. Please watch the Rimadayl dosage. Our boy was diagnosed Feb 9 and after an adverse reaction to that drug, we lost him Feb 13. OS doesn't care about age, Kohl had just turned 6. Your boy knows you love him and it is okay that you cry as you hold him. These dogs become such a huge part of our lives that they know they are NOT dogs at all, they are a four legged family member. Again, be careful with the Rimadayl and know that you are not alone and there are many people keeping you lifted up in prayer. Patti

[Sam's Mom]

It breaks my heart to hear of yet another of our beloved breed aflicted with this monster stealer of life. Too many here...including myself have been in your shoes and know how tuff this is...even for a big strapping guy. I still have memories of my husband crying like a baby...something I had not seen before in 11 years of marriage.

If I understand correctly you are using rimadyl for pain. I totally agree with the statement that rimadyl is not the right drug of choice for OS pain control. OS is the grand daddy of pain and you need serious pain meds NOW...like Tramadol.

I will pray...painfree days for your boy...strength and wisdom for you...at this most difficult time.

[my kids]

Hi Observer. My Boy is on pain meds tramadol. His is also on steriods for the swelling. He had been eating well u ntil today. Midday he threw up what he ate for breakfast. I gave him a papcid as that is what my vet said to do. He ate small meals tonight and we put an ice bag on his joint. We do that in the evenings anyway. yes. they are tough dogs so it is hard to always tell when they are in pain. Thank you for your concern.