HELP - My best friend has osteosarcoma

[jlaack]

So yesterday I brought Xena around to see some old 'friends' of hers (ours), you know, all the places she always liked to go. She's always made such an impression on everyone she meets and always gets so happy to go visiting! She knows all of my friends by name, always has. If I say, 'Go say hi to Joe', she's goes to Joe. Not Mike, not Rick, but Joe. And if I tell her to 'go say hi to Rick', well........you get the idea. (I LOVE my girl!!)

A lot of them were all together yesterday (Which made the trip easier! LOL....), and this was the first time any of them has seen her since the Dx, so it was kind of heartwrenching for them. She actually made a grown man cry yesterday. (He held it back the best he could, but I could tell.......)

Personally I think providing this type of emotional healing is helpful for the dog too. It was one of the reasons we moved back to WI. We got to the point where our dogs care could be handled by any oncologist and since our dog has so many friends here, we knew he'd be happier here. It is amazing when he sees people he hasn't seen in 4 years or goes to his favorite spots, he remembers them all. Humans say the emotional support helps them with their struggle, I can't imagine it would be different for dogs. If you can, keep up visits like this. It is good for you too to have the support of close friends.

[lucasmom]

Mike (Xena's Dad)...you are absolutely right to bring your girl around to visit all of her "Friends". It is so funny that all of my (or should I say, Lucas') friends have been bringing him left overs, cards, toys, etc... The green frog in one of my pics of Lucas is a get well gift from my sister. He loves it! I feel so sad when I put his toys away every night in his big wicker toy basket. I keep thinking of having to throw them all away when he dies. I ended up making Lucas a little leg warmer out of a tube sock so I wouldn't have to look at that darn tumor. Someone on this post told me that the tumor probably bothers ME more than Lucas, and they probably are right. Now that it is covered up by the sock, I don't think about it as much. I am so sick of watching it grow. At least I can't see it now.

Mike...I saw your comment about Lucas and Xena probably liking one another and it touched my heart so much. They probably would have loved each other....and made a nice little "couple" (lol)!! Too bad they are so sick otherwise we could have gotten them together. Afterall, we are both in NYS. Small world afterall...

How is Xena doing? Is she not "isolating" herself any longer? Lucas is doing pretty good, except as I said earlier, he having a hard time getting up after lying down for awhile. I think that jlaack is correct though...he said that Lucas is probably compensating for his front leg when walking and it is putting a strain on his back. I hope it isn't the cancer.

I was reading a scientific journal today at work and it talked about dogs with OS getting mets (spreading of the cancer) to their brains. The study was conducted on 125 rottweilers and they showed that the average age of death was 7.3 years from OS. That is so young, but it is consistent with our babies. Lucas will turn 8 on 4/28. I will have a huge b-day party for him if he is still around. He can even have cake...I have been limiting his carbs so he will love that! Laurie

[jlaack]

I was reading a scientific journal today at work and it talked about dogs with OS getting mets (spreading of the cancer) to their brains.

I just learned that this could happen in Dec. I opted not to share with anyone though, a lot more painful to think about it. I guess the silver lining in this is that for the OS to make it to the brain is quite rare, simply because by the time it gets to the brain it has become so problematic elsewhere that most dogs are PTS long before that happens.

I think that jlaack is correct though...he said that Lucas is probably compensating for his front leg when walking and it is putting a strain on his back. I hope it isn't the cancer.

I am glad that you think that is the case and hoping so too! Keep your eyes open for bumps. As you can tell by how quickly the tumor is growing if it is OS in a back leg, you'll likely see the tumor.

[lucasmom]

Jlaack- It is interesting that you point out about looking for bumps. Lucas has a lump, similar to the ones under his armpits that is now by his abdomen where his umbilicus would be (if he had one!) I was wondering if that was a lipoma or the cancer. The vet seemed to think that the tumors under his armpits were lipomas (fatty tumors) and I am hoping that this growth is a lipoma as well. Maybe not.........

[jlaack]

Jlaack- It is interesting that you point out about looking for bumps. Lucas has a lump, similar to the ones under his armpits that is now by his abdomen where his umbilicus would be (if he had one!) I was wondering if that was a lipoma or the cancer. The vet seemed to think that the tumors under his armpits were lipomas (fatty tumors) and I am hoping that this growth is a lipoma as well. Maybe not.........

If it is soft, I wouldn't stress to much about it. My dog has several of these one even shows up on the chest xrays. We had them aspirated (which is a simple non-invasive procedure you can have done if you want) and they all come back fatty tumors. We have since stopped worrying about them even though some have changed shape, size, and new ones have appeared. So long as they aren't growing significantly and don't appear painful (hasn't been the case yet) we aren't going to do anything about them. We have attributed these to the increase of fat in his diet. I know the feeling though, the first time I noticed one I freaked. I do check both my dogs over every day from nose to tail to check for any abnormalities. With bone cancer as you know the tumor is very hard. While it could be something else (sadly it isn't impossible for a dog to have more than one type of cancer at the same time) it is probably just a fatty tumor.

[Xena's Daddy]

Originally Posted by jlaack

Personally I think providing this type of emotional healing is helpful for the dog too. It was one of the reasons we moved back to WI. We got to the point where our dogs care could be handled by any oncologist and since our dog has so many friends here, we knew he'd be happier here. It is amazing when he sees people he hasn't seen in 4 years or goes to his favorite spots, he remembers them all. Humans say the emotional support helps them with their struggle, I can't imagine it would be different for dogs. If you can, keep up visits like this. It is good for you too to have the support of close friends.

Jlaak,
I totally agree!! And I could tell that Xena was happier than she's been in a while.....I was talking to my friend's girlfriend, and when I looked over at Xena, she was on her back getting a nice belly rub from my friend!! She had a big 'ole smile on her face too! ;) After that, she made her rounds and everyone was happy & sad to see her.
I'm bringing her out again tonight as well to catch up with someone who wasn't home on Sunday.

I'm not sure how much more of this she can take though, as going for 'rides' now seems to hurt her leg even more. I think when she's trying to stabilize herself against the motion (Turns, etc.) she puts additional strain on her joints. Tonight is a short ride...............it may even be her last. Not because she is getting 'sick', because, thankfully, she is not. But the pain in her wrist is getting more untolerable as time goes on and I don't want to make matters any worse for her. I'd like to keep her around for as long as possible, as long as she's at least somewhat comfortable.


Regards,
MK

[Xena's Daddy]

Originally Posted by lucasmom

The green frog in one of my pics of Lucas is a get well gift from my sister. He loves it! I feel so sad when I put his toys away every night in his big wicker toy basket. I keep thinking of having to throw them all away when he dies.

How is Xena doing? Is she not "isolating" herself any longer? Lucas is doing pretty good, except as I said earlier, he having a hard time getting up after lying down for awhile. I think that jlaack is correct though...he said that Lucas is probably compensating for his front leg when walking and it is putting a strain on his back. I hope it isn't the cancer.

I was reading a scientific journal today at work and it talked about dogs with OS getting mets (spreading of the cancer) to their brains. The study was conducted on 125 rottweilers and they showed that the average age of death was 7.3 years from OS. That is so young, but it is consistent with our babies.

Hi Laurie,

She's doing O.K. today.......but I DID find her isolating this morning for the 2'nd time now, but I think I know what the problem is. Both times now have been on the morning after going out to my fiance's house (She lives 45-minutes from me), and as I stated in my previous post to Jlaak, the 'rides' seem to be antagonizing the pain in her wrist. That in conjunction with the excitement she exhibits whenever we get there really makes her have a tough night when we get home. So unfortunately, I don't think she will be going out there anymore. Which means neither will I until this is over. Thankfully, my girlfriend is very understanding & suggested the same thing herself when I spoke to her this morning. It's not as bad as it sounds though, she comes out to my house frequently anyway.

So, they're funny with their toys, aren't they?? Xena has always loved her 'stuff'!! Not only are they fun for her, but she knows there is absolutely no danger of getting in trouble when she has them.........even if she eats them!! LOL..........
She frequently 'groups' her stuff together in a small pile in my bedroom. And it's always her newest toys! She differentiates between her old battered toys and the ones she got most recently. (She cracks me up!!)

This past Christmas she watched me wrap her new squirrel & duck. She knew that they were hers and was over by me trying to sniff them as I was wrapping. I told her to 'leave it', so she went to sit down......and watched me very carefully! When I was done, I put them under the tree with the rest of the presents, and she ran right over to them & began sniffing them again. I told her to 'leave it' again, and that she had to 'wait', after which time she layed down with her nose right in front of her 2-gifts and didn't touch them again!! I did things around the house for the next 3-hours and she stayed there the WHOLE time, and WITHOUT touching her gifts!! (I think she deserved more than two!!) When it finally came time to open gifts, she sat patiently waiting for her turn. The second I told her 'O.K.', she ripped right into them & quickly got them unwrapped & into the middle of the living room.....together. Which is where I keep finding them even now. In different rooms, but always together, and never mixed in with old toys! She never ceases to amaze me!!

How's Lucas today?? Hope his back end stays strong for him.......he's going to need it!! Jlaak is correct, they definately compensate & put additional stresses on the remaining limbs. This is such a tough disease.....
Xena's back leg was shaking a little the other day. (?) So when I went to see why, I notice that the little 'bump' on her knee looked a little bigger. (It's a soft, fleshy, marble-sized lump of scar tissue left over from her 2'nd ACL surgery 2-years ago) When I felt it, it was hard!! But she was all tensed up at the time, and when I felt it again later, it seemed to be back to it's soft, fleshy self!! (Thank God!!) Scary stuff................anyway,

Have a good one,
MK

[lucasmom]

Mike-
Oh my God...Xena had ACL surgery too? Lucas had his when he was 2 years old. These dogs are VERY EXPENSIVE. We call Lucas the 10K dog!!! My kids are less expensive!! I am glad to hear that Xena is doing well except for the long rides in the car. It is true that they try to balance themselves in the back seat and that coupled with them trying to strain their neck to look out the window causes alot of pressure on their front leg. I tell Lucas to lay down. I have placed a sleeping bag on the back seat that he snuggles into and that makes riding in the car easier. I have to lift his butt into the car though. My back is killing me. I had a hard time running my daily 3 miles today secondary to my back strain from hold up his back end. I guess we are both getting old!! (lol)

I love your toy story...gave me a great laugh!! I need those laughs as there isn't much to be happy about lately. Lucas hates it when I put his toys away in his basket. He is so funny because as soon as I am done putting them away, he watches for me to leave the room and he immediately goes and takes them all out again. It is hysterical. These dogs are so smart...smarter than most people I know (lol). I always joke that Lucas should run for president!!

Take care. I'll be thinking of you and Xena. Keep in touch. Laurie

[jlaack]

I have to lift his butt into the car though. My back is killing me.

I highly recommend the harness made by Ruff Wear Dog Boots, Dog Coats, Dog Bowls, Dog Packs, Dog Toys, Dog Beds, and other Dog Gear For Dogs On The Go.. Before we closed on our house we spent three weeks at my parents house. They have two flights of steep stairs and I had to carry him up and down every time to go potty. It's nice because you can balance their weight by grabbing the front of the harness and the back balancing their weight if needed. It really makes a difference. My dog's weight is ~90 mine about 110 and this helped a lot!

[lucasmom]

Thanks jlaack...is this the place where you purchased those really cute boots for your dog that you have on your image library? I had to laugh when I saw your rottie with boots on his four paws.

[Xena's Daddy]

Hey Laurie,

Actually, she had her first one (ACL) when she was two..........then when she was three she was diagnosed with elbow dysplasia. (Yes, another surgery!) Then the 2'nd ACL when she was five. So unfortunately, she's a real pro when it comes to the Vet........and pain. But never complains. If she's really hurt, she'll just lay low for a while. But as soon as she feels the slightest bit better, it's business as usual! Yes, stoic to a fault....

I always felt bad for the girlie, she was dealt a bad deck when it comes to orthopedics......other than all that stuff though, she's always been really healthy. Never any stomach issues, no sicknesses, seizures, ear, heart, or eye problems. At least she always had that. In fact, she still does!!

You should check out that harness Jlaak just suggested. I looked at it the other day, looks like it would work pretty well. If I had trouble carrying my dog I would get it. But I just carry her up & down the stairs......(I'm a tad-bit over 110 lbs.....actually, Xena's 110 lbs...LOL!!) ...my back doesn't hurt yet, so for now I will just write it off as excercise!!

Talk to you soon,
MK

[jlaack]

Thanks jlaack...is this the place where you purchased those really cute boots for your dog that you have on your image library? I had to laugh when I saw your rottie with boots on his four paws.

Yup! That's my youngest, Magnus, who is 4. The boots even have tread! I had to rescue him in that photo, seriously, he looked like Bambi. But this is the reason he hates the boots b/c people laugh at him! Seriously though, the harness really helps, even just for stability if needed.

[caseygina]

lucasmom and xena's daddy-
i was reading about when you said the tumors were growing? how fast did they appear after dx? I may have missed something along the way-are they visible? we got Riley's dx on 3/17 (I will always hate st. patrick's day from now on) and have opted not to do amputation/chemo. we are going the pain management route. so far, she just has a bit of swelling in her lower right leg. it feels like fluid build up. other than that, she's eating fine, drinking fine, doing everything else fine. we do have tramadol for her and have given it. it was a beautiful day today in pennsylvania, we went outside for a slow walk around the block and she loved it!! this is always my favorite time of the year, when it gets warm and we can start getting out more.

[Anne]

Originally Posted by lucasmom

Mike-
Oh my God...Xena had ACL surgery too? Lucas had his when he was 2 years old. These dogs are VERY EXPENSIVE. We call Lucas the 10K dog!!! My kids are less expensive!!

It seems a few of our dogs have a similar history. Sophie had TPLO surgery at 18months of age and on the second knee 12 months later. At age 4yo she had an elbow arthroscopy which turned out to be unnecessary surgery. A misdiagnosis by the vet She turned 7yo in January and now has osteosarcoma.

Expensive? Yes, but worth every cent. If only there was a cure for osteosarcoma.

[Xena's Daddy]

Anne,

I'd say that sounds pretty similar!! The same thing happened to Xena w/ the elbow dysplasia...well, sort of. It wasn't misdiagnosed, but the surgery had ZERO benefit to her. She had developed a pretty noticeable limp before the surgery, and spent the last 4-years since then with the same limp!! (No difference whatsoever!!!) I was back & forth to the Vet Specialist several times regarding it, but was told that the surgery wasn't always successfull. I paid for copies of the X-rays & got a second opinion from the only other sugery specialist in my area, which pretty much verified what the other had said.

Anyway, I hope Sophie is hanging in there! As you know, there are quite a handful of us going through this right now. It's such a shame that there isn't a 'cure' for this ridiculous disease. It's a plague of our breed.....it's like that's what they get for their 7'th birthday.....

They are worth EVERY penny!!
MK

P.S. What is TPLO??? I keep seeing it, but everyone uses the abbreviation! LOL......