Treatable spine tumor but back break concern

[dharmony]

I've got a friend that's going though a heartwrenching situation. Her very loved dog has been diagnosed w/ bone cancer, which is 70% treatable. Problem is, the main tumor has pushed it's way into the spinal column and eroded one of the vertebrae. So, the fear is that as they treat the cancer and the tumor shrinks, the back will break. 

The dog is happy and wagging her tail with no real clue that any of this is going on. Meanwhile, my friend is living in fear that her back will break and has one vet tell her, it pretty certainly will. She is getting a second opinion, but as you can imagine, she is just really struggling with having to put this happy dog down unless there's really nothing that can be done to prevent a painful back break.

Anyone heard of bone rejuvenation or a wheelchair helping w/ this?

Thx!

[slshepherds]

Hi

Sorry to hear about your friends pup. Is her dog walking or has the tumor affected the spinal cord? The reason I ask is that I have a paralyzed dog who has a spinal tumor. His vertebra looks moth eaten and one day may break, but as he is already paralyzed it won't be as big a concern as it would be a dog with full mobility. There are spinal stabilization surgeries, has your friend asked if that could be an option should the vertebra break?

Wishing your friend the best

Joanne

[dharmony]

She lost mobility initially - which is when tumor was discovered. But they h
Gave her steroids and one chemo treatment and regained mobility -- is quite energetic even, which is why it's hard to say 'yes, she should be put down.' :-/

I'll ask about surgical options but I believe the tumor removal actually renders the spine more unstable. It would have to be a surgery that actually replaces the vertebrae. I dont know if/how that works. I've had a dog get knee repai but never hear of bone replacement.

Jamie