Desp 4 advice pls!! Dog has osteosarcoma, Vet dsnt rec amput

[Worried_Mommy]

Hello, I'm new to the forum and greatly appreciate any advice or recommendations or experience. I'm desperately researching and submitting inquiries online. I love him so much...please help.

Diagnosis
My baby boy is a 9 year old, 93 pound Rottweiler and has just been diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his shoulder ("Aggressive bone lesion associated with the right proximal humeral metaphysis"). In addition the radiologist reports she is "suspicious" that 2 round soft tissue structures in his lungs could be "pulmonary metastatic neoplasia"...or that it has metastasized or spread to his lungs. The metastatic diagnosis is not a definitive one due to the pictures captured in the x-rays but the vets also agreed that they saw similar tissue structures.


Vet Recommendation
Our vet was very honest and open, informing us that he would most likely only have a few months. And that an amputation would be her last treatment route...as it would be painful and he would be spending the little time left in recovery. She also said the chemotherapy would not extend his life...and that it too would be painful and difficult, not to mention expensive...I would be using funds I don't really have, as my insurance had lapsed. I found several success stories online...where amputation and chemo helped babies with the same cancer go 5-7 years in remission post diagnosis. I understand the information and recommendation she has given, so no disrespect to her by this post. I just want to make sure I am doing everything I have ability to, but also what is best for my baby.


Please share any thoughts / advice / experiences. THANK YOU so much in advance for your time!!!

[Bobbie]

I have no idea- I have never heard of any dog with bone cancer getting 5-7 years; more often it is 1-2 and then lung cancer. But you might go find another oncologist and get a second opinion. If the second one agrees you'll have peace of mind and if not, you will have options.

[Worried_Mommy]

Hi Bobbie, thank you so much for your response. The few success stories I saw...I believe were on the Tripawds blog. I understand these instances may be very few and far between...but just gives some hope. I do have a call out to a veterinary specialist center for another opinion, waiting for their response.

In the interim, I want him to be able to enjoy the time he has left as much as possible. He loves the outdoors...and I want him to be able to take a few walks. I'm looking into a large wagon that I can pull, as well as a wheelchair. However, his tumor is in his front shoulder...and it seems this is where the strap for the wheelchairs fall. Would it be feasible...or too painful? Asking - in case you might have any experience or advice? I welcome anything! Thank you again!

[Bobbie]

He probably couldn't' use a wheelchair at first but once the incision heals he could. I'd suggest calling and talking to the folks at Eddies Wheels-they seem to do the most front wheel carts- and maybe one or two other companies and see what they think. A smaller dog can get by with nothing but not sure a big one can.

[Worried_Mommy]

Thank you Bobbie, you are a dear. He has not undergone amputation...I was just wondering if the wheelchair/wheelchair straps would hurt if the shoulder is where his tumor is. I guess it depends ultimately on the construction of the wheelchair...?

I just saw Eddie's page...ok I'll call them. Thanks again.

[critters]

I expect that the strapping situation would depend on the manufacturer and that they might be able to work out options in that regard. Most reputable equipment manufacturers seem to be more than willing to do what they can to help.

[Worried_Mommy]

Hello critters, thank you so much for your response and help with regards to the straps/walking aids.

Would you by chance have any experience or advice with respect to the vet's recommendation to not amputate/treat with chemo?

[critters]

Well, for me, it would come down to metastasis. IF there was a reasonable chance that the cancer had already moved on, I don't see much point of amputation. I think I'd want more opinions here.

As for chemo, I've seen it done in critters, and it wasn't that bad. They weren't going for a cure, so the dogs didn't seem to have a very hard time with it. It was a bit of a pain on the parents, though, simply because of all the appointments, and, of course, the financial end of it.

[Worried_Mommy]

Thank you critters! I took him to another vet for a second opinion because my first vet missed a few things...and for extra reassurance. She recommended we consult with an oncologist and perform an MRI, as the diagnosis was inconclusive. That is the next step. I concur with you regarding the time required for appointments and the financial constraint.

In the interim, I've changed him to a grain-free, high protein (salmon) food from Fromm's, supplemented by raw goat's milk. And continuing his prescribed meds of course. Any other holistic/natural approaches (from anyone) out there to address (probable) bone cancer/tumors? Thank you!