urge to herd Posted June 5, 2008 Report Share Posted June 5, 2008 Apparently Hubby misunderstood what Dr. Reif said, and the spot near his ankle that looked funny to Dr. Reif just shouted cancer to the vet radiologist. We're in shock. My understanding is that there's not much to be done except pain management. DH and I just can't take it in. We may look into some alternative things for quality of life issues, but it seems that we've only got our beautiful, goofy boy for 3 to 6 more months. My heart is breaking. Ruth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrSnappy Posted June 5, 2008 Report Share Posted June 5, 2008 OMG Ruth I am so sorry to hear this. I don't even know what to say I am so sorry. RDM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lenajo Posted June 5, 2008 Report Share Posted June 5, 2008 I am so, so sorry to hear this. Prayers and good vibes coming your way fast and furious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nancy in AZ Posted June 5, 2008 Report Share Posted June 5, 2008 Oh Ruth, this is wrenching news. I'm just so, so sad to hear this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurae Posted June 5, 2008 Report Share Posted June 5, 2008 I'm so sorry to hear this sad news, Ruth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbc1963 Posted June 5, 2008 Report Share Posted June 5, 2008 So sorry to hear that! Wish there was something someone could do. Mary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack & Co. Posted June 5, 2008 Report Share Posted June 5, 2008 Oh, Ruth, what heartbreaking news! I'm so, so sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juliepoudrier Posted June 5, 2008 Report Share Posted June 5, 2008 Ruth, I'm sorry to hear this awful news. Is amputation not an option, or do the vets think it's already spread beyound the affected limb? J. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Journey Posted June 5, 2008 Report Share Posted June 5, 2008 Oh Ruth, I am so sorry to hear this. Thoughts and prayers to you, hubby and Buzz. Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhys Posted June 5, 2008 Report Share Posted June 5, 2008 Is amputation an option? HandicappedPets.com has a forum for amputation. There are several members whose dog’s amputation was due to cancer. Tessa’s, who is a member of that forum, dog Xena had her leg amputated over 18 months ago because of cancer and she is doing great. Rhys’, the dog in my avatar, leg was amputated in April 2007 due to an injury that didn’t heal correctly. That photo was taken 6 weeks after the amputation. He is doing great. Missing a rear leg is less handicapping than a front leg because the majority of the dog’s weight is on the front legs. Sending good vibes your way. Cathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allie Oop Posted June 5, 2008 Report Share Posted June 5, 2008 Ruth, I read your post with great sadness. I'm so sorry about the diagnosis. I hope that perhaps there is something they can do (amputation or otherwise). Hang in there! Regards, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
airbear Posted June 6, 2008 Report Share Posted June 6, 2008 Oh Ruth! That is just awful! I am so sorry. You and Buzz are in our thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nellie's Dad Posted June 6, 2008 Report Share Posted June 6, 2008 I am so sorry to hear this, you all will be in our thoughts and prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kyrasmom Posted June 6, 2008 Report Share Posted June 6, 2008 I'm so very sorry. It's a tough one and very hard on the pup. It's what I ultimately lost Kyra to. My heart goes out to you. Big hug! Maria Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KrisK Posted June 6, 2008 Report Share Posted June 6, 2008 Oh no....I can't even imagine. Sending you all lots of good thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urge to herd Posted June 6, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 6, 2008 Thanks, everyone. I'm realizing that the BuzzMeister hasn't really been himself since he started limping. I was out of town over Mother's Day weekend, and picked him up from the kennel with that limp. Of course I assumed he'd been playing too hard and hurt himself. But, he just wasn't champing at the bit and charging around the way he always has done. He got a bit of his old joie de vivre back during the first round of metacam. If he perks up (gave him a dose tonight) over the next few days again, I'll be more inclined to consider a more aggressive treatment. If not, and we can't get his goofy self showing up again, we'll probably just continue with pain management. I know that all of you have lost much loved dogs, and that your words of comfort are heart felt. Thank you, Ruth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted June 6, 2008 Report Share Posted June 6, 2008 Ruth - Very sorry to hear this! My thoughts and prayers will be with you and Buzz. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marilyn T Posted June 6, 2008 Report Share Posted June 6, 2008 Sorry to hear about Buzz. Seriously though, look into amputation. I have a friend who had the front leg up to the shoulder amputated last fall on her 5 y.o. open trial dog due to this, and the dog is competing this season. If it hasn't metastisized, move quickly, and he might have significant time left on this earth. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewie'sMom Posted June 6, 2008 Report Share Posted June 6, 2008 Oh Ruth, I am so, so sorry. My heart goes out to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PSmitty Posted June 6, 2008 Report Share Posted June 6, 2008 I would consider amputation if it hasn't spread, too. But of course you know your dog best, Ruth. In any case, I'm so very sorry to hear this. I hope you've got some good times ahead for you and Buzz. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoloRiver Posted June 6, 2008 Report Share Posted June 6, 2008 I'm so sorry, Ruth. This is terrible news. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bcnewe2 Posted June 6, 2008 Report Share Posted June 6, 2008 So sorry Ruth It's been one heck of a year for so many. I'm sorry it's hitting your family too. Prayers and good thoughts coming your way. Kristen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ceredwyn Posted June 7, 2008 Report Share Posted June 7, 2008 Sending prayers for only the best for you and your Buzz. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz P Posted June 8, 2008 Report Share Posted June 8, 2008 Poor guy. At least you can spoil him now and make his remaining time as happy as possible. There are a lot of ways to treat the pain associated with osteosarcoma and there are vets who specialize in pain relief. Have you seen an oncologist? Even if you think you just want to make him comfortable it would be worth the visit to go talk to one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eileen Stein Posted June 9, 2008 Report Share Posted June 9, 2008 Ruth, I am so very sorry to hear this. It's such terrible news to receive and have to accept. My thoughts and best wishes are with you and Buzz. There is a trial currently going on at the Veterinary College of the University of Pennsylvania dealing with pain management in canine osteosarcoma. I know a dog who I thought would have to be put down within the week when he was enrolled in the study, but did very well and was virtually pain-free for four months before the hard decision had to be made. I know you're on the west coast and so it wouldn't be practical for you to enter Buzz in the study, but I wonder if they would be willing to discuss with your vet the drugs they are using, and perhaps the drugs would be available for your vet to use simply as treatment. The experimental drug my friend's dog got seemed really effective just from what I could see. (The meds they used in addition to the experimental drug were Tramidol, Previcox, and a stomach lining aid, Misoprostol.) The study coordinator is Molly Love, at 215 573-9029 or at mlove@vet.upenn.edu. My friend found her very helpful and easy to deal with. No harm in trying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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