Osteocarcoma diagnosis!

[OlgaV]

Buster has been diagnosed with Osteocarcoma (Bone Cancer). He had gone to the orthopedic vet who diagnosed him with soft tissue injury and was bandaged up so that his left leg would be immobilized for 6 to 8 weeks. We took him back to our regular vet for re-bandaging on the 3 week and he said to take him back to the ortho because he did not have feeling on his leg and he was worried.

Back he went on the same day and more x-rays were done which revealed cancer on his scapula and his chest. We are devastated with the news.

The options are to do a biopsy of his shoulder and his chest to confirm the diagnosis, amputation of his leg followed by chemotherapy or to leave him alone and give him pain medication. The amputation and chemo would give us 1 1/2 years, maybe and doing nothing about 9 months according to the ortho and my regular vet said up to 5 months.

I did some research on the internet and found a drug called Tumexal. Has anyone used it or know anything about this drug. We need help. Thank you..

 

[Gatorblu]

I don't know about the drug, and I am so sorry for the diagnosis. Where in FL do you live? You may want to talk to the UF Vet college. There you can access to an oncologist and an orthopedic vet. Plus universities tend to have more access and knowledge of newer drugs and therapies.

 

[Tuff Love]

I'm so sorry to hear of the diagnosis :( There is a user here who recently had an osteosarcoma scare and I'm sure will chime in once she catches this thread and may have some insight to offer. Best of luck to you and your pup with whatever you decide.

 

[carole]

Not a diagnosis you want to hear :(

When you say chest do you mean lungs? I recently lost Star to bone cancer and unfortunately it had reached her lungs and nose which meant for us it was too far advanced for anything but palliative care.

If I were in your shoes I would be tempted to try treatment if the lungs are clear and Buster is in good shape.

Good luck whatever you decide xx

 

[bridget's mum]

I am truly sad to hear this devastating news, it rings too true in my ears. My Bailey at 4 years was diagnosed in a very similar situation. I was advised and convinced to take the 'amputation' option. I did the research and Bailey's condition was worsening rapidly and his pain levels were huge. He had multiple pain patches and I agreed to admit him to surgery. I will never forget his face when I left him. The surgery went well, I was told, but he never made it through the night. We do not know the why of it just that we did what we hoped was the right thing at the time, with the information we had. I don't think there is a right or wrong answer, just do the research. Find out everything. Also if I could change one thing, I would not have allowed him to be left in surgery overnight without a full time qualified person to monitor his health. Since then I will never leave mine unattended, I always insist they are in a full time care situation, regardless of the cost. I wish you all the best that I can, every minute counts, love and do everything you are able to do. In my thoughts