St. Bernard - Bone Cancer

[Boone494]

I have a Saint who was recently treated for Lyme disease. During her treatment period she had a noticeable limp which the vet said was a result of the lyme. It wasn't. It is bone cancer. She has it in her front right paw. The vet x-rayed her lungs and there was no sign of cancer. Her blood work from lyme came back clear. Her counts were all normal. The vet recommended amputation of right front paw. He seems to think she will adapt to three legs and survive. Does anybody know of a saint with three legs living a normal life. She is 6 years old and very active. We have decision to make very soon and would appreciate any help. Thank You.

Andy

[Margot49]

Thanks for the reply.  I know done that have and have not opted for Chemo.  Greyhounds are very susceptible to bone cancer that is why I mentioned Dr. Couto.  You still might want to look him up and his research.  I have seen Greyhound cancer survivors live pretty long and there are a number of Tri-pods out there that do great!  
Personally, I 100% would have made the same decision and am hoping you have good, quality time to look forward to.
Please keep us posted and you still may want to check the Yahoo canine cancer groups.  Many are using diets and supplements with good results.  I opted fir paliative care only when our Grey got Lymphoma.  I used duet and supplement suggestions and he lived a good 6 months longer then expected.
Good luck!!

[Boone494]

The answer to the first question is, yes they did recommend the chemo. In over 90 % of dogs diagnosed with ostiosarcoma, the cancer cells have moved to other parts of the body. It almost always goes to the lungs first. Even though her chest x ray came back clear, a lot of the time it means the cancer cells have not formed nodules yet and they would not be visible on e   x ray. By the time they do appear on an x ray, it is to late. The numbers are better with the chemo, they are not great but...
The numbers that were put to me before the surgery were as follows: 100 dogs diagnosed with bone cancer, 50, no matter what is done will not survive the first year. Of the 50 that do survive, 14 % survive to the second year and of those 14%, 3 % make it to the third year. These are staggering numbers to me. Our dog is 6 yrs. old, if she survives 1 yr or 2 or 3. I am grateful. If we had done nothing, she would have been in tremendous pain and not lasted very long.
The second question. They removed the entire leg up to the shoulder. It was hard to see her like that when we picked her up. That is where the self doubt came in. All things considered, I honestly feel we did the right thing. She has been and still is such an incredible dog, she deserves every chance there is to survive.

[Margot49]

Sorry, meant to ask, so they did take the leg and not just the paw?

[Margot49]

So glad you sent an update.  I think you made the right decision and hoping all turns out well.  Your Vet is still recommending Chemo?
These dogs can be amazing!

[Boone494]

I wanted to update Queenies health. We took her last Tuesday to have her right leg amputated. The surgery went great and we brought her home the next day. To say, we were questioning ourselves over the decision to do the surgery would be understating it. The next day and each day since she has improved so much, we stopped doubting our decision. It is amazing how fast a dog learns how to maneuver on three legs. She still has chemo ahead of her, as soon as biopsy on tumor come back, they will decided on correct chemo on her. It is still not good odds but she is no longer in constant pain from the tumor and her spirits are so good, it was worth it.

[Margot49]

Meant to add, there is a great Vet that has a Greyhound Health and Wellness program and desks with cancer in Grey's but he might do a consult.  He is very well respected in the field.  Perhaps the Specialist you are going to might know him.  
His name is Dr. Guillermo Couto at Ohio State College of Vet Medicine.
You can look up the info on the Internet.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

[Margot49]

That's great and am glad you are addressing this quickly.  Hard decisions ahead but knowing your options will help you make an informed decision. Hopefully, she has some good years ahead.
Please keep us updated.

[Boone494]

Thank you for your reply. We set up an appointment with a sppecialist for Monday to find out  her best options. We will do whatever we have to for this dog. She is a magnificent dog.  The vet seems to think she has a very good chance for recovery if we do it very soon. I will know what her options are on Monday. Again, thank you for your reply.

Andy

[Margot49]

So sorry you got that diagnosis.  Good news there is no sign of it spreading yet.
Many dogs lead full lives as Tri pods.  Have seen a few Greyhounds that have lost a limb to cancer and adjust quite well.  Have a Pittbull a neighbor rescued that was hit by a car and the entire back leg was amputated.  They walk around the neighborhood every morning.  If it were me, I would have it done.  Since it is a large dog, you will have to make sure she stays healthy and doesn't get too heavy.
I don't have the link handy but check Yahoo Groups fine canine cancer.  Many post with great information.
Good luck!!