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Bone Cancer

30K views 154 replies 41 participants last post by  Harleysmum 
#1 ·
Our 6 1/2 yr old female Golden "Maggie" has been diagnose with bone cancer. (Osteosarcoma) We are broken hearted as she is the most beautiful Golden we have ever had. Any she is so young!

We are considering amputation ( her front right leg) and Chemo but have mixed feelings on if this is the right thing to do for Maggie. She is a large female at approximately 90 pounds. Not fat, just a large girl. We have seen three doctors and all they will offer are the facts. Maybe extend her life 6 months out to a year. In some rare cases longer!

Has anyone had a similar experience and could you offer some experience as well as advise to us. We want to do what is right for Mags. Thanks for any help.
 
#2 ·
I'm so sorry to hear that Maggie has cancer. Our 9 year old Zachy had osteosarcoma in his jaw, and we spoke to many doctors and decided to remove half of his jaw and do chemo- and it was successful. We were told it could maybe give him a few more months. We just weren't ready to give up. He was diagnosed in June 2006, had his last chemo in November 2006 and we lost him to hemangiosarcoma in February 2007. So the osteosarcoma was controlled with removing the jaw and chemo- he had no signs of the osteosarcoma at the time we lost him. I definitely think it's worth it. He did great with half a jaw- I didn't know if it would be torture- but he had no problem eating or drinking. Dogs are amazing with how they can go with the flow.
 
#3 ·
If they feel it hasn't metastasized, the front leg is pretty much the ideal location for surgery. Dogs typically do really well with front leg amputation. You will want to get her weight down, starting today, if you explore this option, since 90 pounds is definitely overweight. Breed standard for bitches maxes out at 55 pounds, so even if she's a bit over standard in her height and frame, she should still be nowhere near 90.

Ultimately, it's up to you. You know your dog best, and the right decision is the one that's made with the dog's best interests at heart. If you decide that surgery and chemo aren't right for your family and your Maggie, that's the right decision. If you decide the risks are worth the potential extra time for her to be with you, that's the right decision. Maggie won't begrudge you either way.

If you do forego surgery, be aware that the tumor will eat through the bone and weaken it, and it will likely metastasize to the lungs, if it hasn't already. You'll want to keep a careful eye on the progress of the tumor, since the bone will eventually weaken enough to break, which will be horrible for the dog to experience. Lung metastases may cause a health crisis before that, but you really don't know. It's just something to keep an eye on so you can try to—and we don't have perfect knowledge, so we can't make perfect decisions on timing—euthanize at an appropriate time.

Even if you do go for the amputation, the cancer may still eat through a different bone or show up in the lungs eventually anyway.

Sorry for being so businesslike, but when I write these posts, I try to get all the medical information wrapped up before I write how sorry I am to hear about the diagnosis. The idea of a beloved Golden getting cancer, especially one as young as Maggie, really upsets me, so it's hard to get all the info out. I'm so sorry to hear that she has this, and I'm sure your family is heartbroken. Our thoughts go out to you guys.
 
#5 ·
A friend of mine has a lab mix that was diagnosed with bone cancer at age 4. They did not wait to amputate. This picture is form 2 yrs ago. Bailey is now approaching 14yrs old and doing fine.




This is a forum for tripawds. Not the end of the world, they do just fine. Do not wait long, that horrible bone cancer moves fast.

Tripawds Blogs | Tripawd Support Forums for the Discussion of Amputation, Canine Cancer and Three Legged Dogs | Three Legged Dog Amputation Canine Bone Cancer Support Information Help Advice
 
#9 ·
A friend of mine has a lab mix that was diagnosed with bone cancer at age 4. They did not wait to amputate.

This is key. I know of two Goldens diagnosed at 6 yrs. old and both did very well with amputation. One is 14 years old and the other, I think, is around 8. Both owners did not wait more than a week from diagnosis to surgery. It has to be done very quickly. Good luck with your decision.
 
#6 ·
I'm so sorry to hear about your Maggie. My first Golden Joy was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her back left leg and pelvis at 6 years old. I know how terrible it is to lose one so young :( In our case, we didn't have time to do anything and put our girl down within a few weeks of her first symptoms due to an inability to control her pain. Her cancer was very far spread though and amputation was not an option. It could be many months down the road, but you may need some heavier pain meds to help Maggie.

We just lost our 10 year old to hemangiosarcoma in her heart. Different cancer, but we did do chemotherapy for her and with a lot of success. She tolerated the chemo very well and lived another 5.5 months after her initial diagnosis.

You mentioned that you've seen three vets, but not what types. Have you already consulted with a veterinary oncologist?

I'm so sorry that you're going through this. I remember all too well how awful it is when the vet comes into the room with bad news. Lots of hugs for you and Maggie!
 
#8 ·
Thank all of you for the quick replies. It's a big help!! My wife and I have had three male Golden before Mags and they all lived into the teens. One was almost 16. So we have had great luck in the past. All of the boys were wondefull and we loved them very much, they loved us too. We never knew cancer was so common with Goldens until now. The shock and tears of loosing Mags is almost more than we can handle but bottom line is to do what's best for Maggie. Looking at Bailey gives us hope. Thank you again for you posts.
 
#10 ·
Thanks, I really appreciate this info. It's been two weeks for us and Maggie shows very little discomfort. I know we have found her cancer early rather than late. Xray of her lungs were clear as of last Friday. Spring break has slowed down progress in terms of timing. We talk to the surgeon again Thursday and will probably schedule her for next week early.
 
#12 ·
I'm very sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Maggie.
 
#13 ·
Thinking about Maggie, sending my prayers.
 
#19 ·
So glad you became a member there also. The more info and support you have the better to help you and Maggie in the coming days and weeks.

I would be a nervous wreck too. I would also be filled with hesitation, it's only natural, but you are doing what is best for Maggie.

Please let us know how it goes. You find a tremendous amount of support here, you really will. Can't even begin to say how much support I got here with my boy.

Thought you might like to read of another tripawd on this forum, Tuff dog :)

http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/golden-retrievers-main-discussion/40299-tuff-dogs-story.html
 
#20 ·
I do not have any experience with bone cancer but I can tell you that when our Jake broke his front leg and was in a caste for several weeks he could only use three legs. He had absolutely no problem getting aroun. He was just as fast moving on 3 legs as he was later with four legs. My thoughts are with you as you make your decisions.
 
#22 ·
My positive thoughts and prayers are with you and Maggie
 
#24 ·
It's crazy that I am just reading this and today actually I was at the vet for Chance's chemo treatment and a dog was there who had bone cancer about a year ago and had his front right amputated. He was walking fine as if he had 4 legs and they haven't had any major problems with the cancer coming back. Wish you the best tomorrow, thought and prayers sent your way.
 
#25 ·
Sending positive thoughts and prayers for tomorrow's successful surgery. Hugs and kisses to Maggie. On my way to light a candle.
 
#29 ·
Checking for an update and sending my prayers.
 
#30 ·
My thoughts go out to you and Maggie. I know what if feels like to go through the cancer boat. I have been through it with my Penny. Whatever decision you make, just keep in mind that dogs just focus on the present and what they can do now to enjoy life. They do not care about yesterday or tomorrow, only today, so make every day be the best!
 
#31 ·
Sending my prayers for sweet Maggie. Please when you find the time give us some update, praying for the best possible, that the surgery went well.
 
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