My dog may have cancer :(

deathpunk dan · 10-07-2009, 12:23 PM

A week or so ago, our 9 year old, 70 lb border collie started limping a bit and lifting his left paw. Now, border collies are prone to neurotic habits and he sometimes obsessively licks his paw, but is otherwise very healthy and strong.

So, the vet saw him saturday and found no inflammation or anything else suspicious but recommended we have x rays done just in case.

Yesterday, my girlfriend took him for the x rays and he was a good boy. (He's a rescue dog, and a fear nipper bc he was abused by his previous owners and locked in a cellar. He's made huge strides in his time with us (7 yrs) and has bonded particularly close with me).

He seems very healthy, enthusiastic, and strong, so neither of us were prepared for the phone call from the lab recommending a biopsy ASAP based on X ray results of his front leg.

From what we understand and spent all night researching, he may well have osteosarcoma, an insidious and fast metastasizing cancer.

By the time it presents itself clinically, it is also already in the lungs 90% of the time.

I am having a real hard time facing the possibility he won't be around much longer. 9+ seems old for some breeds, but our other border collie is pushing 16 and is still very much alive and with it, if a bit sleepy.

Now, the biopsy hasn't been done yet (in the process of scheduling it), so I guess there's still a chance that its NOT cancer, but I haven't found many other possibilities that would result in veterinary professionals recommending said process.

I had dogs as a kid, but never a special kind of companion animal like this one. He's incredibly smart and loyal, and I know its terribly insulting to those with real children (we don't have any), but I am scared I'm gonna lose my boy.

Already canceled all weekend plans so I can take him to the beach and just do the things he likes to do. Why are we so dumb to become attached to animals, never mind those with lifespans so much different than our own?

pwd72s · 10-07-2009, 12:27 PM

Damn...we're taking our cat to the vet this afternoon, worried about something similar. It's the price we pay for the joy pets give us.

Rikao4 · 10-07-2009, 12:32 PM

the fact that you call him..
my boy..tells me he's got a great dad & mom..
do the best you can..
realize..he will pick up on you stressing..
give him a hug & treat from me..
lost my .... & Pascha to this..
good luck ...

Rika

vash · vash's Garage

maybe it is nothing. or if if is, i hope it hasnt spread.

damn...good luck friend. keep us posted please.

deanp · 10-07-2009, 01:11 PM

Dan - very sorry to hear this news.

We went through this EXACT issue with our Saint Bernard last year. Started limping out of the blue, bump by wrist/ankle, but full flexibility with no sign of pain when handling it and flexing it. Discovered on a Wednesday, tried rest and icing through the weekend with no improvement. X-Rays on Monday confirmed a tumor at the end of the bone at the joint. Outer lining of the bone was inflamed. Could clearly see it on the xray.

The options were -
euthanasia at that time
amputation followed by targeted radiation
pain management so we could make the best of time that was left

She was 145lbs and Saints carry a lot of weight on their front legs, so amputating a front leg wasn't an option for us.

The news came as a shock, I was expecting a sprain or stress fracture, so immediate euthanasia wasn't an option.

We decided on pain management with anti-inflamatories / non-narcotics to start. We looked into homeopathic medicines and tried some. We made the decision that we would know when it was time to let go and would not let her linger.

That time came just under four short weeks later. Her eyes were still bright, she was her normal happy self, but had no mobility due to pain. I took her outside one day put the leash down and walked a short distance away. Called her. She looked at me, tail wagging, genuinely wanted to walk over to me, but didn't. We knew it was time, and I still feel we made the right decision by her - it was hard as hell. Mentally she was all there and her normal self, but we would not let her live in pain.

You are right in your research that in most cases once detected the cancer has metasticized (sp?) and is already in the lungs on a cellular level. My research showed that most amputees with radiation lived a year longer.

I am truly sorry to hear that you are now faced with the decisions we had a year ago. As others said to me on this forum - do what is right for the dog not what is right for you. You rescued him from a terrible life and gave him the best you could for the past seven years. Don't fail him now.

PM me if you want. I hope that you get better news, but suspect that the biopsy will confirm the x ray findings.

Seahawk · 10-07-2009, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deathpunk dan

Why are we so dumb to become attached to animals, never mind those with lifespans so much different than our own?

We'd be stupid not to, Dan.

Loving animals is a mill run I know well and I cannot, for the life of me, imagine not having done so...I have pulled foals from mares during birth, watched the coming of kittens and puppies and will do it again knowing I may see their death or they witness mine.

The best men and women I know treat their animals well. Seems to me you have done so. Your border collie is a fortunate animal.

holtjv · 10-07-2009, 04:48 PM

Just went thru this situation with our 18 mo old rhodie.

Sounds like a good boy, good luck to you two. Let us know about the biopsy.

Jack

Laneco · 10-07-2009, 07:47 PM

Dogs are on this earth to remind us that no matter how much we screw up, someone loves us unconditionally and sees nothing but our best potential...

If it gets to it - lose the leg. A BC can run on 3 better than most can on four and I've even seen one front/one rear on herding breed. Won't slow him down at all.

angela

holtjv · 10-07-2009, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laneco

Dogs are on this earth to remind us that no matter how much we screw up, someone loves us unconditionally and sees nothing but our best potential...

If it gets to it - lose the leg. A BC can run on 3 better than most can on four and I've even seen one front/one rear on herding breed. Won't slow him down at all.

angela

+1 Angela's right. We took Hank's leg off and he was walking same day and jumping into the trooper w/i a week. Got a video of him running his a$$ off chasing a squirrel on here, somewhere.

The doc stated that he was in serious pain b/c of the bone, and that it would soon break, which is why we took it off. It was remarkably easy on him, really, and he was obv much happier.

jhynesrockmtn · 10-08-2009, 05:49 AM

Best wishes. I have two 10 yo chocolate labs who are aging pretty quickly before my eyes. Just trying to enjoy each day with them. Hope you get good news.

kslizzy · 10-08-2009, 06:50 AM

We are in the midst of this right now too. Our 4 1/2 y.o. Golden was diagnosed about 6 weeks ago. Amputation 4 weeks ago and our first chemo treatment was two weeks ago. We're very fortunate to have Colorado State University Vet. Hospital only 20 minutes away, they've got some of the best research and doctors in the country.

Like one of the above posters mentioned with amputation and chemo we were told the average life span is 12-14 months, and that is good quality time. Our boy is absolutely amazing and inspiring. Getting around like nothing happened and a Border Collie is probably more agile than a Golden. I would definitely recommend this course of action, the dog's don't go through the social stigma humans go through with the amputation. They also don't react to the Chemo treatments. After our first treatment, he came home tired but the next day he was back to normal.

A very informative website to look through is Jerry Tripawds Three Legged Dog Cancer Amputation Blogs Discussion Forums Chat Resources Help Advice Support It's all about 3 legged dogs, mostly due to cancer.

Good luck, we're all thinking of you and your "family."

rammstein · 10-08-2009, 06:57 AM

Definitely consider the amputation- although it sounds so bad to us humans, the dogs don't really seem to care. My parents amputated their dog's leg after she shattered it, and she had a few more good years after that. She got around fine.

deathpunk dan · 10-08-2009, 01:47 PM

I will do whatever it takes to make sure he is as comfortable as possible and maintain his quality of life. I will not let him live in terrible pain. My girlfriend and I are pretty devastated. He's truly my 'lifetime dog'.

The biopsy appointment has been made for next week.

deathpunk dan · 10-15-2009, 05:33 PM

UPDATE:

After x rays, ultrasounds, an aspirated biopsy, and consultations with oncologists and surgeons, he does NOT have cancer!

The mass is benign fatty tissue.

He does have some mild arthritis in his shoulder.

I'm so psyched!

Thank you all for your well wishes and words.

deanp · 10-15-2009, 05:36 PM

THAT IS GREAT NEWS!!!!! Congrats Dan. Glad it was good news.

Tishabet · 10-15-2009, 05:41 PM

Phew! Glad to hear this worked out.

widgeon13 · 10-15-2009, 06:18 PM

Widgeon says 'that's great news"

holtjv · 10-15-2009, 06:31 PM

God, but you're so lucky.

Great news, makes my night. We never seem to get the good news on this board, do we?

Jack

Buckterrier · 10-15-2009, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deathpunk dan

UPDATE:

After x rays, ultrasounds, an aspirated biopsy, and consultations with oncologists and surgeons, he does NOT have cancer!

The mass is benign fatty tissue.

He does have some mild arthritis in his shoulder.

I'm so psyched!

Thank you all for your well wishes and words.

Just found this thread Dan, SOOOOOOOOOOOOO glad your boy is ok!! If he is still in discomfort you may want to think about acupuncture. I know, sounds wierd. I thought it did also for my manchester terrier. I had exhausted all other avenues for a bad neck and even exploratory surgery was not an option due to his age. The doc asked if I wanted to try it and of course I said sure. Unbe*******lievable!! I would have believed it is I hadn't witnessed with my own eyes. After 3 treatments he was fine. He lived the rest of his days pain free.
If you want to discuss send off a PM and we can discuss. Again, great news!!!!

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

Great news! Daisy is happy to hear it!