[deanp]

We've lost two Saint Bernards to osteosarcoma. Both originated in a front leg wrist with the first symptom being a slight limp. Our first time through it with Chloe we opted for pain meds to control the pain and keep her comfortable until we knew it was time to let go. Front leg amputation on a 140lb dog wasn't something we'd consider, and from the research we had done osteosarcoma metastasizes very quickly and cells have already very likely spread once it is diagnosed. Chloe lasted about a month from diagnosis to saying goodbye.

Our second go-round was with Abby. She had been out playing in the yard with our younger pup and came in with a limp. I gave it a day and felt the wrist, it was warm to the touch, so hoped for a sprain or soft tissue damage, but went to the vet to check as we had already been down this road. An X-ray showed the smallest shadow spot. A needle biopsy was sent out and was confirmed as osteosarcoma. Our new vet had just graduated from a highly regarded local veterinary school and knew the Drs that ran their oncology department. They said she was a candidate for targeted radiation, and explained that dogs handle it well. Abby went for, I think, 6 radiation sessions. Walked in and out of that place like a boss, they treated her like royalty, and we got to have a six-month farewell tour taking her to all of her favorite places. You'd never know she was getting radiation treatment, except for a shaved spot on her front leg that was pink like a slight sunburn. Those treatments got her past her 10th birthday. In the end, her appetite waned, and when she developed a cough and refused Mcdonald's hamburgers we knew it was time.

It is tough, as it comes on quickly, spreads quickly, and their minds and personalities are the same right to the end. It sucks, and I'm sorry that you have to go through this along with the stress of getting your Dad settled in his new place.