Hi everyone, my dog Isa is a Bernese Mountain Dog turning five this September. Yesterday I found out she has osteosarcoma in her right leg, and it's already spread (metastasis). The vet says she needs an amputation followed by chemotherapy, which is going to cost around £850.
I’m trying to decide whether to go ahead with the surgery, as I'd have to take out a loan from the bank to afford it otherwise.
I’m terrified that if I go through with the operation, in a few months' time I'll just be told the cancer is back...
I’d really appreciate some advice to help me make the right decision.
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I understand your distress and the many questions you must have following this diagnosis. Please be aware, however, that there are new treatment options for osteosarcoma in dogs that are effective, fast, and minimally invasive, such as cementoplasty. For more information regarding this procedure, visit the bonecancer.dog website.
Have a good day.
I doubt there’s much point in providing an answer this long after the original post.
Could you please be so kind as to stop bumping old threads? It’s more likely to make the forum unreadable than to help people who might not even visit the site anymore. There’s a fairly simple way to tell if a conversation is still active: just check the date of the last message posted.
I understand how distressing and confusing this diagnosis must be. I just wanted to let you know that there are some newer, effective, fast and minimally invasive treatment options for osteosarcoma in dogs, such as cementoplasty. For more information about this procedure, have a look at the bonecancer.dog website.
Misanthrope, no, you’re not being harsh... it’s just the sad reality. Osteosarcoma is a nasty piece of work... you have to face facts, even if there aren't any visible metastases. @Debi 40 says her girl Isa doesn’t seem to be in pain... sadly, Colly didn’t show any obvious signs of suffering either, but in reality, it must have been excruciating. He’s recovering from the amputation at the moment, but I know it’s only a temporary measure... my heart breaks for him because losing him is going to be absolutely devastating for me...
Debo40... My dog Colly, who’s 7, has just had his back right leg amputated (3 weeks ago)... even if his long-term life expectancy is uncertain... amputation takes away the pain... osteosarcomas cause unbearable suffering... painkillers are useless... so if you want to help him and be there for him, don't hesitate... chemo is something to consider... one vet recommends it, the other doesn't... the hospital stay and the amputation cost me around £630... but Colly is alive, he goes for a swim, he walks and he isn’t in pain anymore... it’s tough and I’m devastated... but I love him so much that I’d rather suffer in his place... I cry every day... but he’s alive... on three legs... he’s managing well... I just want to do what’s best for him... hang in there... I really do understand... and I’ll say it again, amputation stops the pain, it’s worth it... just to be by his side when that dreaded moment finally comes...
Ask a good vet for their opinion. Ask them to lay their cards on the table! Ask plenty of questions and find out what the life expectancy would be, both with and without the operation.
I’ve only just seen your reply – I’m a bit behind on the thread.
My heart truly goes out to you and your children.
Thank you so much for those replies. I love my dog to bits and he’s absolutely brilliant with my kids, but the problem is I don't have the £850. If this op would definitely save his life for a good few years, I’d look into a loan from the bank, but I’ve got two young children and things aren't always easy.
Thank you so much for those replies. I love my dog to bits and he’s brilliant with my kids, but the trouble is I don’t have the £850. If this surgery really would save his life for several more years then I’d ask the bank for a loan, but I’ve got two little ones and things aren't always easy.
Have you had a chest X-ray to check for any metastases? The presence of visible metastases on an X-ray worsens the prognosis and limits the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Amputation allows for the removal of the entire bone, ideally combined with chemotherapy. Amputation doesn't increase life expectancy, but it significantly improves the animal's comfort and eliminates the pain. The prognosis associated with osteosarcoma is poor, as around 90% of animals already have metastases at the time of diagnosis. I wish you and your girl a lot of strength. Is she in pain?
Sadly, I’m of the same mind as Misanthrope; bone cancer is so aggressive... it particularly affects large breeds... definitely get a chest X-ray to check for metastases...
Your girl is limping! So I honestly think she is in pain and that your Bernese is just "hiding it".
Has her appetite dropped? Is the lump palpable or visible on her leg? It’s a good sign that she isn’t showing any signs of irritability at least!!
Make sure to question your vet thoroughly, and get a second opinion if you can... look into palliative care... for the sake of her quality of life.
It is so heart-wrenching trying to decide what the right thing to do is...
I am so very sorry for your poor girl.
Talk to a good vet and ask them to lay their cards on the table. Ask plenty of questions and find out what the life expectancy is both with and without the surgery. I would never in a million years dare to say such things if I hadn't been faced with dozens of cases just like yours. What reason would I have to tell you such a horrible truth? I’ve been part of the "dog world" since I was a child. I spent several years working in a vet's practice, I’ve had thirteen dogs, and if I had to give a kidney to save one of mine, I’d do it in a heartbeat. These days, plenty of people go for the operation. I’m not against it, far from it—if only it would actually cure your dog! Maybe one day it will. See a good specialist and, I'll say it again, don't hesitate to ask them everything you need to know.
Just a quick question – I don’t mean any offence, but how can I be sure that what you’re saying is right? Please don’t take it the wrong way. I’m just really scared, which is why I’m asking all these questions.
