My Shepherd may have bone cancer :(

[Tala]

My shepherd Tala developed a lump on her front paw about two weeks ago that I had x-rayed this past weekend. The vet said that it looked like it could be bone cancer, but wasn't sure. We took a biopsy of the lump as well as chest x-rays and have sent everything off to be reviewed by the experts at the nearest vet school.

I'm not sure what I'll do if Tala had cancer, she's been my constant companion for 8.5 years! I feel like there's this terrible wave of panic building and I'm just holding on my my finger nails

The only think that's giving me some hope is that osteosarcoma usually (so I've read) only effects one point on one bone and spreads from there. Tala's x-rays show that two bones are effected and span across a joint between the metacarpal and the P1 toe bone (I think I have that right!). At this point we're not sure if it's a cancer and if it is if it will be malignant or benign.

Has anyone had something similar happen with their shepherd? Is it fair to amputate the leg of an 8.5 year old dog if it is cancer?

Thanks for any feedback.
Tala's Mom.

[tibvixie101]

Before getting yourself into a tizzy, relax and wait to see if the lump is malignant or benign... Their is no use to stress yourself out so much antisipating the results... Especially if Tala is home with you, she will sense your emotion and it may get her upset... I know that hearing people say try and calm down may get annoying, how can i calm down when my best friend may have cancer?! I know, but you have to try and think about it in a postive manner.. Even if they would have to amputate her leg, dogs do just fine on 3 legs! she is 8.5 years young! Shes got plenty of life left in her no matter how many legs she can run on! So be optomistic! and please keep us posted!! Mya, Bear and I are keeping our fingers and paws crossed for the good news!

[chjhu]

My dog had synovial cell sarcoma in approximately the same location. I would have done the amputation, but his other leg was not strong enough to carry the weight.

[Sashmom]

Well, the good news is he said he wasnt sure, so thats a good thing and Id be going with that right now. I know though, Id be in a real panic. Praying for you and Tala, I sure hope shes OK and this is just some non malignant bump!!!!!!

[daniella5574]

I just lost my Titan this past June to osteosarcoma, it was in his back leg, he was 10 and a half. Not saying this to panic you, but because I have been through it and know how panic stricken it feels to hear even the possibility of cancer. I chose not to amputate his rear leg, due to the fact that he has always been 96 pounds (very tall) and my vet told me that it would maybe buy him 6-8 months, and at his age and size with mild arthritis he wasnt sure how well the other leg would hold up and that the surgery can be very painful. It was a very, very difficult decision not to amputate, but in the end I did what I felt was right for him after multiple conversations with my vet and an orthopedic specialist. You are both in my thoughts, I hope this turns out okay for you.

[valb]

Take a deep breath, whatever happens, it will be ALRIGHT.

My old girl didn't have osteo but she was age 10 1/2 when
she had her leg amputated, and lived almost another 4 years.
Including being able to go up and down stairs and on walks
and got in and out of the car by herself. Even though our times
were different than they were before, they were still happy,
good times. So hang in there and hope for the best.

<<hugs>>

[Tala]

Thanks

I'm trying really really REALLY hard not to panic, but I'm sooo worried. I don't know what I would do without Tala.

It just doesn't seem fair that you work hard to find the best food, keep them healthy with regular vet work, make sure they get exercise, don't get overweight etc. etc.... only to have this terrible illness get them.

It doesn't seem right that Tala is bright, healthy, active and acts more like a 4 year old than an almost 9 years old and she may be gotten by cancer. Heck, she still wiggles like a puppy when I get home from work. It's just not fair....

[LadyHawk]

We lost our Gracie suddenly to osteosarsoma.
Amputating Gracie's front leg wasn't an option due to her hip dyspasia and arthritis in her left front leg.
We weren't prepared for it...........and nothing could be done to help her...................
I cried for weeks.......... let's hope that your results of biopsies are a positive gift for Christmas.
If not , I know MANY dogs that are as successful on three legs as they are on four.......
You are both in our thoughts and prayers..........

[TANKREDBUCK]

My best friend and gsd that I had several years ago developed bone cancer in her leg. I called any and every vet that I thought was worth anything about her and was told by all of them that she had 6 months and there was nothing they could do. These were good vets down by Philly, Pa. I refused to give up and called an herbalest in Maryland. Spoke with her. She recommended a cleansing diet and had me use water that I had boiled parsley in and sent me several herbal tincures that had to be carefully added to her food over a period of time.
My girl lived 2 1/2 more years, the lump and limp went away, and I truely believe she died of old age (she died at 12 yrs.)
If your interested in trying this or speaking with this women please feel free to email me (I don't come into the forum very often).
My email address is TANKREDBUCK@AOL.COM please put something in the subject line so I know who you are and don't delete it.
Will keep her in my prayers,
Deb

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

I hope it's all good and that you will have no need for any more information.

This lady runs the Magic Bullet Fund ( http://www.themagicbulletfund.org/index.html ) and has a book. I have not read it, but the links on her site look great: http://www.helpyourdogfightcancer.com/

Good luck!