troys been to the vets with a sprained swollen front leg.we done x rays and found a tumor. they suggested amputation of the front leg.hes 7.but shes also said its looking highly likely its in his lungs as well and its very aggressive...im going out of my mind.hes at home with strong pain killers but theyre worried if he puts weight on it he could fracture the leg.hes got a lot of bone already dissolved from the leg and im besidesmyself.
does anyone have any experience of this cos I want to know if theres absolout;y anything more I can do for him....

I'm assuming this is osteosarcoma?  If it is I wish, more than anything, that I could give you good news but I can't :-(  OS is the most aggressive form of bone cancer, one that rotties are very prone to and sadly if it has already spread to his lungs, then there is nothing more to be done.  If it hadn't spread then amputation might give him a small fighting chance BUT it is small - the survival rate of OS in big dogs is roughly 2% last I checked.  That's with amputation if it's caught early enough and aggressive treatment.  I do know of dogs that have survived it but there was no spread when it was found.  And with a big, heavy dog like a rotti, amputation might be very hard on him by itself.  But, if they can confirm through x-rays that it hasn't spread, then it's your call whether to try it or not.  If there is any spread though, basically, it's too late :-(

I'm so, so sorry I can't say anything really positive.  It's a bastard of a disease, I lost my first dog to it and having dobes, dobe crosses and a rott cross now, it's something I am terrified of facing again.  My old dog's leg broke, it was the first we knew of it and we lost her that night.  Honestly, if that is a major risk and they are sure it has spread then personally, I would make the most of the days ahead, keep him as pain-free as possible then let him go before it happens.  I would never wish a final night like that on anyone or their dog, it was awful.

So sorry to hear your news. I had it in a rescue crossbreed once, years ago now. It was very painful and we let her go sooner rather than later.

I totally agree with Nikita on this.   If it hadn't spread the I'd have gone for amputation, but as it is, my best advice, for what it's worth, is to give him he best quality of life you can right now and when it's clear he's having more down days than up days, give him peace.   IT STINKS, especially with one who hasn't really lived a full length life.

I have an email friend who is into Rottie rescue and she fought like mad with one of hers who had this, but lost him in the end.   You really can only give peace and not allow lingering, in my opinion.   She send her sympathies, but says in truth, there is little to be done other than keep him as comfortable as you can, for now.

Each loss hurts, but even more with a younger one where there's nothing to be done.    I lost one at 5, something different, and boy did that hurt.    We can only love them, and once the vet says he has no other options to offer, give them peace.   At least we can do this for our beloved dogs.

We are in a similar situation with our 11 year old lab. She had the x-rays on Monday, but we are waiting for the lab results to confirm the diagnosis. The tumour is on her ulna, and the vet said it would be possible to just remove that bone, rather than proceeding to amputation.
Our other dog is a greyhound, and it seems to be common in them :-( On a greyhound forum I visit, it seems that many of them have had a reasonable quality of life after amputation and chemotherapy, I believe the likely survival rate is thought to be about a year. Obviously every situation is different, and decisions need to be made taking into account all the factors involved.

Hello Romside.

I'm so, so sorry to read your news.  Like the other people who have already replied I am afraid my own experiences are, like theirs, not positive.  I lost a youngster (Flatcoat) to osteosarcoma last year.  He was diagnosed at just 13 months - hind leg.  He presented with some lameness.  Due to his young age cruciate damage was suspected - nobody thought of cancer at that stage!  X Ray showed a huge amount of bone had been eaten away - you would never have guessed it from his happy demeanour, bless him.  To give him a fighting chance and because there were no obvious signs of spread, we went for amputation.  He did very well at first, but less than three months later there were signs of a spread to the abdomen and he was PTS before he became uncomfortable, and long before any pain.

I wish I could share some more positive news but I am afraid I can't.  I adored him and it was beyond heartbreaking.

Hug your boy and cherish every moment you have with him.  It may be that, difficult as it is, you have to do the kindest thing for him quite soon.  I wish you strength.

Thinking of you and Troy.   X

I had a 7 year old Weimaraner bitch who had OS in her hock joint.  We had her chest xrayed and as far as our Vet could see it hadnt metastasised so I opted to have her leg removed.  She was in a alot of pain and the bone was very fragile so biopsy was out of the question.

We had the surgery, and apart from a few teething problems, mainly with swelling, we never looked back and she lived until she was 2 weeks off her 14th birthday.  I never opted for chemo either. I kept her at a steady weight and she managed very well.  It was bronchitis that took her in the end. 

I think had my girls cancer spread to her chest, then I dont think I would have opted for the surgery.  Also the rear leg was a factor in my decision but I have seen lots of dogs who cope very well with a front leg missing. 

Its a horrid decision to have to make.  :( xx

My 8 year old GSD had osteocarcoma in a hind leg. X-rays and a scan showed her lungs to be clear, so we amputated. She sailed through the op and did really well on three legs, but 18 months later she was a little bit down, and x-rays showed her lungs were full of tiny tumours.Osteosarcoma is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer, and metastisis must have already been happening when she was first diagnosed, even though there was no sign of it. It really is a terrifying disease--she was very young for her age and fit, and beautiful, and so full of life. If it has already spread to his lungs I wouldn't put him through surgery, because he has already run out of time. My heart goes out to you and Troy.

We lost a rottie to bone cancer too, a month before her ninth birthday. The vet said that with such a large dog and a front leg as well she wouldn't cope so well as a small dog .It is heartbreaking and I would never have a rottie again as they are so prone to it. Also the vet said he puts a lot of rottweilers down and they donn't even get to six year old.

So sorry to hear this, I've lost two borzois to os and several more to other cancers. My heart aches for you because we all know how hard it is. I'm afraid my advice would be to spoil him for a few days or however long it takes you to steel yourself and then let him go. I would not want to risk the bone shattering and the dog being in agony until you can rush to the vet.  My last borzoi with cancer was sent home with tramadol and I spoiled him rotten for a week, let him eat what he wanted - fish suppers, chocolate (small amounts), whatever, took him places he loved and then let him go. He may well have lasted several more weeks or maybe even months, but on strong pain killers I personally just don't think it's fair.

Romside I'm so in sympathy with you.  Very recently I had to make the decision to have a 7yr old put to sleep, I'm crying just to type it.  Not a Rottie, and it wasn't cancer, but I feel so cheated.  She hadn't lived long enough, it isn't fair.

So I know how hard it is to be strong enough to let them go.  I send you {{{{  HUGS  }}}}   Jean

Thank you soo very much to all who replied I really appreciate it I really do.. yes its the Osteosarcoma...bastard of a disease is mild for what ive been feeling...I only lost my bella (bitch rott) in august (pts through something completely diff)so for this to happen to him just now is just so upsetting...not that it wouldn't be upsetting at another time but im sure you know what I mean...
its in his lungs for sure,x rays showed it clearly...we're keeping him comfortable for 7 days...like some said he'll be spoilt rotten with all the things he was never allowed before through me trying to keep my dogs well looked after and in good shape :-( he'll have a cooked meal each night and doggie biscuits ect...
unlike bella he cant go for a long last run over their favourite lake which upsets me bcause they loved that place...he cant go through fear of the leg shattering...

Im GUTTED so totally SICK and angry to the highest limit...I work my little (ok not so little)tush off every day I earn good money and not any amount of money in the world can save him...im gutted for him hes really THAT well beaved he didn't need sedating in theatre...he just held out his leg and lay still for the x rays...my vet even commented holding a very professional face on saying hes an amazing example of the breeds temprement and he'll be sadly missed...

Id just like to say a genuine thank you from the bottom of my heart to all who replied I knew I was clutching at something but would be disappointed but ive heard you guys before come up with miracle possibilities before and HOPED my troy could have some of that too....

thanks all....
:-(

thanks jean.....don't cry youll start me off again hugs to you too I know the pain xxxxxxx

My friends 13 year old Dobe had it, and as she was already in pain, she wasn't brought round from the investigatory surgery.

> Very recently I had to make the decision to have a 7yr old put to sleep, I'm crying just to type it.

Oh Jean I'm so sorry to read this, I'm another who understands, I had to make the very tough decision to let my homebred collie girl go at only 8 1/2, it was a month ago and yes I still cry almost every day over her. If I can say anything of comfort it's that it's no longer huge sobs and often accompanied by a smile remembering the good times.

Sometimes I think it's not worth the pain we will inevitably go through, then I remember the years of happiness, the way they make us smile every single day and of course it is. So for anyone in the same position I wish you strength and courage xx

I have never lost a dog to cancer but reading people's experiences it is heart wrenching and can understand how upsetting it must be x

The only upside is that the dog has no idea of the prognosis so will be living each day as normal. We owners are the ones who go through the mental pain in these situations. Make all his days special and try to take a bit of comfort from his pleasure with his spoiling. It'll help you in the future. xxx

Ah - well, if you know this wretched disease has already spread to the lungs then you have made absolutely the right decision for your boy.  Spoil him rotten for a few days and then do the kindest thing.  I found that it really helps to remember what others have already said - they don't know they have cancer and they don't know what's going to happen.  Somehow that knowledge gave us the strength to remain calm and upbeat with our young lad before letting him go, and it enabled us to make the final decision while he was still wagging his tail and enjoying all his treats and extra cuddles ...  In our case this was sooner rather than later and it was right for him - which of course was the priority.

So sorry.  Troy sounds wonderful and a credit to you.  A big hug to him - and you.  X

I really feel for you Romside, it's just so unfair. :(

I had to make the very tough decision to let my homebred collie girl go at only 8 1/2, it was a month ago

So sorry Jane. :(

ahhhh jane bless ya its so hard.i feel for u xxxxx

I really feel for you Romside, it's just so unfair. :-(

thanks goldmali

So sorry to hear this Romside :( Cherish the time you have left with him x

I'm so sorry you are going through this. Losing a dog is never easy but I remember reading on this forum that doing it one day early is better than one day late. Enjoy your precious dog for the time you have left and I hope you find comfort in the fact that he hasn't suffered.

So sorry to hear this, I sympathise completely, I lost my boy ( boxer) to this 2yrs ago, it's the most horrendous aggressive disease   Imaginable..from diagnosis to him passing was around 6 weeks , the worse 6 weeks of our life, my friend also list her rotti to this a few years back, like you it had spread...she had a few good weeks, but sadly lost her fight too.

My thoughts go out to you for what is to come, spoil him rotten till you have to make the decision we all dread xx

For me these words say it all :-

You're giving me a special gift so sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days your courage makes me proud.

But really, love is knowing when your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts will only be in vain.

So looking deep into your eyes,beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic that will once more make me whole.

The strength that you possess is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done for it's the only way.

That strength is why I've followed you and chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you all these years....my partner 'till the end.

Please, understand just what this gift you're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost and all my dignity.

You take a stand on my behalf, for that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right, for I believe it too.

So one last time, I breathe your scent  and through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you to now grant me this appeal.

Cut the leash that holds me here dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog, my pain and struggle done.

And don't despair my passing, for I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart and memory I'll stay.

I'll be there watching over you, your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll run .....a young dog once again. xx

Harley, that is beautiful.

Made me cry !

Me too.as we lost our old boy 2 weeks ago ,Am still putting out bowls for one too many

Oh great!!! now ive started again....Harley that is beautiful thank you xxx

> xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Am still putting out bowls for one too many

I have only just stopped calling bella in from the garden its been since august....

In a previous thread I explained my troy had bone cancer and was spread to the lungs...
We saw a specialist today he had a CT scan it shows that his lungs are clear(or should I say nothing presenting itself at the moment)
A few things:
Troy has the option to now have surgery to remove the tumour and the bone surrounding it...however this case is very unusual because you'd normally expect the tumour to be in the large leg bone I BELIVE it's called radius BUT troys tumour has grown on the ulna!!! Highly inusual...(vets words)Now this presents as good news as no amputation will be needed,they'll remove a section of the ulna and the tumour in his leg will be gone...
Now after surgery he'll be obviously sore and it will take up to 4-5 weeks to recover for very light excersize.
There's no GUARENTEE the cancer won't come back in that area it's very possible..if they mistakenly or just can't see it tiny bits can be left behind...so there's that worry.
My other concern is that by the time he recovers from this surgery there's also once again NO GUARENTEE the cancer won't have gotten big enough to be detected in the lungs and he'll be back to square one.
With this cancer as I've had it explained to me WILL eventually spread to the lungs and it will eventually kill him if he doesn't pass of old age or something eles in between.
So the surgery will buy him time only and of course he'll (once recovered from the op be pain free)
Although the surgeon said it could be 6-12 months SOME go on another two years before regrowth of the cancer.
On the downside it could be as little as  just 4 months before it starts to show either in the origianal place or lungs....
What would you do? This is VERY hard for me!! I definitely want him to have quality of life,and no pain if I'd followed my home vets advise he'd have already been euthanised by now!! 1-2 weeks she said!!! Very bad she said...wrist bone is ready to fracture she said!!!!
Also now thinking of finding a better vet!!
Anyone eles here had this? Or know about it or even heard someone who's been through it????? Anything???
Sorry for long post but wanted to explain clearly x
Thanks xxxxx

Hi Romside.  This decision is SO difficult for you and I am so sorry for what you are going through.

Every case is different, of course, so I can only share my own experiences.  You may remember my posts on your other thread.  In our case, also osteosarcoma, we went for amputation on our very young dog. (Hind leg, no spread detected at that stage).  We felt we had to give him a chance as he was so well in himself and so young and so full of life.  He did really well post op. and cared not a fig that he only had three legs.

The vets were great and told it like it is.  As for you, they said that it was possible he would still be around in two years time and of course everyone hoped that would be the case.  They also warned us about just how vicious this disease is and that it was highly likely to return, possibly in the lungs but maybe elsewhere first/as well.  (I forget the percentages now)  They explained the statistics to us which boiled down to a life expectancy of anything between 4 months and two years.

Four months and one week after our lad first went lame & three months after the amputation, he clearly had a spread to the abdominal area.  Probably liver or spleen but we did not subject him to any more tests and we PTS very quickly at that point to avoid any pain/discomfort.

Looking back I would not do anything differently.  I think, in our case, it was right to give him a chance but it was also right to call it a day as soon as we knew the disease was back.

I wish you the strength to make the decision which is right for your boy.

XXX

Sorry, Romside - I meant to add that I think the decision for surgery (in our case amputation) was a little 'easier' for us because it was a hind leg which was affected.  My understanding is that it is more difficult for dogs to adapt to major surgery (or amputation) on a front leg - especially a fairly heavy dog.

I'm sorry that my posts are probably not very helpful.  Sadly, only you can decide what is the best course of action for you and your Troy.  I would just say that I think it's important never to underestimate just how aggressive this dreadful disease is ... 

If it were my dog - and this is only my opinion - I personally wouldn't have the op done. I am a very firm believer in quality over quantity. I have come to that decision for two reasons and honestly believe that for me I would far rather not put a dog through invasive treatment to extend a life for what may well be a very short time.

I lost my husband to cancer and the last six months were not good -  he regretted having the last lot of treatment and would gladly have gone from this world a good few months earlier than he did. I also had a tumour removed from the hip area of one my dogs. A very fit and active dog who competes in agility. After his op - which also had complications - he was very, very depressed. He couldn't be walked for 6 weeks and then could only have very short lead walks but was used to doing 30-40 miles off lead each week as well as training 2-3 times a week. He is normally up for anything and has a huge zest for life. It was really sad to see him not even bothering to lift his head when I picked up the leads for the other dogs and not being interested in anything at all. This was a year ago and he is back competing but it is only in the last few months that he has really got his oomph back again and is interested in all that is going on around him. Having seen how he was and how long it took him to get back to his former self I have already decided that if anything comes back again then he will receive pallative care and live out however long he has doing the things he loves until that point where his quality of life is not one I would wish him to have.

It's never an easy decision and I really feel for you but wanted to share my experiences and the reasons for the decisions I would make in the future. When faced with such a difficult dilemma your mind goes round and round in circles - but I do believe that eventually you will come to the decision that you feel is right for your dog - and even with misgivings you will know inside which decision is the right one for your circumstances. As long as you have your dog's best interest at heart you will make the right decision whichever way that might be.

Romside
Oh I do feel sorry for you.  This is not something I feel I could advise on.  I have an amputee here, but it wasn't cancer.  It's a male, and it's a front leg.  I am impressed as I expected him to squat like a bitch.  But no, he steadies his stump against a planter, and can cock his leg with ease.  The vet left me the shoulder blade, and it works well.

Which doesn't help you does it.  Would I go for the surgery?  Knowing me - probably.  I would go for anything that I thought could work.  Is it worth it for only a few months?  I don't know, but what if Troy went far longer than that?  And you have no way of knowing the lottery of life.

I'm just sending you some of my strength to help you cope with a decision.  Thinking of you.

Thanks for your replays and they help me very much just to read that I'm not being evil...if there were signs in his lungs then obviously we'd keep him comfortable until he needs to go night nights...would never let one of my dogs intentionally suffer...I'm paying out all in all £5,480 for this op and for a bossible 4 months of being able to play in the park and swim again...no one spends that if they really don't care...right??
I'm not wealthy but I work bloody hard for my money for things I need/want and right now I need or want to try to give him that chance of another year or so...I think yesterday I was kinda against putting him through it because I worried he'd become ill before he got a chance to live again and that's a little selfish but ur right if I don't try and he could of lived on (of course I'd never know) but I'd always ask myself 'what if'!
Dogs live day to day don't they so 4 months to me is nothing but to him 4 months is a good section of his life playing swimming and snuggling up to his mother ;-) IF it's just 4 months...
I'm going to go for the op ,this time last week I was told there was nothing I could do now that's changed I intend on keeping my word to him and giving him another chance!!!
Someone up there is definitely looking down on us and I'm so grateful for that..I'm not religious but I can't tell u how much I've prayed for a chance for him...for the vets to be wrong and by joe there WERE!!!
Please coukd h keep him in your thoughts and hope with me that this works even for just 9 months I'll be happy with that...not being greedy but also asking for a pinch more time
Thanks guys I really appreciate ur heartfelt messages xxx

I know there's no right or wrong but if I had been given the same information as you have I would almost certainly do the same as you - without a crystal ball none of us can tell but sometimes you beat the odds - my eldest dog came through a surgery with the most awful prognosis and success rate - 6 months and 9K later he is doing great and I thank my lucky stars every day that I went with it and took that gamble - outcome could have been very different and we still don't know what the future holds but as you said they live in the day. Everyday I see him being normal, playful, full of energy and life and it is so worth all the stress that brought us here. He will be 11 in May (older for this breed) but acts half that.
Had the outcome been the expected one I still would have had the comfort of no what ifs in my head.
I sincerely wish you all the best for your boy.

Hi Romside. Glad you have decided to go for the op. Have to say that I would have done the same thing. You have already been given duff information so who knows what the future holds. As long as they can guarantee that he will be pain free then straight away that is an improvement on his quality of life. Good luck, hope the op goes well.

Having an ill dog myself, I would say that at the end of the journey with your dog you can look back and have no regrets, thats all that matters. I wish your dog a speedy recovery and lots of more quality time with you:-)

When is the surgery booked for?

It's a very hard decision and I wish you the best with it, but, if it were me I would probably not go for surgery. If were a full amputation Id say definitely not but I appreciate he doesn't need that. however I think the balance of recovery time to potential increased lifespan is just not enough. As you say, dogs live in the moment and whilst you know he will feel better in 6 weeks that will be a very long 6 weeks on restricted exercise and pain for him IMO. If it was a good chance of a cure then it would be different but it seems that it will definitely return, it's just a matter of when. I know you want to give him every chance but I think there is a danger of that being more from wanting to know you tried your best rather than doing what is the best for him in the long run.
I have an older bitch (10) who had a relatively minor op 18 months ago to remove a growing lump from her leg, (it turned out to be benign but was starting to get knocked on things)  It took weeks to heal and several trips back to the vet and she was re-stapled twice. I'm fairly glad I had that one done but it knocked her back for ages and I've already decided that anything else with her would be non-operable. :-(

I'm sorry this is probably not what you want to hear, if you have already gone for hte surgery then good luck to both of you. (BTW, how old and what breed is troy?)

Are you on facebook by any chance?
There is a rottweiler health page which might be worth asking this question on as many have come through something similar. Also there is a programme going on to have your dogs DNA sample taken for this for free. It is bringing together results at a Uni to see if there is anything common in those dogs who end up suffering from it:

Surgery booked for tomorrow 8am.
He's a rottie and turned 7 in January.yes I'm on fb and I've seen the testing on the web and will be contacting them!
I'll help others in anyway I can,I'd not wish this on my worst enemy
Thanks everyone x

There is also another health page. My friend has a rott who ha her leg amputated last year, still going strong now and full of life and is doing agility. She too is an older dog and is all the better for the surgery.. Good luck