Canine Osteosarcoma
This page is for anyone who faces this terrible diagnosis for the first time. When Schroeder was diagnosed we were lost...not knowing what to do or expect.
We hope our experience will help you to prepare...and we wish for you and yours many fun-filled, pain-free and tail-waggin' days to come...
if you listen with your heart, you can always hear his song...
...Marjolein Bastin
Schroeder began limping on his right front leg.
December 4, 2004
Schroeder diagnosed with Osteosarcoma of the right proximal humerous. He was started on Rimadyl 100mg immediately.
December 12, 2004
Schroeder begins holistic diet and supplements.
December 24, 2004
Schroeder's limp worsens slightly with the onset of colder weather. His Rimadyl was increased to 125mg.
January 7, 2005
Schroeder's first check up since diagnosis. Tumor has grown. Vet added Torbutrol 15mg 2-3 times a day as needed.
January 15, 2005
Schroeder has a second opinion amputation evaluation.
January 17, 2005
Schroeder receives a Lung Biopsy, tracheal wash and Lung X-ray. His lungs are a bit cloudy but the biopsy's and the tracheal wash are both negative for anything. Second opinion of the lung X-ray reveals these are probably just age changes, but due to the possibility they could be complications from the cancer the Vet recommends that we do not amputate.
January 21, 2005
Pain medicine is switched from Rimadyl to Prednisone 20mg twice a day. Pain is worse for one full 24 hour period.
January 30, 2005
Eight weeks post diagnosis! Schroeder is still getting around wonderfully, and his appetite for whole foods is tremendous! His limp is still only slightly noticable. We are extremely lucky!
January 31. 2005
Vet recommends that since Schroeder is doing so great on the Prednisone we try and stop the Torbutrol. Torbutrol was not given with dinner and by 10:30PM Schroeder was in obvious pain. He did not sleep much and I worked from home the next day because he was still in discomfort. He was back to normal within 24 hours of beginning Torbutrol again.
February 7, 2005
Schroeder begins to have a slight cough, maybe three to four times in the evening.
February 8, 2005
Schroeder wakes up at 4:30am restless with labored breathing.
February 9, 2005
Schroeder can not get comfortable enough to fall asleep until 3am. His breathing is labored and he is very anxious.
February 10, 2005
Out Vet gave us Morphine to help him get sleep in the evenings. The Morphine allowed him to fall asleep and not wake until 5am the next morning. Prednisone increased to 40mg.
February 11, 2005
Schroeder received two doses of Morphine this evening and neither calmed him down. His breathing was rapid, and he was very restless. He kept changing positions every two or three minutes. He finally fell asleep around midnight. Prednisone increased to 60mg.
February 12, 2005
Schroeder's X-rays taken today revealed extensive diffuse lung disease, a result of metastatic bone cancer. Our Vet states that his labored breathing is not from pain. Schroeder is unable to take in enough oxygen with normal breaths. He gives us a sedative to help him rest more comfortably at night and not be so anxious about his breathing. The sedative works horribly. Schroeder can not move, eat, drink or respond to Greg and I at all. We decide not to put him through another restless evening.
February 13, 2005
We let our Schroeder go this morning...
February 14, 2005
Greg and I took the day off work and picked Schroeder's ashes up from the Vet. We had a Valentine's day lunch and spent the meal smiling over memories of our Best Friend Schroeder.
September 2004
Lillah began limping on her left rear leg.
April 27, 2006
Lillah's foot is swollen so we journey to the Emergency Vet around 11PM. She is given an injection of Metacam.
April 29, 2006
Lillah diagnosed with Osteosarcoma of the left distal femur. She was started on Torbutrol 10mg 2-3 times a day as needed. Lillah has never responded to Rimadyl so we did not start with this particular pharmaceutical. Our Vet wanted to begin her on Prednisone, but due to the Metacam injection, we have to wait 3 days.
April 30, 2006
Lillah has been on supplements for most of her life due to her history with ACL surgeries, but today we have added to her regimen.
May 1, 2006
Lillah's pain became noticable today. Our Vet assured us that we just need to give her a few days to adjust to the pain medication, and we need to figure out what combination works for her.
May 2, 2006
Lillah tossed and turned most of last night. Her pain panting was hard to watch...I can only imagine what it was like for her. She received her first Prednisone 20 mg at 2AM. She will now be given 20 mg Prednisone 2 x day and 15 mg Torbutrol 3 x day.
May 3, 2006
Lillah slept very well last night. She is SO MUCH better. She isn't panting as she has done the last two days. Hopefully her medication is settling in. We went down to the river after work and she did not want to stop swimming and chasing sticks!
May 6, 2006
More Swimming! She had the greatest time...2.5 hours of swimming and stick chasing. Her sleep has been so sound and peaceful since arriving home. We are extemely lucky!
May 27, 2006
Lillah Checkup- Lillah is moving very well. We have continued taking her swimming at least four days per week. Both Greg and I rush home to hook up the boat and head out. She has become quite spoiled, and she really loves stopping by Krystal on the way home for dinner.
June 3, 2006
Lillah begins to receive Morphine along with the Torbutrol and Prednisone. She continues to do so wonderfully!
June 20, 2006
Lillah needs three Morphine pills per day now instead of two. She continues to rest peacefully, enjoy food and swimming. Her spirit is abundant!!!
June 30, 2006
Lillah had a big evening of swimming, however, her legs appear to be giving out on her. Tonight she can not stand on her own. Her tumor has more than doubled in size these last few days, and Greg and I worry that it may soon split her skin.
July 1, 2006
After a huge beef bacon family breakfast, and a quick dip in the river, Greg and I let our Lillah go this morning...she was unable to stand up any longer, and her leg was in danger of rupture from the tumor growth over the last few days.
April 2006
Picture Gallery
2-1997
4-29-2006
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4-30-06
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5-3-06
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5-06-06
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5-13-06
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6-30-06
Picture Gallery
4-1997
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1-1-2005
1-7-2005
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2-5-2005
2-12-05
2-12-05 (2)
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We have chosen to take this same route with our Lillah. We hope that our timelines, and holistic approach will help you to make a more informed decision about how to care for your loved one.
Please know that we are not condeming medical intervention...all animals are different, and different options are available based upon your veterinarian and your location. We just want people to feel better about choosing a natural course of treatment. All of the decisions you will face from this point forward will be made with uncertainty either route you choose to take. It is important that you remember to keep the focus on your animal's happiness..this way you can not go wrong!