Our 7 year old spayed female Saint Bernard Belle was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) yesterday.
She began limping on her left front Sunday evening while being dogsat while we were away on vacation. When we returned early Tuesday morning her limp was more pronounced.
We took her to the emergency clinic where xrays were taken and the
diagnosis given. Osteosarcoma is a cancer that grows from inside of the bone outward basically slowly exploding the bone.
Her chest xrays came up clear as did the xrays of
her other limbs. We are awaiting results of her bloodwork.
There is no cure. The vet told us she has approx. 1-2 months to live if no treatment is given. It will most likely spread to her lungs but she will have to be euthanized before that because of the extreme pain.
We read that approx 90% of dogs by the time they are diagnosed have already had micro peices of the cancer spread to the lungs that just are not viewable on the xrays yet.
To treat and try to extend her life would require:
A) Amputation alone - Would be for pain relief and give her approx. 3 months.
B) Radiation - For pain relief and would give her 3-6 months.
C) Amputation of her limb and chemotherapy. This may give her 6-12 months. Approx. less than 50% of dogs make it to the one year mark with the amputation and chemo. 20% make it to 2 years, less than 10% will make it further.
We are in total shock. Everything I have read on OS seems to give such a
grim prognosis. We want to do what is best for her. We don't want to put her through such a major surgery if she will be spending her last months after it recovering from the limb removal and being ill from chemo.
I have read many sites and know that it is not certain the amount of
time that amp/chemo will give her. Each case is individual and
varies. Some dogs may live only the 6 months or less and some others over the year.
Has anyone been through this? I would appreciate any advice.
I am wondering that if we chose the amp/chemo treatment &
she lives 1 year, of that 1 year how much time is quality, pain free
& how much time is spent with her recovering post amputaion op, how
much time is she sick from chemo & how much of that time is of when
she starts to decline and is not quality of life.
We are totally confused as to what to do and would appreciate any
insight that anyone can give us. We have a consultation with the surgeon scheduled for Tuesday to try and get more information to help make a decision.
What is the best thing to do?
Is there a right or wrong decision????
Thank you all for your help.