We are struggling with or 11 year old labs front leg. It is very swollen and all she does is lay around. X ray is not clear as to whether it is arthritis or osteosarcoma. Her blood panel and lung stay came back good. We are on pain meds and antiinflammatories and watching for improvement to try and rule out osteosarcoma. We can’t really afford many more test so a bobe biopsy is really not an option. We are prepared to amputate if necessary. Anyone have any experience with trying these meds to see if it’s arthritis before you amputate. I am open for suggestions. She is in good health besides her right front leg. .I am not ready to lose her yet
I now this is not any easy time for you, vutyou have definitely come to the most supportive place in tne world! We understand!
Cannot realy address your specific situatin except to say many of us here started out treating for what we thought…hoped…was arthritis….and ended up proceedng with amputation. Many, many times a surgeon is able to pretty mch determine if it’s osteo. by looking at the xrays. Has a surgeon seen the xray?
Pain is pain so either “kind” could causemjer to just wat to lay around–especially bone cacer pain.
I know I’ve not been able to be much help but just want you to know you are NOT alone! We are here for you regardless of what path you may have to take.
IF you do have to amputate…and we all hope not….dogs adjust incredibly quicky to walking on three legs and thoroughly enjoy the benefits of being pain free. The recovery is not easy, but once that’s over and the sparkle comes back…..ohhhhh my goodness!
Please keep us posted and know that we are by your side!
Try and relax and not worry…your precious lab’s not worried about anything ….just loving being loved!
Surrounding you with serenity,
Sally and Happy Hannah
I’m really sorry to hear about Nelly May. Have you gotten a second opinion? That’s what I would do next. Sounds like your vet isn’t moving fast enough or won’t admit that s/he doesn’t know what’s really going on.
Forget the bone biopsy for now: they are painful and expensive and usually only necessary if the first fine needle aspirate comes back inconclusive. A second opinion makes all the difference in the world.
Many of us had our diagnosis delayed because our first vets thought we had arthritis. If only it were that ‘easy’ but unfortunately for most of us it wasn’t. When it comes to bone cancer it’s important to act quickly.
Good luck and please keep us posted. Visit our Discussion Forums too, we are here to help.