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If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Hand hold please, elderly dog. Waiting for surgeon's opinion.

55 replies

SleightOfMind · 02/11/2016 13:20

DDog1, 16, has broken her hind leg. Waiting to hear if the orthopaedic surgeon thinks she can do anything.
Was staying quite positive for the dc & DH but am having a wobble Sad
Can anyone share stories of old but well dogs coping with surgery etc?
Want to be more cheerful when the older DCs get home (assuming no bad news from vets)

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SleightOfMind · 30/11/2016 21:34

Thank you all! We've been missing her dreadfully, especially our DDog2 who has been really depressed.
DDog2 had started to come out of herself a bit and go for walks again when I noticed her limping.
Off to the (new, much better) vets and home with 5 days of metacam.
Four days later I notice a swelling above her knee and it turns out she's got osteosarcoma.
We're reeling tbh. It's less than a month since we lost DDog1.

DDog2 is a sensitive soul who hates going to the vet's and would find an amputation with follow up chemo extremely traumatic. We're (DH, DS1 and I) pretty sure we would rather let her carry on as long as she's happy to come on walks/run up and down stairs and generally enjoy life. She doesn't do pain well and I think we'll be able to catch it before it gets too far.
My worry is that, instead of the calm end we're hoping for, the tumour will weaken her bone and she'll suffer an excruciating pathological fracture from a normal everyday activity.
After what happened to DDog1, couldn't bear to let that happen again.
I'm agonising over this and keep going backwards and forwards about what to do.
Does anyone know or have any experiences to share regarding greyhounds and osteosarcoma?
I know amputation is well tolerated but she really doesn't cope well with pain and a trip to the vets is as bad as fireworks!

Please help if you can.

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Scuttlebutter · 30/11/2016 23:54

We have/have had a number of greyhounds and it's the one disease we all dread. DH and I have discussed this extensively and we've also taken the precaution of discussing it with our vet (who's wonderful).

My take on it is that bone cancer is very, very painful and there is (as you've pointed out) a high risk of a sudden (and agonisingly painful) fracture. I'm not a fan of amputation for osteo- it's not without risks/issues (post op bleeding for greys often happens or problems with wound healing) and at most you are likely buying six months to a year max. Generally, by the time it's in the leg it's almost certainly also in the lungs so there are mets to deal with.

DH and I have agreed that with any of ours if this is diagnosed we'll be looking at almost immediate PTS (depending on circumstances of diagnosis). For instance when a hound was having X ray for unexplained limp, we made clear to vet that if osteo found, not to wake up and PTS there and then.

We have lost one hound through sudden onset osteo and he was in excruciating pain on his last day before we could get him to emergency vet and immediate PTS - it will haunt me forever to see how distressed he was.

Personally, I would look at PTS sooner rather than later and arrange with vet for this to happen peacefully at home. It's hard for us, but I feel it's my duty after they give us so much love. As you correctly point out, this is far more satisfactory than a sudden leg break, and possibly having to travel with a traumatised dog in agony to an emergency vet you don't know as well as your own.

I realise this may not be the answer you were looking for, but I genuinely believe that there's no pussyfooting around with bone cancer - it's a bastard, you can't win. The best you can hope for is a calm, peaceful end for your beloved hound at home before the pain gets worse.

Noitsnotteatimeyet · 01/12/2016 06:53

I have nothing practical to add to scuttle's wise words but just wanted to say how desperately sorry I am - what a heart-wrenching time for you all Flowers

bluetongue · 01/12/2016 09:23

Oh no OP what terrible luck.

Is dog2 a greyhound as well? In my research before fostering I did read that osteo sarcoma is a problem for them. I've read some accounts of amputation and chemo on an American site (it seems more coop on to treat these thing aggressive,y over there.) while I wouldn't hesitate to amputate for an accident without underlying cancer I think I'd let her go sooner rather than put her through extra suffering. Especially if she hates vets.

SleightOfMind · 01/12/2016 14:13

Oh thank you all. Yes, I've read the US sites too but we'd be at best buying a year and that would include a traumatic op, recovery with possible complications, followed by frequent vet trips for chemo.
I can't bring myself to put her through that.
Scuttle, DH and I are coming to that conclusion too.
I'm going to speak to the vet tonight about the risk of fracture, including splinting or wrapping to support the area and emergency meds to keep here should the worst happen.
DDog is happy and waggy on just the metacam at the moment. Following the DCs up & down the stairs etc but didn't want to come out for a walk for the first time today.
I think we have to do this soon don't we Sad.

Here's a pic of them both for all you lovely people. I don't think I'll be up to posting it after.

Hand hold please, elderly dog. Waiting for surgeon's opinion.
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luckylambchop · 01/12/2016 14:35

OH goodness. I am so sorry, for it to happen so soon afterwards is just terrible. Thinking of you xxxxx

Scuttlebutter · 01/12/2016 14:55

I honestly think it's better going sooner than leaving it possibly too late. I totally get the emotional devestation this brings in its wake. We lost two dogs in close succession (one to osteosarcoma) in 2012, and again this year - losing our beautiful 12 year old boy in May and a wonderful girl at teh end of September. It has knocked me for six and there are still days that are very difficult, in spite of having two wonderful hounds still here, with a third on the way soon.

I can't tell you how sorry I am you are going through this - greyhounds are pretty damn close to being the perfect dog and this bastard disease is almost the only thing about them that isn't.

SleightOfMind · 01/12/2016 16:48

It's so tough. Thank you all so much for the support. It means a huge amount. I daren't tell many people irl at the moment. I've got it all locked up tight in a little box till weds - if I get upset DDog will too!
Vets booked for 4pm next weds. We'll all be at home with her and the little ones will go upstairs after they've had a cuddle.
DS1, DH and I will stay with her.
I can't believe this is happening.

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elevenswan · 01/12/2016 16:56

They are so gorgeous, we lost our greyhound a couple of years ago when her back legs went. We were gutted but she couldn't run anymore and that was her main joy in life. Thinking of you x

Uiscebeatha85 · 01/12/2016 17:04

Oh Sleight Sad I'm so sorry. Mine went at 16 as well and it's heartbreaking. Hugs to you Flowers

Scuttlebutter · 01/12/2016 17:38

Letting her go at home peacefully, surrounded by the people she loves while she's still enjoying life is one of the greatest gifts we can give. It's both very easy (because every rational thought tells you so, and your conscience is driving you) but also heartbreakingly difficult because you are saying Goodbye, even more so after losing another one so recently.

Thinking of you all xxxx

Blackfellpony · 01/12/2016 17:42

So sorry to hear about both of your dogs Sad

For what it's worth I would 100% do exactly the same thing.

SleightOfMind · 02/12/2016 10:45

They are such lovely dogs aren't they? I'm in awe of the way they instinctively fold into a household after such an institutionalised life.

We were planning to adopt another after Christmas but I think I might need a bit more time. DH and the DCs are worried about a greyhound-shaped hole in the house but I don't want a new dog to take on the burden of our grief.

DDog and I are snuggled up on the sofa eating biscuits. It doesn't seem real Sad.
Thank you all for hand hold. It's really helping.

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bluetongue · 02/12/2016 11:17

Once again so sorry OP.

Have you considered fostering for a while until you feel ready for a long term dog again? When my beloved cat passed away earlier in the year I decided to foster a greyhound to give me an animal to care about without the long term commitment. It was extremely rewarding and he went to a wonderful home.

SleightOfMind · 02/12/2016 14:33

It has crossed my mind Blue but I don't think I'd be in any fit state to give them up! Even to the most amazing home. DH would be worse!
I've got no idea how I'm going to feel really, I just don't think I'll be ready to bring a new dog home straight after Xmas.

I'm really worried about leaving DDog alone in case she hurts herself while I'm away.
Goodness knows I'm dreading Wednesday but I'm scared something will happen before then and we'll have left it too late.
Oncologist said there's significant damage at the tumour site and, if her leg's going to fracture there's nothing we can do to stop it. I can't help wincing every time she uses it. I'm half convinced I'll come back from the school run to find her lying on the floor in agony.
She's much more subdued today. Slight tail wag when the little ones came back from nursery but very listless.
I'm hoping it's the Tramadol.

UnMN hugs to everyone on this thread who has lost an animal. Reading your stories is so sad but weirdly makes me much less anxious about failing DDog.

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plominoagain · 02/12/2016 19:10

Oh Sleight , I'm so so sorry . We were in exactly your position in January last year . We went from having a hound with a slight limp , to one with a rapidly developing tumour at the top of his leg and no good prognosis at all in the space of 2 weeks . Our vet is a lovely man who has three of his own and treats all the RGT dogs , and he gave us the option of amputation but said that even if we did the whole chemo and radiation and amputation route , it still might only have given us 6 months with him and would have totally destroyed his whole joy of living . In the end we questioned who we would be doing it for . Certainly not for our boy , who loved running , just because he could . He was pts ten days later and we were heartbroken .

Our girl hound was too, so much so , that in the end , she was so distressed that I ended up driving to the RGT about a week later , and brought the new boy home three days after that . He's been a joy , and he really really is , but he's no replacement for the Rockydog.

SleightOfMind · 03/12/2016 16:01

Oh Plomino ! I'm so sorry. It's shit isn't it.
DDog's been so adorable with the DCs today it's hard to believe she'll be gone on Weds.
She's not really in any pain yet so I've held off on the Tramadol and she's much more herself.
The tumour is that lump next to her joint on the leg at the top of the pic.

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gailforce1 · 07/12/2016 16:15

Sleight just to say you and your family have been in my thoughts this afternoon and that I hope all went as you had hoped and planned.Flowers

TheWorstNoel · 07/12/2016 18:14

Sleight I've been thinking of you too. We lost both our dogs this summer, within three months of each other and both from cancer; the only consolation we had when DDog2 had to be put to sleep was knowing we spared him the distress my darling Dog1 suffered by anticipating the real end by a day or two. It was devastating, and a shock, and I'm so sorry for the heartbreak you'll have suffered, in saving your girl from any more pain. But you've done a kind and merciful thing - be as gentle to yourself. Flowers

SleightOfMind · 07/12/2016 19:58

Thank you all for the unwavering hand holds it's done and it was just as we'd hoped.
Everyone was home and calm despite train strikes, mock exams and virussy toddlers.
the vet was great - DDog was pawing her for more ear scratches as the catheter went in.
She slipped away so gently. It wasn't nearly as hard as I feared.
I stayed calm & cheerfulish to the end - thank you all so much for the reassurance I would have been much more flappy without it & DDog would have picked that up.

Little ones are finally asleep. Am dreading going back downstairs Sad

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Moanranger · 07/12/2016 20:20

Sleight so sad, but now she is at peace, no more pain & she had a good long happy life with you ((((hugs)))))

Floralnomad · 07/12/2016 20:30

I've only just caught up with this thread , so sorry for your losses you must be absolutely devastated , the picture in the antlers is beautiful . RIP lovely hounds .

slinkysaluki · 07/12/2016 21:07

So sorry for your loss. We had to have our greyhound girl pts in September aged 11. It's the hardest thing we gave to do for them.but the kindest. Wishing you and your family all the best x

SleightOfMind · 07/12/2016 21:12

Oh Moan, hugs to you too! Thinking of you & your Sam kept me steady for her.

We're taking the DCs to our local longtail rescue in Jan to find a dog desperate enough to put up with them.

I thought I'd need more time but I'm only lasting that long as we're going away for Xmas.

We're very close to Box Hill. If you do decide to Spring Wink for another perhaps we could meet for a walk.
Forgive any rambling. DH & friends are dousing me with brandy.

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SleightOfMind · 07/12/2016 21:13

Oh, dosing, not dousing!

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