Sadly, Osteosarcoma

dumainedogs

New member
I've been away from Newfnet for quite a long time, but I return with some rotten news.

Obie has been diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his right rear leg. After the initial shock, and a lot of research and consultation with vet/oncologist & surgeon, I've made an appointment to have the leg amputated next week.
To all of us, it seems the best option for quality & quantity of life.
The surgery will take away the source of his pain and the source of his cancer. His lungs are clear, but most dogs have micrometastisis so I know we're not out of the woods.

My question, does anyone have knowledge or experience of amputation in a newf. I've found a very good online community with lots of giant dogs who have been through this with remarkably good outcomes. Just wanted to check in with my ORIGINAL newf family here.
 

DAWNMERIE

Active member
Sorry to hear the news :( I lost my first to osteosarcoma :( We could not take his leg (front) due to his terrible hips. I just watched Supervet on Netflix and the last episode had a 3 legged Newf. They swim, swim & swim. Best of Luck to you and Obie!
 

Angela

Super Moderator
I have no experience to offer you but to say I'm really sorry and hope that the surgery will be OK.
 

Jager's Mom

New member
I'm so sorry. We too have dealt with osteosarcoma. We chose to not do the surgery, but keep him comfortable with medication. Some how he gave us 26 more months with him. Until finally we had to put him down. Prayers to you....
 

dumainedogs

New member
Thanks you guys. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm cautiously optimistic we'll find our way to the "outside" range of the statistics on this @#(*& disease!

In the meantime, I've prepared the house and myself for what's to come. Today I plan to bathe and groom him and tomorrow, a friend who is a fabulous photographer has offered to get some nice portraits while he's still on four.

I'm trying to be "more Obie." You see, he doesn't know he has cancer and is living happily day to day. So far he has taken everything thrown at him in stride. I am trying to do the same.
 

victoria1140

Active member
It may not help but Google metronomic chemotherapy as well.max was doing really well on it until the insurance increased our premiums extortionately.

Supervet has removed the legs on a few giant breed dogs and there's no reason he should struggle too much.
You could actually do a bionic leg or replacement part as is in supervet.

If he struggles for a bit there is always the option of a doggy wheelchair for a bit .
 

dumainedogs

New member
I wish the supervet was next door and I had unlimited resources! (He does some crazy stuff, right?)

Still, in my exhaustive searching, I've found great videos of a lot of giant breeds happily gamboling around on 3. I have my fingers and toes crossed that Obie is one of those.
 
So sorry to read about Obi and while I don't have any experience with Newfs with 3 legs, we have many tripod dogs (all sizes) at the rescue I work for and they all have done amazing and surprise us with how well they adapt. This is probably very scary for you and your family, but I bet Obi surprises you with how well he adapts too.
 

Lori

New member
I'm so sorry to hear about this. If you're on Facebook check out Planet Paws and Rodney Habib. He has a series on canine cancer and how diet can help.
 

dumainedogs

New member
Also read the cancer book by Dr Damien dresser as it helped us,there's a Kindle edition as well
Thanks! I'm looking into that one. Now, at a month out from amputation, and one round of chemo down... Obie is having a bit of a setback as his body tries to adjust to the redistribution of weight and usage. I had to put him back on painkillers, I added "golden paste" (turmeric/pepper/olive oil) for inflammation and I'm massaging him a couple of times a day. Still, all in all, I have no regrets. He's eating happily and normally and I still have to hold him back if he spots a squirrel in the yard!
 
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