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Osteosarcoma

harley

My 12 year old Labrador was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma and was given a prognosis of 6 - 12 weeks left to live (we are at the 5 week mark) Due to severe arthritis it has not been possible to have his leg amputated so he is basically just on pain killers. I have been told that there is a 90% chance that the cancer will spread to the lungs and would like to know what kind of symptoms I should be looking for. He has started panting heavily and occassionally coughing but has not lost his appetite or any weight and seems very happy most of the time. I am at a bit of a loss as to what is going to "get him" in the next 7 weeks? And should I expect a sudden drop in his health or is it more gradual.

Thank you for your help.

•   Sami Mieir says:

  August 29th, 2008 at 06:12 AM

  Every pet is different. Some pets hold it off so well until the very last moment. Some pets make a gradual decline. If he was not panting heavily or coughing before, these could be signs. You could also see an inability to catch his breath, blood in the production from the coughing, etc. There are no clear cut "guaranteed to see these things" rules. Again, every pet is different. I do, however, think that it's a very good chance that the panting and coughing could be related to the cancer.

  As a pet owner who has been in this situation before, I would highly recommend planning a time to euthanize your baby before the OS takes him. This allows us the chance to say goodbye and give them a death that is painless...something they deserve as having been our best friends for years. I'm so sorry that you're having to go through this. It's one of the hardest things to watch a family member such as a pet deteriorate through cancer.

  Sami

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