Kaiser's Battle with Osteosarcoma

Our beloved Kaiser fought a battle that he could not win. Just before Christmas 1997, he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (bone cancer) and was given one to two months to live. As was his style, he fought the pain with typical Doberman stoicism. After battling for almost 3 months, we could no longer let him suffer, and we released him from his pain on March 10th. We know now that he is happy and whole again, and we look forward to the day where we can be with him again. In our attempt to be responsible pet owners, we are attempting to learn as much about this insidious disease. In the hope that others can learn from our travails, here is what we have found out about osteosarcoma as well as a diary of how we are dealing with it.

Quite simply, osteosarcoma is a bone cancer. Unfortunately, while it is fairly easy to treat while in the bone, it is very difficult to detect before it metastasizes and, once it reaches the chest and lungs, it is difficult to treat. Typically, the treatment of choice for the leg tumor is amputation (although there are is a procedure called "limb salvage" being used at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania). Once the effected portion of the bone has been removed, anti-cancer drugs, radiation, and/or chemotherapy are typically used to kill the remaining tumors.

Even in the best of cases, where the leg is amputated and a full course of chemo/radiation is given, the life expectancy of a "cured" dog is typically in the neighborhood of 6-18 months. Like all pet owners, we are struggled with that decision, but the fact that the tumor had long since metastisized to the chest severely limits the effectiveness of chemo and radiation therapy. Given Kaiser's age (10 1/2) and his health (he has had two major surgeries in the last 5 years and is not as strong or vibrant as he used to be), we have opted to give him medication to manage the pain only. The most difficult decision is yet to come -- when the medication is no longer maintaining his quality of life. When that time comes, we will send him to The Rainbow Bridge where he can be free of his pain.

Osteosarcoma Links:

What Is It?

• A good starting point for cancer in animals.
  
• A good overview of osteosarcoma and its treatments.
  
• A very clinical description of osteosarcoma, but plenty of references!

How Can It Be Treated?

• Limb salvage in dogs with prior amputation
• Nutrition for Dogs With Cancer-A review of the Literature
• Total Cancer Management in Small Animals
• Cancer Diet Study
• Cancer and Chemotherapy

How Have Others Dealt With It?

• A wonderful account of an owner dealing with osteosarcoma.
  
• An interesting look at statistics, cancer, and dealing with them both

Comments? Questions? Additions? Please drop me a line!