Cancer has become an increasingly common condition among Rottweilers. It is the leading cause of non-accidental death in dogs and has begun to spread rapidly among Rottweilers, especially in recent years.
The term cancer is used to refer to a large number of diseases whose only similarity is that they are all characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation. Of the various types of cancer that are found in Rottweilers, bone cancer or osteosarcoma is the most prevalent.
The fact that certain cancers are most often seen in specific breed families seems to suggest that there is some hereditary component or genetic predisposition for these cancers.
In 1999 a study was conducted called the Study of Longevity and Cancer Risk in Rottweilers. A 16 year old student from Indiana named Benjamin Beranek won an award at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in 2000 for his own findings based on the data from this study.
Beranek compared the rate of osteosarcoma in Rottweilers that had been spayed or neutered to those whose reproductive systems were left intact and discovered that female Rottweilers that were spayed early in life were four times more likely to develop bone cancer than females that remain sexually intact. That’s quite an accomplishment for a teenager!
Osteosarcoma – What to look for
Osteosarcoma is most often seen in older Rottweilers from middle age to the elderly, though this and other large breed dogs are susceptible to developing tumors at much younger ages. In order to properly diagnose osteosarcoma in your pet two steps are necessary, both of which will be handled by your veterinarian.
- X-ray
The process of locating the area in need of an x-ray is rarely a problem, as bone tumors are quite tender and your dog will let you know pretty quickly where the problem is. - Biopsy
A tiny section of the bone in question is removed and tested. This is considered the only way to achieve a true diagnosis of osteosarcoma. There is a pronounced degree of pain involved and some animal medical professionals debate the necessity of a biopsy if the x-rays showed an obvious case of osteosarcoma.
If bone cancer is diagnosed, the most commonly accepted course of action is to amputate the affected limb. While this can have a profound impact on humans, Rottweilers have four legs and would be, to a certain extent, unaffected by the loss of one.
Rottweiler Cancer Support Groups
Because of the sheer number of Rottweilers afflicted with cancer, an online support group was eventually formed by die-hard Rottweiler lovers who knew what it felt like to lose a beloved pet. Members of this mailing list-based group discuss medical, nutritional and even holistic treatment options as well as offer support and grief counseling to other Rottwiler-lovers who have lost their pet to cancer.
People whose Rottweilers have not yet been diagnosed with cancer are encouraged to join for the educational benefit. Preventative measures and other information can help regardless of your dog’s current diagnosis.
To find out more about the Cancer in Rottweilers support group or to join, visit them at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cancerinrottweilers.
85 Comments to “Rottweilers and Cancer”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
I just wanted to say that rottweilers are amazing dogs. I was blessed with my rottweiler Buddy for 11 yrs. He was the best dog ever. Unfortunately he came down with cancer on top of his arthritus and older age he had to be put to sleep yeterday 3-24-09. I miss him so much.
Deana – I know this reply comes months later, and I can only hope that the 3 months since that terrible day has diminished the pain of your loss.
My 9 year old Rottie was put down two years ago this past December. She was my first dog I’d ever had to euthanize, and it was, bar-none, the worst thing I’ve ever had to do. Even as I write this, I fight back tears – I miss her that much. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in the back lower femur. From the onset, we didn’t want to believe it. We managed the pain with Rimadyl (?) and were able to spend another 8 months with her. The last days were horrible, and I swore I would never put myself through it again. Yet, the very next morning after she was gone, we picked up a rescue from our local kill-shelter. Then, 8 months later, picked up another American Rottie. I couldn’t get myself to call her anything other than Smokie (the first Rottie’s name). Now, nearly two years later, I so love this dog, I get depressed when I think what awaits me in just a few more years. It’s hard. But it is worth it. Keep your chin up – they need us as much as we need them!
My 13 year old male Rotty was diagnosed with bone cancer today. I can’t quit crying- he has been subscribed tramadol for pain and an anti-inflamatory. He has been my friend for many years, after my son gave him to me because he was moving and couldn’t have him with him. He is my second Rotty, and as a breed they are the most loyal and loving. My first Rotty was my sweet Grizell- she lived for 9 years before we had to put her to rest. We always think our pets will live forever- they lay paw prints in our hearts and we are never the same. I will share my life with another dog I am sure, but my Rotties will never be forgotten. I will do my very best to ease his pain in the coming months, but I will be strong when the time comes when his quality of life is no longer enjoyable for him. I will hold him and let him go to the Rainbow Bridge to wait for me. ~~~~~ Manson, King of the his Castle!
I know how of you feel. i just lost my 9 year old dear tasha rottweilwer to cancer. She was only at the vet five months ago for a full checkup, she had hurt her left back leg. However she was doing just great. I notice a change in the last month a large lump under her neck. she was eating. we took her to the vet only four weeks ago was was told by two different vets, that she had cancer. It was in almost every organ, eyes spleen , lumbs inside. We had to place her to sleep. i have neverr cried so much.I miss her so much. the vet did tell her she is out of pain and she would have gone only in a few days. He aslso did tell us some breed get cancer more than other one of them is the rottweilwer. I do want another one, but don’t know if I can go through the pain.
I lost my first rottie to lymphosarcoma at the age of 10. When she was first diagnosed we pu ther on chemo and she went inot remission. It only lasted a few months so we opted to only treat her with steroids and love. We had her another year. My second rottie was put to sleep three weeks ago at the age of 11. She was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in her toe. We had it amputated and kept her another 10 mos. In both cases I knew when it was time to let them go. I didn’t sit with my first girl but I did with my second and it was the right decision. I miss them but I am at peace with my decision to let them go.
We just found out our soon to be 8 yr old rottie Loki has Osteosarcoma in the right front ankle. It has eaten most of the bone away and i feel like it’s my fault. The last few weeks it was swelling so i was giving him Meloxicam thinking ti was a torn miniscus and today he puked straight blood so we took him straight to vet and xray confirmed it. they gave him pain meds and antibiotics (hot spots) and something for his stomach bc Meloxicam caused an ulcer. Had I of been able to prevent it if I had taken him to vet sooner? My heart is breaking bc he is the best dog ever. I don’t know how to just sit back and watch while he slowly dies but he is to healthy right now to put him down. I wish I could trade places with him.
I had no idea that cancer was so popular with rottweilers. I just had to put down my only 2 1/2 year old rottie this weekend. She had liver, pancreas, and intestinal cancer that spread to practically every organ. by the time we noticed something was wrong, it was too late. I was so shocked to have such a young and healthy dog lost to cancer. I have never experienced such a horrible event. I want another rottie so bad, but seeing how she went, I’m afraid to go through that all over again…..
My 11 year old Rottweiler has a tumor on her front leg and it has to be removed because the vet said it looks like it could be cancer. I can only hope that it’s benign and she does well. I’ve only had her about 3 years and she deserves nothing but a happy and pain free life.
About one month ago, I found out my 9 year old Rottie, Roxy, has bone cancer. It’s on her hip and is eating away her leg muscle and spine. She’s down to 76 pounds and has always been between 90-100. I’ve cried more in the last 3 weeks than my whole life combined. I am slowly getting prepared to put her down but still can’t fathom living without her. This cancer was so sudden and aggressive that I can’t come to terms with the fact it is hurting such a sweet animal.
We just put our boy down a week ago. It took 4 months and he was in too much pain. He fought though- he was still eating fine, but his quality of life was not the best. I read that osteosarcoma in certain bloodlines of rottweilers. I had my liitle girl put to sleep at 9 because she had lung cancer. They are such a wonderful breed, so loyal and loving. I’d do it again with either one of my rottweilers. They gave me unconditional love.
My rotti is the love of my life his name is Sysco tutie bear love nugget when he was 5 months he was hit by a truck and lost his left front leg he is now an amazing 12 years of age and has been diagnosed with sarcoma cancer it is devistating he has been taking taredol and medicam deramax anything to help this is the most difficult time in my life i feel like iam dying with him today i rushed him to the hospital and they said there is nothing more they can do letting go is so so so hard i will have to put him down i only hope he goes to a better place where he has no pain i love him more than any words can say.
My Roxy died 12/23/09 from cancer. We were going to leave Florida that day and drive to Ohio. I wanted Roxy to make it through Christmas with her family and then I knew she would need to be put down. I had a vet on stand-by in Ohio. I knew the 23rd, when I was leaving for work, that she was getting worse so we decided to leave at 1PM rather than 7PM. I arrived home from work at 12PM and Roxy died 45 minutes later. The cancer took her breath away. Roxy and God knew the trip would be too much for her. It was awful and I miss her dearly. She has been my family and friend for the last 10 years while we lived in Florida, away from family members. I never knew it would be so hard to live without her.
I lost my 11 yr old rotteiler , Dusty, today to bone cancer. She was diagnosed on August 17,2009 and faught it bravely untill January 05,2010. I have never seen such strength or dignity in any human I have ever known . She was the most loyal and loving dog to me and my family. She taught me along with my other dog,Nick how to be a mother. I held her today as she was put to sleep to stop her suffering. She was peaceful and pain free. I will never forget you DustyGirl!
I just put my sweet Lulu Guinness (German Rottweiler) down 10 hours ago and can’t stop crying. I got her from my parents when she was 6 weeks old and live to the age of 10. Two weeks ago she started to not eat, I thought she didn’t like her food so gave her another kind. Then over the past week she was unable to hold anything down including water. Finally yesterday I took her to the vet and when the did the x-ray it was confirmed that she had Cancer. There were large tumors around her heart, they said radical treatment wouldn’t help her. I owed it to her not to let her suffer as she never let me suffer. She went through the death of my parents with me, a divorce and the birth of my 1st grandbaby. She loved me unconditionally even to the last minute. As I sat with her on the floor last night she was upset the vet was getting close to me. Rotti’s are by far the BEST dog to ever own. She took care of my grandson and never harmed him; he is 2 now. I polished her nails and even showered with her. My heart is so broken and the pain I feel now is so hard to put into words. It is so comforting to read all the posts here to know that so many people can appreciate and love the breed. May God rest my baby girls soul, my life will never be the same without her.
I just found out my sweet rottweiler has cancer. I just cant stop crying. I am watching her sleep. She is my best friend. I love her. Not sure what the vet told my husband other than her having cancer. JUst didnt have the heart to ask but soon will. Meals are small. She gets steak. Anything she tolerate..I will cherish the time I have with her….I have such a lost lonely feeling already. She is the best. What a character. She is a rescue rottie. My sister in law told me about her and it was love at first sight. Sadly, my sister in law died of cancer 3 years ago
I literally stumbled on this site looking for information re: bone cancer in rottweilers. After noticing my rottie limping, his left rear foot began swelling and he refused to put any weight on it. Thinking it was an injury I took him to the vet today and learned that my soon-to-be-9-yr-old Simba has bone cancer. Reading your stories have brought the tears again. I’ve had Simba and his sister Kita since they were 6-weeks old. I moved them with me to Atlanta from NY and the thought of Simba no longer in my life is more than I can think about right now. I’ve been given his options but I must do more research before deciding which action to take.
Adding to the pain of losing him is the fact that February 19 is the two year anniversary of my father’s death…also from cancer.
i have a nine month Rottweiler male that warrants nueter with in the next year. He is not walked anywhere off the leash and leaves outside. Whenever he is outside, he is thoroughly spervised. All research shows problems with early neutering and states they escape looking for the intact females. Mine is not allowed outside under my total control and needs immediate superv dupreon leash. i am reading all intact rotts roam, can’t escape and is on leash anywhere. All research on uneuteured dogs suggests males are aggressive, bit, hump, and will impregnate my three goldens that are notneurtered. My research shows dogs that have no intention of ever being spayed end up with reproduction issues. There on the other hand intact females that are not spayed, run loose and create all kinds of unneccessary problems, I would like my boy neutered at two years of age, constantly supervised when outside for training and limit my intact male and intact females are supervised at all times. Thereby eliminatinn the problems with intact females. My two females are not a prblem with accidental mating, as they are constantly supervised in the house and yard. If loose dogs are in the neighbor hood, my dogs are inside. All my neighbors never sray/neuter there pets, let them run loose and impregnant bitches. My dogs are inside at all times until they are supervised in my acre and a half acre and under the control of me at all times. It is my neighbors intact dogs that run loose that cause the trouble
I just arrived home from the vet, my almost nine year old male Rottie has not been doing well. Over the last year he has been just not himself, less energy, his coat sheds way more than normal, he sleeps way, way too much, his teeth are beautiful ( I brush them everyday) but his breath reallly stinks, his eyes are hanging and drooping, the worst thing is that he has not eaten in almost 24 hours, and that is a bad sign. Took him to the vet, she can feel an orange size mass in his stomach, he is very dehydrated, we are doing blood tests, but she thinks he may have cancer. Ive offered him all of his favorite things to eat, steak, chicken, he wont eat. I’ve been syringing dog electrolytes in to him. He has been the love of my life for so long, I can’t bear to stand the thought of losing him. He’s the biggest bundle of cuddly love. He has had the most wonderful life, I’ve had him since he was eight weeks old. He sleeps 20 hours a day now, won’t get off of the sofa, and I noticed his stomach is distended, he yelped when I touched his stomach. I have the very worst feeling in the world Im going to lose my boy, I have burned my face with all the tears I have cried. I am so, so sad
I originaly thought my 5yr old rotty,missy was bitten by a recluse on her right toe nail & I asumed the bite was eating away @ her toe nail,today i took her in to the vet,he said it might be cancer that it was very common in rotts,we\’re putting her on antibiotics and pray that they start helping her nasty wound..in one week from today if the meds dont help we will take her back for an x-ray & the vet will swab her toe/foot to check for cancer..she is an awsome dog,,i pray that it is not cancer,,she fought parvo as a puppy,,she is a survivor..
I sit here crying harder then I think I have ever cried in my whole entire life. The past weekend my healthy baby girl Precious woke me up with cries of pain, she wasn’t putting much pressure on her right hind leg. I took her to the vet very concerned and never thought in a million years I would received the news I got. She has bone cancer and its so aggressive its just eating away at her bone/hip area. I can’t help but blame myself, how could I miss this? I have very little time left with her and I will cherish every last moment I have. 3 months shy of her 10th birthday, I can’t imagine my life without her.
A month ago I had to put my sweet Titan down because he had lymphoma. He was my beautiful boy and I miss him so much. I cry every day for him because I had always wanted a Rottie and when i got him he was my dream come true. Rotties are the best dogs in the world….I want to bless my life with them always but now I am skeptical because of the chance of cancer. I do not know if I could go through that again.
I lost my rottweiler, Buddy, over the weekend, he was only 3, just a baby. He started to slow down a few weeks ago, then we found him in the morning, unable to move anything but his eyes. One of the tumors ruptured and gave him a stroke, just the day before were playing outside. There was no way to save him, he had to be put down, I just wish I had more time and I was ready for him to pass, he had a good heart and deserved more. I am just greatful for the time I spent with him and all his larger than life character traits. It’s tough to make that decision when they are that sick.
We lost our 9 year old Bunkass today to cancer were going to miss him so much weve lost a valued member of our family today RIP.x
We lost our 8 year old, Roxy, Monday after a 5 month battle with bone cancer. 1st diagnosed in December, front left leg amputated in January. They thought they got it all, but Sunday she stopped eating and wouldnt get up to go out. Not even to play with her ball. Sunday night we noticed a large knot where her leg wouldve been. We knew cancer was back. Overnight it doubled and we took her in Monday. She fought a good fight. We are so blessed to have had her as long as we did. Wonderful companion and great with out 2 kids. She will be missed dearly.
I had to put my 8 year rottie mix to sleep 2 weeks ago she had bone cancer she’s the second rottie I’ve lost to bone cancer the first one had cancer in her spine
my 9 month old puppy rottie called bruce has had lymphogoatosis a very rare form of cancer in dogs. it devastated us and we thought he was going to die. the vet had not even heard of it. we got a call afew days after his diagnosis from the vet to say that hisprevious large biopsy was sufficient treatment as he had a large amount of tissue removed. it may come back when he is an older dog but for now we get to see him grow up which has made us so happy.
I HAVE AN 11YR OLD FEMALE ROTTI THAT HAS BONE CANCER AND AM FINDING DIFFICULT TO COME TO TERMS WITH EUTHANASIA SHE STILL GETS AROUND OK AND IS HAPPY IT SEEMS BUT THE TUMOR ON HER FRONT LEG IS BIGGER THAN MY FIST.I FEEL LIKE CRYING EVERY TIME I LOOK INTO HER EYES .I GUESS IM NOT GOING ANYWHERE WITH THIS JUST RAMBLING ABOUT ME BEING SELFISH
My 13 year old rottie Shekilya is going to the vet tonight becuase she is not eating well and is havng a hard time getting up and is lmping alot. She has a lump on her stomach and after reading on here I just know she probably has cancer. I have been crying so much as I do not have kids and she is like my daughter. I am going to miss her more than words can even describe. At least I knowI am not alone in my pain. Thank you all for your stories!
I lost my beautiful baby girl Precious Monday April 26th from a short 6week battle with bone cancer. I’m lost without her. She was the most beautiful loving dog and the only thing she was ever guilty of was loving me and my family so much. I’ve never had such a strong bond as I did with her, i’m having such a hard time with all this feeling angry and sad all at once. I try to find peace now knowing she has no pain but I am so selfish I want her right here beside me being my 110 pound lapdog. R.I.P my beautiful baby girl.
First of all, I\’d like to say that I\’m sorry to all of you who have lost or are in the process of losing your best friend, family member and most loyal companion.
I just found out on Monday that my baby girl, Callisto, has osteosarcoma in her front left shoulder. The grief is overwhelming. I am losing my only child after only 9 short years.
I remember the day I picked her up from the breeder like it was only yesterday. I never would\’ve thought, then, that my little ball of fur with those massive paws would take over my life the way she did. She has been through so much with me – first apartment, then moving to a new place which was the first time we lived on our own, my marriage, etc. She\’s taught me so much about myself (and is still teaching me new things now).
I just keep thinking how much I will miss her when she\’s gone. The way she\’s always making me smile or giggle with the classic Rottie \"head tilt\" whenever she\’s asked a question, the way she shuffles/drags her feet as she walks through the house, the way she does her little \"rodeo\" jump around session when she wants to go out, and, of course, all of those slobbery kisses (especially when she knows I\’m sad and is trying to cheer me up). My personal favorite, though, is when we point to a spot in between the couch cushions and say \"what\’s in there?!\" only to watch her pull the cushion out of the way with her paw and stick her head down there, sometimes pulling out a lost sock or something similar. I can\’t imagine coming home from work and not having her there to greet me at the door.
I know I should be enjoying the time I have left with her (the vet says 6 months if I\’m very lucky) but she is limping quite badly even with the Tramadol and Novox. She seems in good spirits – Still jumping around when she\’s got to pee and barking at the passing dogs while sitting on the couch looking out the window. Still has quite the appetite, takes her pills without protest and before I left for work this morning she ran and picked up her rope bone so we could play (which consists of me chasing her around and around the coffee table, never actually getting the bone) but I am concerned about how much pain she\’s in. Callisto (or Bubbles as we call her) is my first dog and I guess I just don\’t trust myself to know when it\’s time to put her down, even though everything I\’ve read said that I will.
This is BY FAR the hardest thing I\’ve ever had to do and I just absolutely dread the day that I know is coming. In the meantime, I\’m trying my very best to be strong and happy around her because I just love her so much. I wish, more than anything, that I could hold on to her forever…
My Rottie is over 12-1/2 years old. She has severe arthritis in her back legs and the vet suspects bone cancer in her right front leg. She wants to do an X-ray, but I do not want to know at this late stage of her life. She is not doing well and can barely walk and will only go outside to do her duties every couple of days. I have been giving her Tramadol for pain, but it makes her a total zombie. I think it will be very soon when I will have to say goodbye and it is breaking my heart. She has been my best friend for 10 years.
on wed we had to put our 3 1/2 yr old rottie down he had cancer that spread all over we thought he had a stomach virus because he had a little diarea and vomiting anfd then the next day he was dying my heart is breaking he was such a great dog who deserved to live a long life he was way too young Tyson was 165 lbs but was so gentle with kids especailly my 3 1/2 yr old they were brought home around the dsame time . there is an empty place in side of me and there will never be another Tyson I have 2 other dogs whom i love with all my heart too they are 8 and 9 yrs old but my baby is gone. how do i cope with this i can ‘t stop crying and i go home and he isnt ther when you have such a large dog that is always under your feet its hard to not see him. yesterday I put his blanket and bowl away and it destroyed me the only cvomfort I have is that it happened quick we neve had to see him suffer unless he was hidding the pain but my tyson was dying when we got home and the vet was amazed that he was still alive when we got to the office in some way i believed he waited for us to say good bye —I love you Tyson may you restin peace my love
I am so sad. I took my dog in for a routine exam, and she has melanycitic neoplasia – everywhere. SHe is doing well still – feels great, eating, just sleeping a little more than normla. I am a single mom to a 5 year old – the two are inseperable. I got through so amy orderalas with ehre. I cann’t imagine her not here I am in so much pain.
two weeks ago today we had to have our rottweiler put to sleep his name was shadow he was only 6 years old we are all very sad he had bone cancer in his front leg the vet said he couldn’t do anything for him and we didn’t want to see him in pain he was a big teddy bear he loved playing with my 5 children he never hurt anyone he was so gently and we loved him and you could tell he loved us. r.i.p shadow we will never forget you and we will always love you.xxx
I am sitting here looking at my beautiful Angel, i rescued her three years ago from a life of misery. She is the most wonderful loving dog you could ever wish to meet. She cant put her right hand back leg to the ground now, she has been on medication for the past three weeks and Tuesday she will x rayed, i dread the results, i pray to god it is not cancer and that we can keep our beautiful girl for just a while longer, i cant bear to part with her. How do betray your best friend and take their life away, i owe her so much , i dont want her to suffer but im suffering in my heart so bad.
My almost 8yr old male rottie-Adolph was dx 4 days ago, going to the oncologist tomorrow-osteosarcoma tumor left front shoulder 6cm x 6cm-
he was at vet ER 6 weeks ago for limping-labwork normal, vet thought it was a sprain. He hasn’t walked on leg since. Now won’t eat-must bribe him with cooked people food, chicken, burger, ect
I thought of amputation-but it doesn’t seem to really prolong life of quality of pain because of healing time of surgical incision. He’s taking to hiding twice now in strange places-I’m guessing the end is near for him and I-I bought him a half gallon of cookies and cream ice cream for tonight-he’ll be happy for awhile at least. This is going to be one sad summer : (
Wow! I had to put down the love of my life, my 7 year old rottie, Beba. I\’ve been crying for a week since she wasnt doing well. Same story, she was limping from her left back leg, had diarrhea, and wasnt eating. No one in this world had ever jumped for joy more than her when she saw me. Even if she had just seen my 3 minutes before. Took her to the vet where they did an x-ray. He told me there was a fracture but her leg was so swollen, he thought he saw a mass algo and didnt look good. Gave her antibiotics, anti-inflamatory and pain med and suggested I take her to the vet hospital asap. Took her there the following morning. They took her right in for an iv and blood work and examined the x-rays. I sat in the waiting room just praying. When they finally called me in, all I heard was bone cancer, nothing we can do for her. I started to crying hysterically, I couldnt accept it. I was so upset, sad and just wanted to punch the walls! They said even it they treated it aggresively by giving her chemo and amputation up to her hip, her prognosis was not good. The cancer had already spread! I signed for her to get euthanized and havent stopped crying since. Worse decision I\’ve ever had to make but I know she was in so much pain. I said goodbbye to her and she wagged her little tail for me one last time. I feel I failed her! I took her in to get better and left there without her! Definitely rotties and the best! I will always love and miss my Beba! Will cry forever! My life will never be the same without her!
Wow! I had to put down the love of my life, my 7 year old rottie, Beba. I\’ve been crying for a week since she wasnt doing well. Same story, she was limping from her left back leg, had diarrhea, and wasnt eating. No one in this world had ever jumped for joy more than her when she saw me. Even if she had just seen me 3 minutes before. Took her to the vet where they did an x-ray. He told me there was a fracture but her leg was so swollen, he thought he saw a mass algo and didnt look good. Gave her antibiotics, anti-inflamatory and pain med and suggested I take her to the vet hospital asap. Took her there the following morning. They took her right in for an iv and blood work and examined the x-rays. I sat in the waiting room just praying. When they finally called me in, all I heard was bone cancer, nothing we can do for her. I started to crying hysterically, I couldnt accept it. I was so upset, sad and just wanted to punch the walls! They said even it they treated it aggresively by giving her chemo and amputation up to her hip, her prognosis was not good. The cancer had already spread! I signed for her to get euthanized and havent stopped crying since. Worse decision I\’ve ever had to make but I know she was in so much pain. I said goodbbye to her and she wagged her little tail for me one last time. I feel I failed her! I took her in to get better and left there without her! Definitely rotties and the best! I will always love and miss my Beba! Will cry forever! My life will never be the same without her!
Wow! I had to put down the love of my life just 10 hours ago, my 7 year old rottie, Beba and i’ve been crying since. I’ve been crying for a week since she wasnt doing well. Same story, she was limping from her left back leg, had diarrhea, and wasnt eating. No one in this world had ever jumped for joy more than her when she saw me. Even if she had just seen me 3 minutes before. Took her to the vet where they did an x-ray. He told me there was a fracture but her leg was so swollen, he thought he saw a mass algo and didnt look good. Gave her antibiotics, anti-inflamatory and pain med and suggested I take her to the vet hospital asap. Took her there the following morning. They took her right in for an iv and blood work and examined the x-rays. I sat in the waiting room just praying. When they finally called me in, all I heard was bone cancer, nothing we can do for her. I started to crying hysterically, I couldnt accept it. I was so upset, sad and just wanted to punch the walls! They said even it they treated it aggresively by giving her chemo and amputation up to her hip, her prognosis was not good. The cancer had already spread! I signed for her to get euthanized and havent stopped crying since. Worse decision I\’ve ever had to make but I know she was in so much pain. I said goodbbye to her and she wagged her little tail for me one last time. I feel I failed her! I took her in to get better and left there without her! Definitely rotties and the best! I will always love and miss my Beba! Will cry forever! My life will never be the same without her!
Hello all-
Today my dog was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. It has been very hard to accept. We rescued her in 2004 from the VB SPCA at the age of 4. She was an abused dog and she was about to be euthinised before we got her. So I am truly honored that we were able to provide her with a loving home for the remaining years of her life. We have been blessed to have her in our family. She has given us the best 6 years she had left. We love her very much. Unfortunately we are going to have to make a hard decision as to when its time to let go. On top of the cancer she also has arthritis in her hind legs. The vet did give her some meds to try and make her comfortable but I dont want her to suffer for my sake of holding on. Roxy we love you very much!
Mysweet 5 year old Rotti, Hannah, wont eat. She has a fever of 105, and a huge lump in her neck and throat. a quarter size open ozzing lump on her nose, and a fever blister on her lip. We have been to the vet 5x and the emergency hospital once in the last 3 weeks. All started with her vomiting and within a week tumors started coming up and growing fast. She has had anti nausea injections, fluid, and several rounds of antibiotics. They said she has spindle cell tumors, the assumption is cancer, but they cant be sure with out surgery to get a biopsy. She has lost so much weight, she is very lafargic, not happy, she is in pain or maybe just more uncomfortable? Has anyone else expirened this? I think she will have to be put down, the hospital vet suggested it. Help??? As like everyone with a Rotti, I love her, she is part family.
I let Hannah go today….completely devastated.
My beloved rottweiler toby is sorely missed everyday. Just a fun loving boy with a huge heart and personality. Toby was a bundle of joy that you could hug forever. He was an amazing dog that was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at the young age of 8.5. Its websites like these and many others that help with the healing process. Although it can never be totally healed, im confident with enough hard work and dedication we can put an end to this horrible disease and our beloved breed can live (bone) cancer free. I love you toby! my best friend and angel…….
I noticed a hard large lump on my 8 year old Rottie’s front left leg on friday, just got back from the vet this morning and was told he has cancer and nothing can be done for him! He only has 2 to 6 months to live from what the Vet says, we can only give him pain meds to keep him comfortable…I am devastated! Does anyone know of any alternative medicine for dogs? And any suggestions on how to spoil him his remaining days? He is my life, I can’t imagine living without him beside me! He is such a great dog and companion! Please keep him in your prayers!
Today is the third day with out my Anja. It is so difficult to do anything. Anja is(was) always my constant companion. The best doghter in the world. She was 11 years and one day shy of two months . Rest in peace my sweet girl….Mommy LOVES YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just have been told my Rotty has cancer, Dax has a big lump in his mouth and a big lump on his rear leg, he is still with us but going to sleep next week I can’t take it he is by far the best dog I have ever had. We make him as comfortable as we can we have beds all over our house, he sleeps most of the time, not a peep out of him he is so strong I feel guilty about what is about to happen but I know he is in pain and I have to be responsible. I keep reminding myself and my wife that we are great pet owners and Dax has had a great life, the best food, regular vet visits, his own room complete with a comfortable bed, regular exersise, treats but not junk. I feel sick to my stomach, it is going to be a very hard week for us. Thank you for being here to vent and god bless all of you and your pets, this really sucks I am crying as I write.
It is coming up on a year since we freed our Monk from his cancer ridden body (osteosarcoma). While I know his spirit is healed now, I miss him terribly. We were treating the limp he had with acupuncture until the vet noticed swelling. We elected not to go with the biospy or amputation, because he was 10. We just couldn’t put him through that so that we may have a month or even 6 months with him. We felt like he would not have quality of life. He was a loyal, dedicated member of our family. He was diagnosed on Sept. 8, 2009 and we had to set him free on Oct. 29. While initially I questioned our decision, I know it was the right thing for us to do. He was our boy and we will cherish him always. To all those who have lost a four legged member of your family or are dealing with the dreadful disease, you have my sympathy. Please consider donating to canine cancer research so that maybe another family won’t have to go through the heartbreak in the future. They are our angels, aren’t they?!
P. S. to my earlier post. There is one thing I\’m glad we did before Monk passed: we made plaster molds of his pawprints in the sand. It has provided great comfort. One more thing – as long as you still find their hair, they will never be completely gone
Charlotte .. I lost my 10yr old rottie to cancer 5 weeks ago. Broke my heart… she was ill only 2 weeks before a week of tests showed cancer.. she gave up so quick as she was a bounce for life dog and i knew if she couldn’t go for her walk her quality of life and everything she loved was gone . 2 days after finding out i had to make the awful choice to stop her suffering as she stopped eating .. Found her hairs on a blanket i used to take her 2 and from vets today and for once i was really pleased her hair was all over the place …… How many times i moaned about her moulting …… x thought are with you x
Hannah ….. I went through the same … Mable was vomiting and drinking so much water, she was 10 and went from super fit to super ill in 2 weeks .. one of the hardest goodbyes i ever had to do xx
I just had to put down my rottie Shmily (See How Much I Love You) today due to osteosarcoma. It was an extremely painful choice, and just the same as most people have mentioned, she went downhill very quickly. She provided six and half years of joy to myself and to all those around her. She was so full of so much love, and personality, she will certainly never be forgotten. I want to thank everyone for sharing their stories here as it has certainly provided some relief because I too feel that I have failed my dog. I know there is nothing more that could have been done, but I wish there was something I could have done to prevent the situation. I love you Shmily, thank you for each and everyday you shared with me, as you always brought sunshine to my life!!
I just found out on October 22 that my dear, almost 12 year old rottie, Roxy, has osteosarcoma. I spent that entire week pondering what to do. The vet said the cancer had invaded that bone so badly that eventually it would break, causing her extreme pain. After much research and talking with many people, I decided to have her leg amputated. So far, she has been doing better than I thought she would. I also decided to do an oral chemo pill just to keep the cancer cells under as much control as possible, in order to keep her quality of life as optimal as possible. She\’s been my best friend and protector for the past 12 years and I love her so much. I just want to do the right thing for her and for her to spend the time we do have left together with her wagging her little stub and knowing that she is loved more than words can describe…
My heart goes out to all of you who post stories of such incredible companions. Rotties are the best, most loyal dogs I have ever seen.
I took my 6 year old rotty, MySha, to the vet today bc she a lump on her right leg and would not walk on it. I never ever dreamed they would come in and tell me that my dog may have cancer. I have lost alot of ppl to cancer, but my dog? She is the best dog and so good with my 2 year old and everybody else. My family loves her! She is on pain meds right now and they said to come back in 2 weeks for another x ray. I can not imagine coming home and not having her here…I am praying for a miracle!
I am very sorry to everybody that has lost such an amazing breed. Rotties are the Best!
Its not easy..Today Moosie was diagnosed with bone cancer, she\’s our second Rottie. After 9 years of hanging out with Amelia and learning as much as we could teach us, we were shocked to find out she had cancer and had to leave us. The love she shared with us was special and the knowledge she had to offer us was great, man did I miss her!! Well, four years ago I wanted another Rottie, my wife reminded me of how hard it was when she left us but there was just something about them. We adopted Moosie from a Rottie rescue three years ago and today she was diagnosed with cancer. Will I do it again, as long as i\’m alive I/we will always have a Rottie. I guess this is just part of it, is it easy? not at all but there\’s just something about a Rottie. Go ahead, get another one, its ok!!!
My 6 yr old Rotti ” Dutch” was first diagnosed with Hip Dyspalsia two weeks ago took him to see a Specialist spared no expense was prepared for the ” we should opt for a Hip replacement” conversation and all the rehab afterwards. Doctor came back with your dog yes has bad legs but was not prepared for your dog has cancer his legs and pelvis. My heart ached so bad. Asked what can we do his answer not much its too far spread enjoy your time with him and make him as comfortable as possible ( pain medication). I am heart broken and just can’t accept that I can’t help him. My Dutch has been loyal and a great companion and had literally saved my life as i slept when my home broken into a few years back. This is so unfair to such a great breed of canine. I will be starting and personally funding foundation in the next few days to further the reserach of why the Rotti breed is so prone to bone cancer. Please take care of your Rottis they are great
On monday my husband and I will be taking our 8 yr old Rott, Yawna, to the vet. She has a large lump on her right front leg. Its been growing for awhile now. After all the researching I’ve done I have this horrid feeling that she wont be coming home again with us. I told my husband this in hopes that he will prepare himself for having to say goodbye to his trusting friend and our much loved family member. She is hurting now and I know it wont get better or go away. The lump is grapefruit size, and she cant bear any weight on it. I feel so awful.
Hello everyone! September, 2010 my rottie, Johnny Cash, 8 yrs. old, hurt his right front shoulder. We had thought it was something we could just handle with pain meds and then he would eventually get better. Well it didn’t and with a 2nd round of x rays and a biopsy my worst fears were confirmed. He has osteosarcoma. He went in on a Wed and my vet (who is absolutely wonderful) told me that we could have his leg amputated and that would take his pain away. Well on Thursday I did just that. He was up the next day and came home with me on Saturday. Since then he has had 2 rounds of chemo each 3 wks apart and is doing great. He is getting back to his old self and everyday with him is a blessing. He is the best dog I have ever had. He is great with my 2 yr. old and now looks at me as though I saved him. He won’t leave my side for one minute. He is my child and my love. I cherish every day with him. It is now Christmas time and he has been the best present I could of asked for. I am taking one day at a time with this cancer and I am hoping for the best.
I have found comfort in these messages, we lost our big boy Rooney\" in August 2010 to cancer and we are still devastated ! We have just been told that Barney our other Rottie brother to Roony has cancer this is on the back of being told he had Diabetes a couple of months ago, the Vets have let us take him home for Xmas but said he would only last the holidays.
We are so devastated to have this decision to make especially at this time. I cannot put I to words how much we love our animals it hurts so much ! My heart goes out to all other Rottie owners who have to go through this ! We will comfort our Barny everyday he has left , our big bear x
Well a sad end to the year our Barney has now passed away.
Worst day of our life’s. This is to add to my earlier post.
RIP Barney Bear From your much loved family xxx
I have to tell my story of Rocky, my 7.5 year old Rottie that I had to put to sleep 4 weeks ago. Rocky was diagnosed with an osteosarcoma on his right rear leg in March, 2010. We caught it early before it had spread to his lungs. We immediately amputated the leg and started chemo over the next 4 months. In late November x-rays showed that the cancer had spread to his lings and his time was limited. A few weeks later Rocky came up lame on his only rear leg that proved to be paralysis. There was nothing more I could do. I held Rocky in my arms as the fatal dose was administered. I will never forget those last moments. Rocky was a great dog, he put a smile on my face everyday. As a Rottie he was of course an intimidating presence, but he wouldn’t hurt a fly. He loved life!! Even 4 weeks later I choke up whenever I talk about him. Rocky will never be forgotten. RIP Rocky 9-14-03 to 12-3-10!!
Its been 3 months since i lost Mable(aged 10) to cancer she was my mums dog and after my mum and stepdad died i took her on , i had known her all her life and spent 8 wonderful months letting her know i loved her just as much as my parents had and letting her grieve the loss of her owners.. She was only ill for 2 weeks with cancer which proved she was so happy to be with me she hid her illness .. Losing her was as hard as losing my parents … she was unforgettable ..
Today we had to say goodbye to our Yawna. She was a good dog, and she is in a better place now, we know shes gone on over to the Bridge and its a good place. We miss her and will always remember her and with those memories she will always be with us.
I’m not quite sure if im going to be ably to handle it.My rottie Sandy is 9 years old.She is my world.She sleeps next to me every night in the covers with my arms wrapped around her like a teddy bear.She has been fighting this lump on her which the vet believes it is a tumor and the cancer has spread to her lungs.Im 20 years old and This is the hardest thing I think I ever have had to go through.She has never beenjust a pet, Shes been a family member.Ive never had a dog that was so well tempered and had such a personality like Sandy.theres a 95% chance she will not be coming home with me tomorrow from the vet.I feel your pain losing your rottie’s.I havent been able to stop crying.I just pray that she will be in that 5%.
Five weeks ago we lost our 8-year-old rottweiler, Persi, to bone cancer in her hind leg. She lasted for six months after the diagnosis and then the pain became too much. I was devastated. A few days after we had her put down, a friend of mine told me about a young horribly neglected rottweiler who urgently needed a home. She was kept outside in a cement-covered backyard and no one paid her any attention. I went and fetched her and fell in love at first sight. We named her Lucky. She is the gentlest, most sweet-natured rottweiler I’ve ever known. She is only 18 months old. And having this dear companion with me, somehow helped me through my grief for Persi. And then, last week, Lucky started limping on her right front leg. She was X-rayed and the vet told me she has bone cancer. I am in shock. I feel completely shattered. My two beloved dogs! Both of them! And she is so very young. But my feeling is that this is God’s Grace, that Lucky was meant to spend her last months with us, to be pampered and adored, to experience real love. Oh, she is loved! I will treasure the time I have with her. I pray that a cure will soon be found for cancer.
One shouldn’t believe everything one reads on the internet, so I don’t know if it is true, but I read on the internet that studies have shown that rottweilers who are spayed and neutered at a very early age are four times more likely to develope bone cancer then other dogs of the same breed.
I do want to reply to Jane. You can have the front leg amputated and have chemo for your young rottie…..money permitting of course. I am going through my rotties 4th dose of chemo following his amputation. He is doing great. He is 8 and the amputation didn’t hinder him at all. It is something to look into in the next coming months. You can email me yourself at shayne.gaffney@fnfg.com if you have any questions. The decision to take his right front leg was one I mulled over for awhile. He is 100% pain free and that if anything is the best thing.
Thank you so much, Shayne. I greatly appreciate your advice and having received your message, I am seriously considering having Lucky’s leg amputated because she is such a young dog and I want to give her a chance. If she has any chance at all, that is. Will decide during the next few days. It’s one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make, because at this early stage of the cancer she’s doing so beautifully on the medicine she’s getting. She’s so incredibly joyful in her new home with me, running around playing like a puppy with my black labrador. Do I want to cut that happiness short if she doesn’t stand a chance in the long run? Has anyone heard of a rottweiler actually surviving bone cancer for a longer period of time? For more than a year? My vet here in South Africa – where bone cancer in rottweilers has reached epidemic proportions having got into the gene pool – doesn’t seem to think Lucky has a chance to survive no matter what we decide to do. He says that amputation and chemotherapy will only postpone the dog’s death for another three to six months and will just reduce her quality of life. Also, rottweilers put most of their weight on their front legs, so amputating a front leg can be very difficult for them to deal with. Unfortunately, Lucky also has hip displaysia. It hasn’t manifested yet, but her back legs are not very strong. Still, I am trying to make a decision. Meanwhile, Shayne, I am praying that your dog does survive. All the best.
Yesterday I put down my beloved Molly. She would have been 8 in April. We have had Molly since 8 weeks old. We moved to New Zealand 3 months ago from Australia and there was no way she wasnt going to come with us. She had been off her food for about a month but it has been unusually hot and humid here so we put it down to the weather, but a couple of weeks ago she drastically lost weight and the muscle around her head wasted away making her skull bone protrude. I took her to the vet and we discovered a huge tennis ball sized tumor in her lymph nodes. I am devastated. She would have been in tremondous pain for weeks and probably already had cancer before we left Australia. I know I made the right decision by not bringing her out of the sedation – I just wish I had a few more hours with her but it would have been cruel to make her suffer any longer. RIP Molly Dog, the best dog in the world.
Message to Jane ….. If you think both you and lucky have the will to fight this horrid disease and your heart says fight …… Do what is best for you and Lucky . i wish you all the luck in the world xx
Like many of you my family is also struggling with what is probably toe cancer in our 10 year old 140 lb Rotti. We’ve had him since he fit in the palm of my hand. We are on pain and anti-inflammatory meds right now and we are going back for his next appointment in just over a week. Bear is one of 3 Rotti’s we have and I am shocked that my big burly boy is the one that is sick first (the other two are 11 and 9).
Thank you all for sharing your stories as it is going to give us some food for thought as we decide on our next steps to face this probable cancer on his front toe that is now an open sore. We are just devastated to consider the thought of losing 1 of our 4 four-legged children.
Jane – our Rotti that probably has toe cancer is intact.
Yesterday, January 30, 2011 we had to put down our 11 yr old Rottie, Kaia. Baby Kaia, as we called her, was the sweetest, most loving and caring dog I have ever been around. I had her since she was 7 weeks old and she was my best friend and loving companion for 11 wonderful years. True unconditional love does not even scratch the surface of her feelings for her family and our feelings for her. She never lost that innocence and never knew the world as a bad place. She never met a stranger and everyone who met her instantly loved her. Kaia was all about showing love to everyone and she loved to lick you too. I miss you so much my baby Kaia Marie and I will never, ever forget you. This was my first rottoe and they are the greates dogs in the world and I will never own another breed. There will be other rotties in my life but never will there be another Kaia.
The awful disease that claimed her life was Osteocarcoma or bone cancer When she went in for her 4th knee surgery the Dr discovered a lump oh her knee and it was cancerous. A week later we amputated that leg after discovering through xrays and an ultrasound that the cancer had not spread. But 8 days after the amputation the cancer had in fact spread and her organs began to shut down. She fought and fought but couldn’t fight anymore and on Sunday morning she laid listless and was telling us that she was ready and her body couldn’t fight anymore.
One of the hardest decisions we had to make was whether to amputate or put her to sleep. The night before the amputation we were going to put Kaia down as I was not going to let her suffer. But she knew what we were considering because after being very quiet for days, she perked up and was very active and was telling us she wanted to live, she wanted to fight. Everything I read said that the dog will tell you when they are ready and that is exactly what happened. She fought for a week on 3 legs and was getting around on 3 legs pretty good but the cancer took over her body and on Sunday morning she told us it was time.
I will never forget you Kaia. You have been a blessing in my life and I will love you forever!
Yesterday, January 30, 2011 we had to put down our 11 yr old Rottie, Kaia. Baby Kaia, as we called her, was the sweetest, most loving and caring dog I have ever been around. I had her since she was 7 weeks old and she was my best friend and loving companion for 11 wonderful years. True unconditional love does not even scratch the surface of her feelings for her family and our feelings for her. She never lost that innocence and never knew the world as a bad place. She never met a stranger and everyone who met her instantly loved her. Kaia was all about showing love to everyone and she loved to lick you too. I miss you so much my baby Kaia Marie and I will never, ever forget you. This was my first rottie and they are the greates dogs in the world and I will never own another breed. There will be other rotties in my life but never will there be another Kaia.
The awful disease that claimed her life was Osteocarcoma or bone cancer When she went in for her 4th knee surgery the Dr discovered a lump oh her knee and it was cancerous. A week later we amputated that leg after discovering through xrays and an ultrasound that the cancer had not spread. But 8 days after the amputation the cancer had in fact spread and her organs began to shut down. She fought and fought but couldn’t fight anymore and on Sunday morning she laid listless and was telling us that she was ready and her body couldn’t fight anymore.
I will never forget you Kaia. You have been a blessing in my life and I will love you forever!
Yesterday, January 30, 2011 we had to put down our 11 yr old Rottie, Kaia. Baby Kaia, as we called her, was the sweetest, most loving and caring dog I have ever been around. I had her since she was 7 weeks old and she was my best friend and loving companion for 11 wonderful years. True unconditional love does not even scratch the surface of her feelings for her family and our feelings for her. She never lost that innocence and never knew the world as a bad place. She never met a stranger and everyone who met her instantly loved her. Kaia was all about showing love to everyone and she loved to lick you too. I miss you so much my baby Kaia Marie and I will never, ever forget you. This was my first rottie and they are the greates dogs in the world and I will never own another breed. There will be other rotties in my life but never will there be another Kaia
Thank you to all who have shared about their beloved family member.
Jane-
My Buddy has had a cancer mass in his chest near his heart and bone cancer in his left leg for well over a year and has been leading a happy life. His nub wags so fast that it seems impossible he is sick and he hops around like a bucking bronc all excited to play. A year ago he was yelping out in pain when he stood up or turned a certain way. The vet said surgery was out of the question at the heart area. When it is tender, he licks his left leg and I know to give him more meds. The only downside is as the time has passed, he has needed his dosage increased. His hair is falling out in handfuls but his coat seems to still be thick. It is very strange! Some days his breath is unbelievably sour…other days he is fine.
My husband keeps telling me that Buddy’s time is near and we should let him go. I don’t trust his judgement on this as Buddy has formed that crazy, undeniable bond with me. Leaning on me when we walk. Leaning on me just when I stand near him. Off leash, every step is with my step, leaning on my right leg. No words. Just a connection.
I just can’t let him go when he still wants to play, has an appetite and follows me everywhere I go…still guarding me by laying at my feet between me and any door entrance. I believe Buddy will let me know when it is his time. My thoughts are with everyone that has posted.
Today i found out that my rottie was dioagnosd with bone cancer and she is only 7 years.. I cant stop crying. She is the first rottie my family has ever had we resuqued her from a shelter that they told us that her mom and father and the rest of the litter was put down because he were all beaten and trained to be fighters and she was the only surviver. Im only 19 years old and she has been the best dog i ever had i mean the personality and the protctiveness of me i mean the story be hind that is she ran oit side one day and ran nextstore and they have to pittbulls the jumped up and attacked her and she meet it half wy i ran to split it up the other pitt bull grabed my arm with its teeth and next thing i no savannah ismon top of it with the other dog running away now since shes always had my back when i was in danger i gotta do something for her shes gone through so much the doc told us 6 to 8 mounths to live. I dont know what to do for my girl. Any one that knows anything to help the situation let me know at axe2010@yahoo.com
Axeman2010@yahoo.com
Three days ago I lost my beloved Brutus. He was only 5 yrs old. He went down so fast in the last 2 weeks that I still can’t believe it. I brought him to the vet not thinking he would never return home. I have cried so much that my face feels raw. He got me through such hard times in his short life. I had gotten him trained just how I wanted him. He was so special. He died of “Histiocytic Sarcoma”. I have noticed from everyone’s posts that bone cancer seems very common. But my big boy had a different kind. The cancer spread throughout his entire body (His lymph nodes, bone marrow) and he had large lumps on his stomach. He had to have a blood transfusion but that did little to nothing to help him. I look for him everywhere I go, and I miss him terribly.
Well today is the last chemo treament for my rottie, Johnny Cash. He has been doing great and every blood test every 3 wks. is getting better than the first. His appetite is still as good as it was in the beginning of this whole ordeal with bone cancer. Amputation was the best decision I have ever made. He is only 8 and not ready to leave. As I stated before every day is a miracle with this horrible cancer. I am lucky to still have him with me. They are a very special breed. I am so sorry for all of the people who have lost their best friends. I am hoping that someday they will be one step closer to finding a cure. Good luck to everyone!!!
Thanks to everyone for their stories.
. I am devastated at the thought of her not being in my life anymore. I know that everyone says that I will know when to let go, but do I wait for her to get so bad?
My baby girl Taxi was diagnosed yesterday with bone cancer in her right front leg. They x-rayed her chest too and picked up a nodule on the lung which they say is cancer which has spread from the leg. Today I hear a second opinion. My dog is turning 9 in two months. She is currently on Previcox for pain, which I have just googled now and read some stories about side-effects. But there were those stories about Rimadyl too? Jane, I am also in SA and my vet is not optimistic. I had NO idea bone cancer was so common in Rotties???? She doesn’t recommend amputation for big dogs, but look at Shayne and the success he has had. Not sure what to do yet, will see how the pain meds go. She eats well, and still gets so excited to see me that her whole behind shakes
I am replying to Paula. My dog also had a tumor in the right front leg. Amputation was the right way to go with Johnny Cash. His leg was breaking off with every day I didn’t do anything. I had no idea what kind of pain he was in. He is 126 pounds and I didn’t think he would be able to do it. The next day he was up and a couple of days later I could take him home. After 2 weeks he was off of every medicine. I think you might want to get a second opinion with the idea of the amputation. Dogs are not like humans when it comes to taking a limb. They are able to manage very well on 3 legs. It is not a cheap route that I have gone but my vet has been wonderful with me and my dog. Chemo is not not cheap either but JC is doing great. Let me know what you decide.
Thanks Shayne. Johnny Cash is such a cool name for a dog. Very happy that you have had success. I guess my worry is Taxi getting around by herself (without a sling) – converted to pounds she is about 99 pounds; and also if the cancer will return elsewhere. Also read that it can happen after removal of primary tumour that the tumour suppressing genes are also gone, so if there is cancer elsewhere in the body it is more able to spread. Will send you the link. Wouldn’t it be great if there was an all encompassing scan/x-ray that could tell me, conclusively, all the current damage I am looking at so that I can make a decent decision.
To Paula:
This might be late to impact your decision, but our rottie, Auburn, had bone cancer in her right front leg. We had no idea she had cancer until she was jumping down from the back of a car, landed, and her leg broke. We had two options: euthanize or amputate. Like you, we were skeptical about a rottie getting around on two back legs and one front leg due to the way they carry their weight. However, the doc told us (as many on this board have) that dogs are robust and adapt well. Auburn also had weak hips, and when she was younger, had had a torn ACL repaired. I’m happy to say we went with amputation. She was moving around within a day of the amputation, and within a week, she was back to her old self. She lived another year, but we had to put her down when her back legs starting to go. But the last year was a blessing. Best of luck.
TO JEFF:
It gives me great hope to see that your dog lasted a whole year after the amputation. My dog Johnny Cash is still going strong. He did just hurt his back on the ice in our back yard over the weekend but today he is starting to get back to his old self. I am sure the muscle relaxers aren’t to bad either. He has such spirit. I know every day is a blessing with him. Sorry for your loss with Auburn. This dogs impact our lives so much.