Canine Osteosarcoma – Our Experience Part III
It’s been about 8 weeks since our Maggie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma. We’ve been through a lot since then and you can catch up on our story in our posts Part I and Part II.
Today I wanted to talk about our experience with chemotherapy. In addition to the SRS treatments, our vet recommended chemo treatment for Maggie to address any micrometasis from her OSA in other organs in her body. In 90% of the cases of dogs diagnosed with OSA, the cancer has already spread, so doing chemo is beneficial in reducing further spread and growth. Maggie’s OSA is considered early stage because they were unable to detect the spread of the cancer to other organs, so we want to do what we can to contain it.
I was concerned about harmful effects of the chemo as we had a bad experience with Becca. She got sick almost immediately, with a high fever, nausea, diarrhea – the whole gamut of side effects that might present itself. We stopped the treatment, and Becca regained some strength, but she never fully recovered. I certainly didn’t want the same for Maggie. One factor in our consideration was Maggie’s age and relative good health. While still a senior, Maggie is remarkably healthy for an eleven year old dog – excluding the cancer of course, so that went in the plus column.
I spent about 45 minutes with our Oncologist discussing the treatment, what to expect, what to expect if we didn’t treat her, what to do if she got sick, etc. Our vet, Dr. Rosenberg at Veterinary Cancer Group was so kind and patient with me. She has treated cancer patients for almost thirty years, so she has a breadth of experience that gave me a lot of comfort. She explained that 85% of dogs receiving chemo display no side effects at all, 14% display minor, short-lived effects and 1% show harmful side effects requiring hospitalization. Unfortunately, Becca fell into that category.
This is Maggie’s doctor:
Chemo drugs may be given orally (pill or liquid form), subcutaneous (injected under the skin), intra-lesional (injected into the tumor) or intra-muscular (injected into the muscle). The treatment of choice for OSA is a drug called Carboplatin. The treatment protocol is one dose every 2-3 weeks for a total of six treatments. In a nod to my concerns about Maggie reacting badly, we reduced the first dose. Treatment also calls for Pamidronite, a bone strengthener be administered every 3-4 weeks in addition to the Carboplatin.
As I’ve noted, these chemo drugs attack cells and work to interfere with cell division. Each drug may work in a different way to attack the cell division at different stages which is why multiple drugs may be recommended. Carboplatin contains platinum, a metal that helps to alter the DNA of cells that divide and split rapidly. Chemo drugs don’t discriminate between healthy and cancerous cells, they target cells that are dividing rapidly and because of this, normal cells in the body are also vulnerable. At particular risk are the GI tract and bone marrow as those cells divide more quickly than others in the body and are therefore more susceptible to the harmful impact of the chemotherapy drugs. The main symptoms to watch for are fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloody urine or hair loss. Depending on the severity, your dog may be given antibiotics or be hospitalized to receive IV fluids.
Maggie’s first injection was Tuesday, August 29th and I’m happy to say so far she is in the 85% group with no side effects. We came home with instructions to take Maggie’s temperature each day as a safeguard against infection. We also administered anti-nausea drugs for the first four days. But I’m happy ecstatic to report that Maggie has been fine. The only slight symptom she’s shown is she’s a bit more tired, but she’s eaten every meal, played her favorite “find the food” game everyday, gone for her daily walks and overall been her old self. I’m trying not to get ahead of myself as she has 5 more treatments, but I’m so relieved. In addition, her limp is gone. Although her running days are over, she has romped around the yard a bit and does not exhibit any signs of weakness or pain. We are slowly reducing her pain meds from the max dosage to the point where she is still pain free – we want to give ourselves a little room to bump them up when needed in the future.
Her 2nd treatment was today, Sept. 16 and so far she is fine. We also saw Dr. Patrick Mahaney for a consult on holistic supplements we can provide to Maggie. Finally, since the chemo drugs will reduce Maggie’s natural immunity, we need to monitor her white blood cell count, so it requires a quick vet visit between treatments to make sure it stays within an acceptable range.
We will update as Maggie moves through her treatments, but I’m hoping to have nothing to report! We will report on our conversation with Dr. Maheny and I have a post planned on safety measures for a dog (and family) undergoing chemotherapy treatments. Thanks to all of you who have written us and sent your best wishes and prayers for our sweet Maggie May – they have certainly helped.
Additional Readings:
Common Chemotherapy Side Effects
Cancer Care Clinic: Chemotherapy FAQ
Chemotherapy in Veterinary Medicine
Carboplatin for Dogs
![IMG_1178[1]](http://slimdoggy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_11781.jpg)
That is wonderful! We sure hope she continues to handle the chemo well. So funny how humans lose their hair, but dogs don’t seem to which is a very good thing. Keep on going strong, Maggie!
Emma recently posted…A Rastafarian Banana Caper in Minnesota?
Those are great news to hear that Maggie is in the 85% group!! Our girl Missy was just as lucky, and showed no serious side effects besides being a TINY bit more on the sleepy side of things. We are all crossing our paws & fingers for 5 remaining smooth treatments for Maggie girl!
I am looking forward to hearing about your conversation with Dr. Maheny!
Barbara Rivers recently posted…Comment on Missy Is A Warm Protein Girl ~ Regurgitation Mystery Solved! #RawFeeding by K9sOverCoffee
When you think about what is going on in their bodies, it makes sense they might be a little more tired.
mkob recently posted…Canine Osteosarcoma – Our Experience Part III
Absolutely.
I’m so glad Maggie is doing so well! And that is the very best information about chemotherapy I\’ve ever read/heard.
Sue recently posted…Zen Dogs | Wordless Wednesday
That’s great news! Happy, pain free and comfortable. Can’t ask for much more.
I know – we’re pretty happy/
mkob recently posted…Canine Osteosarcoma – Our Experience Part III
We are so happy to hear that Maggie is taking the Chemo well. Thank you for that video! We hope Maggie continues to do well!
Golden Daily Scoop recently posted…The Benefits of a Rotational Diet with #AvoDermNatural #Sponsored
OMG! I am SO happy that Maggie is responding so well to all of the treatments thus far!! I truly hope she continues on this path!
It wasn’t in the cards for your Becca or my sweet Callie; but I continue to hope that one day there will be a safe cancer vaccine for our pets and humans alike
Callie, Shadow, and Ducky’s Mom recently posted…Hard To Believe…
Amen to that.
mkob recently posted…Canine Osteosarcoma – Our Experience Part III
I’m so glad that she is tolerating the treatments so well. Sending our love and prayers to you all.
M. K. Clinton recently posted…The Pros and Cons of a Second Dog
Thank you!
mkob recently posted…Canine Osteosarcoma – Our Experience Part III
I can’t tell you how happy I am to hear this. I’m so glad you seem to have hit upon the right treatment for Maggie and SO, SO glad you caught this early.
I will continue to send loving thoughts and keep you all in my prayers!
Jodi recently posted…I Knew That’d Bite Me In The…Barks and Bytes
Thank you!
mkob recently posted…Canine Osteosarcoma – Our Experience Part III
That’s fantastic news! I’m very happy Maggie’s handling the treatment well and she’s not having any issues with nausea. I know it probably gives you a great sense of relief that the treatment hasn’t had a negative effect on her quality of life. Sending lots of good thoughts and prayers your way and Haley sends a happy tail wag to Maggie. 🙂
Elaine recently posted…7 Benefits of Pumpkin for Dogs
Thanks – you are absolutely right – it’s a relief she is doing so well!
mkob recently posted…Canine Osteosarcoma – Our Experience Part III
First of all, I want to say I’m so sorry to read about Maggie’s cancer. I just read parts 1, 2 & 3. I’m so thankful she seems to be doing OK with her treatments and I am sending you lots of positive thoughts. Hang in there, Sweet Maggie!
Lindsay recently posted…This Human Needs to Re-Learn Her Loose-Leash Walking Skills
Thank you – so far so good!
mkob recently posted…Canine Osteosarcoma – Our Experience Part III
I am glad to hear that Maggie is doing well on the chemo. I hope that continues all throughout.
2 Brown Dawgs recently posted…Thursday Barks And Bytes–Obedience Boosts Confidence
So glad to hear she’s doing well! Continuing to send good thoughts her/your way!
Jackie Bouchard recently posted…Balancing to Build Up the Dog’s Confidence
I’m so glad that Maggie is doing so well with the chemotherapy. I don’t know much about that so it is so interesting to read about your experience. I never realized that the side effects were so low for dogs, that’s good to hear! We continue to send good thoughts and love to you and Maggie!
Thank you. Yes, the purposely give low dosage to minimize the effects…you can’t explain to them that it’s for their own good.
mkob recently posted…Strength Training for Dogs: Sit Progression for Hind Legs
wow 8 weeks already. I am so glad she is handling everything so well and doing great! She is a trooper! This was very informative thank you for sharing your experience, hope she continues to do well.
Sand Spring Chesapeakes recently posted…Hunting Season Has Started
I am so happy for Maggie and all of you that she is doing so well! We had good luck with chemo when our mixed breed Shelby had lymphoma. She didn’t have many side effects either, and that definitely makes things easier.
Jan K recently posted…Black & White Sunday – Beagle Surrounded
Congratulations on the positive results thus far for Maggie! I wish I had this information, especially the 85, 14, and 1% categories three years ago when I had to very quickly decide what to do for my own girl. The big emergency clinic near me did not offer stereotactic radio surgery at that time, either. I would have taken her up to NY for treatment if I had even known it existed. I have checked back with the local E-clinic, which has expanded their oncology department into a large separate building of their own, and saw that they now do the procedure. I never want to need this information, but I feel better armed should the need arise.
I’m glad you have it available to you…do you have pet insurance? If not, get it before you need it.
mkob recently posted…Royal Canin Pet Food: Marketing vs. Food Ingredients
I know that I’m very late in commenting but I just wanted to say how glad I am that the chemo is going well for Maggie. We’re rooting for Maggie all the way from Colorado!
KB recently posted…Throwback Thursday
I think that is helping her. Thanks
mkob recently posted…Strength Training for Dogs: Hind Leg