The decision to do or not do surgery on osteosarcoma is a very difficult one. Most studies indicate that by the time we are able to diagnose the cancer it has already metastasized. They can be very difficult to spot because there are so many other problems that mimic them, as Skip found out.
Even early radiographic changes don't always look like cancer, but once the bone changes become obvious there really isn't too much else that can cause that.
The times I've done amputations with bone cancer have been entirely to prevent pain, not to cure the cancer. Without that surgery the pathologic fractures happen and the degree of pain is such that no one would watch their dog go through it.
Just a note, I diagnosed my niece's Weimaraner with osteosarcoma in her jaw (worse prognosis than in long bones). She had a partial mandibulectomy (removed part of the jaw) and had three rounds of chemo (both done by a specialty clinic) and the dog was "cured" and died of old age related problems many years later.
Maybe bad luck for you Skip, but fortunate your dogs had/have you.
Doug, DVM
Doug & Sandy
Kaylee
Winnie 6 1/2 year old golden
2008 Southwind 2009 Honda CRV
