Dog Bone Cancer - Symptoms & Amputation & Treatments | Dr. Demian Dressler Q&A

Bone cancer is aggressive and painful, and by the time it’s diagnosed, it’s usually well-established. Veterinarians often push for amputation quickly, which tends to spin our heads around. Dr. Dressler explains why they don’t typically wait for a biopsy.
A reader asks why his veterinarian didn’t wait for a biopsy before suggesting amputation for his dog’s cancer. Dr. Demian Dressler explains why that probably was. The discussion that ensues covers a wide range of topics related to osteosarcoma and other bone cancers.
This plain-language episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to hear the hard truths about bone cancer, how it arises, how it’s treated, and why it’s so painful.
And there’s hope, too - because relieving pain is possible, and that helps so much. Longevity is absolutely possible, especially when we actively address quality of life.
Dr. Demian Dressler is the author of today’s sponsor, The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity. dogcancerbook.com/
Tripawds is a fantastic resource for anyone facing osteosarcoma, bone cancer, and amputation: Help for Three Legged Dogs and Cats tripawds.org/
Get to know today's guest, Demian Dressler, DVM:
www.dogcancer.com/people/demi...
For more details, articles, podcast episodes, and quality education, go to the episode page:
www.dogcancer.com/podcast/typ...

[@chinookvalley]

I'd sure like for you to discuss the options of FENBENZANDOLE or IVERMECTIN for cancer treatment. We know it's being used around the world to treat cancers in humans as well as in animals, let's put it to use. Also, curcumin, CBD, and other supplements to help halt cancer, and deal with the associated pain. I'll be getting your newsletter. Thanks.

[@DogCancer]

Here's our article on fenbendazole (which also has three podcasts embedded in it for extra insights: www.dogcancer.com/articles/drugs/fenbendazole-for-dogs/ And here's our podcast on ivermectin: www.dogcancer.com/podcast/drugs/ivermectin-for-dog-lymphoma-nope-dr-brooke-britton/

[@s1u8n]

My golden mix just got diagnosed, we have a tough decision to make, amputation+chemo or do nothing. Sad to see their are no viable treatment for this cancer.

[@DogCancer]

Hi Shawn, those are the two big treatments, for sure -- and amputation can really help relieve pain, so it's a quality of life treatment. In addition to those, however, there are FOUR other steps to Dr. Dressler's full spectrum approach. There are supportive supplements, diet changes, and mind-body therapy strategies. This excerpt from his book will help you get started. www.dogcancerblog.com/articles/book-excerpt/the-most-important-supplements-for-dogs-with-cancer/

[@havanadaurcy1321]

When my bitser was diagnosed (and euthanized a few weeks later), for some reason they went straight to the arsenic operation for heartworm he had as a 3 year old as a last resort before it was banned.

[@teresacollins303]

I am really struggling... My Turbo is a 185lb English Mastiff. In March he had a back toe removed that we think began as he pulled his nail and under it got infected. the nail was removed and he was put on antibiotics well the toes just didn't heal so the vet put him on another round of the same antibiotics and it looked worse and worse. I went in and he said the toe had to be removed. Now 9 months later he starts limping intermittently and I find a palm size hard lumpy mass over his ankle bone. I thought maybe arthritis so I would give him 2 Rimadyl and he would have a little relief for a few days and then the limping and holding his leg up again so I would medicate again. this has been going on for a couple weeks but this time when he started limping I medicated him and he never stopped limping and so for the first time when 24 hrs had passed I gave him 3 Rimadyl which is his usual dose for his weight. So far it's been 12 hours and he is still limping. So I started to do some research...I shared the picture of his lump and it was the first time I had heard of osteosarcoma. The Rimadyl was left over from when he had his toes amputated and at the time we were afraid that the infection had gone in the bone and he could lose his leg and the vet told us then that dogs his size don't do well with amputation. Turbo is almost 10 years old and at this point it's not a good option for him. I heard the doctor say on the podcast about how a doctor can probably tell by the Xray. So I guess my next step would be to get the Xray for a positive diagnosis...then what's next...it scares me to death to think he would fracture his ankle when I let him out to go to the bathroom as we have 2 steps at the back door and 4 steps at the front door. The would be a horrible experience with my 185lb Turbo is in extreme pain and I am unable to pick him up. I'm overwhelmed at what my next step is....euthanasia...right? For a dog his size and age?

[@rphillips500]

Have you changed the recommended diet for dogs with cancer?

[@DogCancer]

Hi! Dr. Dressler's dietary guidelines remain the same as outlined in his book. Keep in mind that other conditions or illnesses might mean it needs to be tweaked, but the overall guidelines of lowering carb count and making sure that they come from complex grains with cancer-fighting properties, moderate protein, and relatively high fat, including calcium dense and mineral dense foods like liver, cottage cheese, and other goodies remains.

[@philliphall5198]

Vet took 3 1/2 weeks to say it’s not fungal so it has to be cancer and he is going to die because he has gone to long without treatment or removal or knee 😢😢😮

[@BenjiPOTF]

I have a similar thing going on with my Pyrenees. In Jan we thought he was pushing himself hard on walks as his cancerous leg kept kicking randomly and he was in pain, at first it only happened 2 times in a 3 week span. Then it was happening every day, we took him to the vet. But since all vets in the area were booked he was seen around Feb 18. By then he was limping, his knee swollen and now pain treatment isn't working anymore. Sadly we are already considering letting him rest. I can't stand to see my doggie suffer anymore. If only I wasn't financially struggling and could afford the 2k I would gladly do the amputation/ chemo my vet was suggesting to buy more time.