Attillio or "T" as he is known to his family and friends was a 6 year old rottweiler when he was first presented to us in October of 1996. "T" had been seen by his regular veterinarian for limping, and diagnostic tests performed there indicated that he had a form of bone cancer called osteosarcoma. "T" had a pathological fracture, meaning the bone had actually broken because it was weakened by the tumor. Chest x-rays showed that the disease had not spread yet, and "T" was sent to us for further diagnostics and care. Review of the diagnostics done by the regular veterinarian confirmed the presence of osteosarcoma, and his owner was given the options for care. Because he was in a great deal of pain from the broken leg, decisions had to be made quickly. It was decided the broken leg with the cancer would be amputated, and he would be treated post-operatively with chemotherapy to try and treat any metastasis or spread of cancer cells. Unfortunately, osteosarcoma is one of the types of cancer that usually spreads very early in the disease process. "T" was treated that night by temporarily stabilizing the fracture with a large bandage and started on narcotics for the pain.
The next day, "T" had his right front leg amputated, and the surgery went very well. He was discharged on narcotics to his owner the following day.
"T" came back for a recheck in 10 days to have his sutures removed and to start chemotherapy. He was treated with a drug called carboplatin, a very powerful and unfortunately very expensive chemotherapeutic agent. "T" went though his chemotherapy with very few problems, and adapted to his new 3-legged status fairly quickly. He did develop a swelling at his amputation site 8 months after surgery, but it turned out to be a bruise from hitting his stump on something.
"T" did very well, in fact, better than most cases of this dreaded form of cancer. He went on to father a litter of puppies, and is still doing well as of last client contact in November of 1999.
