Back in September '09 I discovered a lump on Beatty's rib and was advised to keep an eye on it. X-rays indicated it was approx. 3cm. In March it felt like it had grown a bit, so we did another x-ray and found that it had grown inward and was now approx. 10cm! We had it surgically removed, along with 2 ribs and the caudal lobe of her lung (the tumor had become attached there.) During surgery they discovered a cluster of masses on the mediastinum (metastasis) and removed them as well. The pathology revealed that this is osteosarcoma, with a poor prognosis due to the tumor's large size, elevated Alk Phos level, visible metastasis, and invasiveness into surrounding tissue. We did one carboplatin treatment, which seemed to cause nerve damage in her rear legs?? (This was my observation, apparently there is no medical evidence that this should be the case). Nevertheless, last week instead of carboplatin we switched to doxorubcin. The plan is to give 5 doses at 2-wk intervals. She is also on doxycycline for its anti-cancer effects, as well as previcox. So far so good, she healed beautifully from the surgery and you would never know she is sick. We are now 6 wks post diagnosis, x-rays are clear for lung metasasis, and we are keeping our fingers crossed that we will beat the odds......

Do your RESEARCH and ask questions. Make sure the doctors are willing to work WITH you to do what is best for your dog. You should be an active participant, not just an observer!

Also, avoid any and all negativity around your dog. Your dog does not know that they have a potentially fatal disease. Insulate them from stress and negativity and keep their mood upbeat. That, in my opinion, is the best medicine.