First, thank you so very much for this resource. Our eight year old Rottweiler Koda just had his surgery yesterday. So he is a brand new Tripawd and is doing well so far. Here he is this morning with a big smile. He’s already figured out how to walk, but needs a little help.
We are happy to contribute to Tripawds and will do our best to update the forum on Koda’s story.
All the best,
~Catherine & Koda (aka: k0dab3ar)
Hi Catherine,
Thank you for sharing. If you don’t mind me asking, what led to the amputation? My beloved bullmastiff is booked in for her front left leg amputating tomorrow due to bone cancer. Sending love to Koda and wish for a speedy recovery.
Consider checking the link to Koda’s story above, or post in the forums for much more support from others.
Hi Nicole,
My apologies for not answering sooner. We hope the surgery went well and your baby is doing okay.
A bit more on Koda’s story…
We are a military family just returning from Germany. Due to COVID19, we decided to fly our dogs from the East Coast to the West Coast requiring a Domestic Health Certification from the Vet. We noticed a small lump around his ankle, thinking maybe he hurt himself. Upon examination the Vet called us immediately stating she wanted to do x-rays highly suspecting Osteosarcoma. The X-rays did prove it was highly possible but a biopsy, which is extremely painful, would be necessary for 100% certainty. The vet also did a chest x-ray the same day to make sure his lungs were clear and they were. So…
We flew the dogs from the East to West coasts and made arrangements through a friend (and owner of the kennel where the dogs would stay) with an oncologist and she did a needle biopsy and started him on a bisphosphonates. Although not 100%, it is suppose to help stop the destruction of bone and in some cases promote the re-building of bone. We chose this route until we could determine the best course of action while trying to prevent breakage of the bone, and drive across the US.
X-rays and ultrasound were clear prior to amputation. Because if the cancer is noticeable in other vital parts of the body then the decision to amputate would be more complicated. Would we out him through the amputation if he only had a short time left, not to mention the expense.
We are also participating in an experimental treatment. Koda will get an Autologous Cancer Vaccine, an experimental vaccine developed from Koda’s tumor. The vaccine targets the cancer cells within Koda’s body basically teaching his immune system to attack and destroy these cells because his immune system does not recognize these cells as a threat. For us, it is Torigen Pharmaceuticals who is developing the vaccine. Something worthy of discussion with your vet. The vaccine is an addition $1800 – $2000.
A Bull Mastif is a big heavy fronted dog. Something you may also want to consider, if the amputation is on a front leg, is seek out a physiotherapist with a water treadmill tank to help teach your dog how to place more weight on the back legs. Koda has had many surgeries in his past and water therapy has helped him tremendously. Of course, the cancer was in his one good leg!
A little on the long side but I hope my answer helps you Nicole.
Best Wishes to you both!
Catherine and Koda Bear
Kudos to you for staying on top of Koda’s treatment. We have a 7 1/2 year old Bernese Mountain Dog who was just diagnosed (via xray) with oseoscarcoma with a fracture on his left front leg, just above the wrist joint. We are investigating all options, including amputation. Reading your story has give me hope.