Zeus Our Great Dane Dying of Bone Cancer

Zeus Our Great Dane Dying of Bone Cancer

by Colette
(Cottonwood AZ)

We have a Great Dane named Zeus who is 6 years old. He is built so gracefully with shiny black hair; he holds his tail up like a scorpion as he runs around. He is a majestic creature. He had a beautifully-shaped head with what I call "the smart knot" - the bump at the top of the head, just perfect! We taught him tricks such as sit, shake, lay, bark for a treat, etc. He can catch popcorn faster than you can throw it to him.

He loves life, and our family. He loves to go camping with us in our R.V. He sleeps on the top bunk bed, he knows it's his bed.

A lump appeared on Zeus's head this May of 2012, it seems like it appeared overnight. I had not noticed it before, so I felt it, showed it to my husband, and looked it up online. I thought he may have bumped or hit his head, got a thorn or something stuck in it that caused it to swell around the object... I waited to see if it would go away, after about 10 days, it was getting bigger instead of smaller.

So I took Zeus to the vet. It felt soft so the vet stuck a syringe into it and sucked a bunch of fluid out that caused the middle of the lump to sink in. He was not real sure what it could be either. He told me he needed to open it up and see if there was a foreign object in the lump causing it. He let my husband and I come back while he put Zeus out and a breathing tube down his throat. He covered all but the lump with a dressing, and began cutting into it. He had to cut a lot harder than he thought and once he got into it he knew. He told us "this does not look good", not at all what we were thinking it was.

The vet said he had never seen a tumor form on the skull like that before. He took as much off of it as possible but it was tough - very hard cutting, once close to Zeus's skull you could see holes in the bone that this was growing out of. He finished and stitched him up and inserted a tube for drainage.

After the surgery the vet informed us he was 90% sure it was Osteosarcoma, an aggressive type of bone cancer. He said it is usually formed on a leg and they could amputate the leg, but not a head.

I was crushed, at first I thought let's just put Zeus down right now before he can ever suffer, I love him so much. The vet had to send off a sample to verify the result. He also told us Zeus still had a a couple of good months in him and he could enjoy life and we could enjoy him, he was not suffering yet.

I am so thankful we found the vet we have now! He is a rare type to find that truly cares about the animal. So when Zeus woke up we took him home.

The vet called a couple of days later and said his suspicion was correct. Zeus has Osteosarcoma. On a scale of 1-10 aggressiveness it's an 8! I was crushed again. I also thought about getting him radiation or chemo. I guess it's still experimental with dogs, and costs thousands of dollars and would only maybe give Zeus a year or two more of life, if he survived it being the cancer was right on his skull!.

Right now I am so glad to have Zeus with us as long as we can, he had no idea at first. Then the tumor grew toward his left eye and pushed the eye back in to where he no longer has sight out of that left eye. I have taken him back to the vet and he says he is doing okay. The best thing for Zeus is to not do more surgery, he would just be recovering as it rapidly grew back the last month or so of his life.

The tumor has gotten very big and I know it must feel heavy, as he takes his bug paws and rubs on it. I get a soft towel and rub it for him sometimes. The skin is so stretched, it is uncomfortable to him. He can still eat, drink, run, and bark, but is starting to bump into things, then will look back with his good right eye to see what it was he bumped. He sleeps a lot more, and the cancer has started growing down into his sinus, the left one especially, and he gets on sneezing fits. It must feel like something that needs to come out to him in his nose.

I know the time is nearing, he looks thinner. He snores very loud now, and his head looks horrible with this growth on it, but I could care less, I love him, and so do my teenagers, and husband. He is a member of our family. It's the middle of July 2012 now. I will not let him suffer, the vet said it could get to the size of a soccer ball - it's about half that size now. I love him to much to make him live because we don't want to be without him.

Things I should have known and did not want to face before this lump occurred:

1) My aunt had an Irish setter that got a bald spot on his tail and he had cancer and had to be put down.

2) Years ago while I was growing up we had a standard "Royal King" Poodle that started throwing up for no reason off and on, he had cancer, and had to be put down.

Zeus had both of these, he threw up clear fluid and has a bald spot where hair won't grow on his tail. I did mention these to my husband, before the lump ever formed, but we both decided it just couldn't be the case. Zeus is so active, and his fur is so shiny, he looked and acted to healthy so we concluded it was not.

Little did I know those were the first signs!

I have been reading up quite a bit online since the cancer diagnosis. I found if a purebred dog is neutered they have a 65% increase of getting bone cancer. "The risk of bone cancer is slightly higher in male dogs than females. In addition, the risk of osteosarcoma is about 65% greater for neutered males and 34% greater for spayed females. For dogs spayed or neutered before one year of age, the risk seems to be even higher." (Bone Cancer in Dogs). I could kick myself because I had Zeus neutered and dew-clawed at 4 months old!

Most vets tell you how good it is for the dog and cancer prevention to get spayed or neutered. With a mixed breed that can be true or as they get older, but for a large purebred dog it leads to cancer if they get spayed or neutered in their young years!

I didn't want him to learn to lift his leg, he still does not! But at the cost of him getting cancer! The hormones that they have if not neutered protect them from the bone cancer! I had never read this before and had no clue! Now I know!

It's good to still have Zeus around to try and except the fact that we are going to lose him, and spend as much special time with him as we can!
I cry though sometimes when I see him rubbing the ball on his head, and he gets upset I can tell, so I try not to for his sake. Dogs may not be able to talk but they know how to communicate and DO FEEL emotions, from others and their own.

I will put my final post on when Zeus is gone. I hope it's not too soon, but I have a bad feeling it may be. That dang tumor seems to grow bigger overnight! I still love this breed and someday will get another Dane, I will not get them spayed or neutered until later in life.

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May 05, 2020
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Tera
by: Anonymous

My Dane Tera has just been diagnosed with bone cancer in her front leg. Im so distraught. She was my service dog, retired last year. Such an angel. I haven't seen the specialist yet, so I don't know what I am going to do. Supposedly it is in the chest also.

Feb 25, 2019
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My Great Dane Monsoon
by: Charmaine

I have just found out that Monsoon who is three has bone cancer.

She was spayed on her first season. She started to limp and we saw she had a lump on her leg.

I am waiting for the results but on the X-ray you could see the bone disintegrating.

She is energetic and plays with her big brother Mambo, also a Great Dane.

Aug 11, 2018
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Bella is not well today
by: Robyn

Our Bella is 10 years old and she won't see her 11th birthday in November because of osteosarcoma. Bel is a kelpie / blue heeled cross and has osteosarcoma of her skull.

Four months ago in April there was no indication that she had anything besides arthritis and her life was good. Today she is unwell and won't take her dinner. She is also refusing her pain medication and I don't have the heart to force her.
Feeling sad.

Robyn from Australia.

Jun 22, 2018
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Heartbroken
by: Melissa May

I sit here reading about your Zeus as I pet my almost 8 year old Harlequin Great Dane Zeus.

He was diagnosed on Monday with bone and lung cancers. He is a small Dane, only weighing in at 120 at his heaviest but down to 112 now. He is about the size of a 18 month old Dane puppy. His mama was a petite Dane too.

We have opted to not amputate or give chemo and go straight to pain management. It’s just heartbreaking when he looks at me so sweetly with his big golden eyes. He knows I’m sad and he tries to comfort me.

Jun 11, 2018
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Such A Cruel Disease That Robs Our Loved Furkids
by: Peter Eime

I lie here reading all these posts thinking that in a couple days I have to put my nearly 8 year old beloved Mantle Max to sleep.

As my first Dane, I hear from other Dane owners constantly say that once you have one you will never go back to another breed. Their huge personalities shine through and they become one of your Furkids. He will definitely not be my last!

Max pulled up limping after a long walk 9 months ago. ‘The Day‘ after his sister was put to sleep from the same cancer!!!

Lucy a Merle/Mantle was diagnosed 11 months previously. She went through the limb spare surgery but had complications with infections. As the disease finally spreads to her lungs the sad decision was made last September.

I went down the route of biphosphonate infusions/pain medications and a diet full of different herbs. In the last few weeks his walks have been shorter and shorter and he has been having hacking coughs. A recent blood test and x-ray has confirmed the worst so I made that dreaded phone call to the vet last Friday to make a home visit and end his suffering.

I and many other beloved dog owners are going or have been through this tough time. A huge hole will be left in my world but in my heart these last 8 years with my ‘Boy’ will never be forgotten. I hope one day a cure is found that stops our dogs from living a deserved long life.

Must stay strong!

May 20, 2018
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Cannot 'just' be due to inbreeding?
by: Anonymous

I commented on this very sad thread twice before, after we lost a much loved dog at nearly 12 yrs old to Osteosarcoma.
Our dog was a Crossbreed, a Lurcher, from an RSPCA rehoming centre, and she was no inbred dog... of pedigree unknown, she looked like a small greyhound with a slightly rough coat.

She probably had collie in the mix too, but her 'hybrid vigour' kept her healthy all her life until this dreadful condition struck her down.

There were just three months between diagnosis and euthanasia.

Twiggy was not a heavy dog either, weighing in at 19/20 kilos.

Bone cancer is alarmingly common in purebred greyhounds, but it seems their crosses [or any long limbed breed of dog] can suffer.

Danes are majestic dogs, and very sweet natured like greyhounds and Lurchers, it is so painful when we have to say goodbye - and one hopes for some form of afterlife!

Cathy

May 12, 2018
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Evil osteosarcoma
by: Anonymous

I posted on the 23 April 18 about my 2 fawn Great Danes' (sisters). Unfortunately this morning we had our second Dane, Poppy put to sleep at home.

Although everyone has views and opinions like over breeding and weight etc, this occurs in all breeds, at the end of the day it's such a terrible disease and I pray my other Great Dane who is two remains clear.

Anyone reading this who has a dog going through the same trauma as I have just gone through, I send you all my love and thoughts for the tough times ahead.

May 10, 2018
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This is due to selective breeding
by: Anonymous

As humans we bred Great Danes and due to their massive size it is quite common for them to suffer from bone cancer as their bones suffer from the extra weight.

Apr 23, 2018
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Evil Osteosarcoma
by: Anonymous

I am sorry to read about Zeus.

I had 2 fawn Great Danes, sisters, Betty was put to sleep at 6 1/2 years and I am nursing Poppy at 8 1/2 years, both having been diagnosed with bone cancer. I am heart broken and am trying to be brave and face putting her to sleep but I can't bear to be without my companion.

At 81/2 she is too old for treatment, it wouldn't be fair on her, I can't be that selfish, I hope a cure can be found soon.

Jan 17, 2018
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Mark Nord
by: Anonymous

To Mark: We lost a Greyhound x to Osteosarcoma 12 years ago. Like you and others we were heartbroken.

Greys are very prone to this hideous fast acting condition - it comes on so swiftly, [I commented below in the past with details]

I have a friend with a lovely Dane, and Dane owners like Greyhound owners are obsessed with their chosen breed, despite the risks for conditions like this.

Mark, only you know your dog, but knowing what I know now, I'd opt for Home Euthanasia, without amputation or chemo.

I was terrified about the right time to call the vet out, but our dear dog let us know.

Bone cancer is very painful, so the minute anti inflammatory drugs stop controlling the pain, I think it is kindest to call the vet.

Home Euthanasia was much easier emotionally, was less upsetting for the dog, but not all vets offer this service.

Many men cry over their dogs. A dog is a true companion, they have pure hearts, no wonder losing them hurts us so painfully.

My son sobbed when our dogs died... their loyalty and innocence never forgotten.

Dec 24, 2017
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Taffy
by: Sherri

Tina Marie, thank you so much for telling me your experience and your friend's experience with this awful disease that takes our sweet pups from us before their time.

I pray that I will be as fortunate as you were with your pup. Taffy means the world to me. I am trying to be strong for her so I can make the right decision for her. I love her more than words can express.

Dec 24, 2017
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Comfort to You Both
by: TinaMarie

My deepest sympathies to you, Sherri, and your beloved dog, Taffy. I know from experience that you would do anything to save her life and wouldn't want her to suffer.

It is with a heavy heart that I must advise against amputation and/or chemo. I was faced with this and opted against it. A close friend, also facing this difficult decision, chose to go the route of amputation and chemo.

His dog was about 8 yo. He became terribly sick from the chemo and had great difficulty trying to get around on three legs, subsequently, tore both CCLs. The last two months of his life were not good ones and he had to put him down. If you were to speak to him today, 7 years later, he would tell you not to choose the route he took.

My dog was 5 yo at the time of his diagnosis. I spoke with my friend about amputation/chemo, and after hearing his story, decided against it. I prayed for guidance and healing of my dog. When I went back to our vet to discuss our course of action, follow up x-rays were taken-the cancer was gone! Praise God. I don't know if you believe in God or the power of prayer-I am now a True Believer in God. This was absolute proof to me.

Only you know your dog. You say she has arthritis. I think this would make her ability to get around on three legs even more difficult.

I hope this info has helped you. Even with amputation and/or chemo, the survival time is still less than a year. And there is the expense of it all.

If my dog's cancer had not disappeared, I would have chose palliative care only. I would want his remaining time to be happy and pain-free.

Cherish your time with her. Love and comfort her and take her to her favorite places while you can. Take lots of photos.

I pray you will have the strength you will need to let her go.

Dec 23, 2017
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My dane was just diagnosed with cancer
by: Sherri

My best friend, Taffy, was diagnosed 2 days ago with osteosarcoma in her right front leg. She is my beautiful, sweet 7 yr old Great Dane. She's a big girl at 160 lbs. I am considering amputation and chemo but worried that she will have a really hard time getting around on 3 legs. She has some arthritis in her hips but is still able to jump into the back of my jeep to go for rides.

I hate to put her through the pain of the amputation if she is going to suffer. Does anyone have experience with a dog this large undergoing an amputation and being able to get around well?

Dec 19, 2017
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My Great Dane Zeus was positively diagnosed with bone cancer today
by: Mark Nord

My vet confirmed that my Dane Zeus has aggressive bone cancer in his front right ankle.

He did not recommend amputation because he weighs 218 pounds and Danes carry 70% of their weight on their front legs. He is only 4 years old. The thing of it is I did not really realize how much I love the damn dog until this.

I am 50 years old big burly biker looking guy and I thought I was tough. I cried the whole way home from the vet.

Does anyone have any suggestions or experience with bone cancer in their dog and does it help to amputate the leg or does it just prolong the suffering? I love him like he is one of my children. There is the options of amputation, chemo,
and pain killers. However I am more concerned with his quality of life more than keeping him alive for selfish reasons.

Again if anyone has experience with this please I would more than welcome some advice.

Dec 06, 2017
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The best years
by: Amber H

Today we found out that our beautiful 5 year old harl girl has bone cancer. We adopted her as an adult and she has been the absolutely best dog we have ever had. We are so heart broken.

Like other comments I have read, her symptoms were so sudden. 3 weeks ago, we thought she sprained something in her shoulder. Anti-inflammatory meds helped at first. Our vet said if she got any worse, he would x ray. She started limping again days ago. Back to the vet for an x ray and he is 99% sure it's bone cancer. She isn't responding to the stronger pain meds he has her on now. She can't get comfortable to sleep and cries in pain.

How did his happen so fast and out of the blue? This is not fair! We have had a very short time with her. We are going to discuss what the next steps are. I just don't know if we could put her through amputation (since it's in her front shoulder) or this kind of pain.

Zeus sounds like he is one lucky boy, just as the rest of the rest of the "furry members of the family" I have read about. She is first Dane. There will never be another one like her.

Nov 18, 2017
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Considering being a dog owner again...?
by: Catherine

Have commented before on this page, and reading other's comments really bring back the despair of losing a beloved soulmate to this terrible condition.

Twiggy our Lurcher was put to sleep years ago now, (osteosarcoma) and a year later my son's Whippet had to be put to sleep after a splenic tumour at aged 12yrs 8 months. The double whammy of these griefs, other devoted dog owners will so understand.

Reading the stories of other people brings it home again -
dog owning is great, but the pain of losing them is greater.

However, today, looking through a book on Lurchers, a letter from the Author fell out from the pages (I'd written to her about Twiggy's Osteosarcoma years ago). Jackie Drakeford said she is sure we get more than one 'Soulmate' dog in our lives, which teaches us different things, that we will love in different ways.

The Mum whose son is in Military training, I so feel for you not wanting to tell your son, and wonder how your dear dog is getting on after amputation.

Every case has to be taken on its merits, as long as the dog is happy, and pain free, that is all that matters.

Dogs are family, their loss is deeply felt, years afterwards, but the pain mercifully eases with time, and we can fondly remember them without breaking down (but crying now reading the stories people have left)...

Bless you all and your dogs, past and present.

Would love to get another dog, have had my garden re-fenced, it is secure for a dog.

Jun 24, 2017
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Cancer sucks!
by: Love my baby Danes

I can imagine what you are going through... My Isabella was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma about 1.5 weeks ago. She is 3.5 years old... Never expected the diagnosis when I took her to the vet. I thought she sprained her ankle, but it wasn't getting better.

We have an appointment this coming Wednesday to have her leg amputated. The chest em ray doesn't show any obvious mets, but they tell me they are most likely already there. I feel guilty for putting her through the surgery, but she is still so young, and I am hoping she will feel better with the pain taken away.

I know it will be a long road, but I'm hoping for a miracle. My son is currently in boot camp for the Army, and I can't bear to tell him during his difficult undertaking. So with the surgery, I'm hoping for a few more months so that he has some time with her too. He loves her like a sister, as I love her like a daughter.

Her sister, literally, from the same litter, is going to be lost without her, as we all are. I hope she can forgive me for the surgery. I'm hoping it helps her have a little but more normal life, whatever she has left.

I'm heartbroken and devastated, to say the least. I love my Bella Bean, and my Lilah Lu. Prayers are welcome from anyone.

Love from Heather Bella and Lilah

Mar 10, 2017
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I will love my Dane forever and ever
by: Susan R. Schaeffer

My heart is heavy! My great Dane mix King Marmaduke has been limping with his front left paw since January 31, 2017.

We have been to the vet several times since then.

We've tried anti-inflammatory and pain meds but nothing has been helping.

March 06,2017 we finally did an x-ray and, you guessed it -
bone cancer - a tumor in his foot. I can't believe it!! I'm still crying.

We went to an oncologist Thursday. She says either radiation, chemo, amputation, or pain meds to keep him comfortable. It's already throughout his body so we are not taking his foot.

He is still a very happy go lucky pup. We are trying to be happy for him, enjoy what time we have. we were not given a date or expectancy. We are doing everything every day to the fullest extent.

I'm sorry if I offend anyone but here's the facts: He's my son and I'm his mom and he has his dad, nana, aunts, uncles and cousins - he's not part of my family, he is my family. I am broken hearted because my son is not an ordinary common breed - he is great Dane, terrier, pitbull, and Labrador. He will be 8 August 04, 2017.

We love him so much. I will keep you informed and we will love him through the end and meet again at the rainbow bridge.

Mar 05, 2017
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Our Birkley
by: Deb

Hello, I can relate to you in more ways than one!

I have a great Dane, Birkley, and he is seven years old. We just came from the vet this morning and quite possibly may be facing going down this awful path as Birk has a lesion on his hind foot which suddenly appeared after a week of a swollen foot.

We just lost our golden retriever, Jake, to cancer only 3 short months ago!

It breaks my heart to read how others such as yourselves are going through this hardship but always remember all the good memories you have had with Zeus!

Feb 27, 2017
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My Sympathy
by: TinaMarie

Thank you for sharing your story. Dogs are such wonderful companions, they are very much part of the family.

My boy, Vasyl, went to a specialist today due to a persistent limp. X-rays show lesions on his upper humerus. We (specialist & I) are fairly sure its osteosarcoma, but awaiting word from radiologist.

I have decided that once we have confirmation, I will allow palliative treatment only. He is 8.5 years old and otherwise in good health. I do not want him to suffer and I believe if we go the route of amputation and chemo, his last part of life will be lived in pain, sickness and depression. He is still very ambulatory. I will try to keep him happy for the rest of his life.

Dec 28, 2015
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Osteosarcoma affects crossbreeds too
by: Catherine

Greyhounds frequently get osteoscarcoma, as well as Danes and Wolfhounds.

Long legged breeds seem particularly prone [but oddly, Whippets don't seem to be as affected from what I have heard so far-despite being long legged]

Twiggy our Lurcher [a Lurcher isn't a purebred, but a 'type' , a crossbreed of a sighthound and a terrier/ collie- a melange of mixtures.

Twiggy was 'small' at just 23'' to the shoulder, looking like a rough haired small greyhound.

She had developed a small limp, [aged approx 11/12 yrs] which didn't respond to rest.

The vet took an x ray and a blood test- and the dreadful diagnosis was announced.

It was in a very hot summer, [rare for UK] but the vet's news chilled my marrow, and goosebumps broke out. The shock will be known to any dog owner who has had a similar diagnosis.

The vet said osteosarcoma progresses fast, and amputation ''could'' be done, but the cancer would have probably spread, and all too often a dog recovers from amputation, only for the cancer to have spread to the lungs.

But, each case is different, and every owner must be guided by their vet and dog.

Twiggy was euthanised at home, after a few weeks on prescribed painkillers, and Twiggy let us know when she was ready. [Home euthanasia was such a help emotionally - because it caused less stress for Twiggy]

The spaying - as others have said, spaying does protect against other cancers, so it is a like a health lottery.

Rescued dogs have to be spayed/castrated as part of their adoption process, obviously dogs bought from breeders can make a choice.

Years ago, early spaying before first season was touted by some vets as it protected almost 100% against mammary tumours.

If a dog then dies of osteosarcoma, it seems pointless.

But spaying does protect against pyometra, phantom pregnancy and unwanted puppies.

Dog owning is a lottery- none of us knows how long our beloved pets will live - luck also plays a part [even the best cared for dogs can get ill].

Zeus, Twiggy, and the other beloved dogs mentioned here are not forgotten; maybe in future decades, osteosarcoma and other serious cancers will be curable.

In U.S. there are vets who do give chemotherapy to dogs with Osteosarcoma, but this wasn't offered as an option for us [in UK].

Sep 12, 2014
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Purebreds and osteosarcoma
by: Anonymous

It's very sad to hear about your Danes, everyone. When you get a Dane, it's best to have a good conversation with your vet and ask them to do some research about cancers and neutering/spaying. For some cancers, neutering and spaying are very protective, but for others, not so much. It's best to balance the risk to where you feel comfortable.

Most purebred dogs and Danes in particular are more osteosarcoma-prone than mutts, and it's incredibly common for Danes to get this horrible cancer, neuter or no. My best advice is not to be hard on yourself for making the decision to neuter/spay your dog - it is likely they would have gotten the cancer anyway. Danes and Wolfhounds have an almost 200x chance of getting osteosarcoma than other breeds. It's very common. The same breeding we did to create these magnificent breeds increased their risk of cancers dramatically, so it's up to us humans to help breed the cancer genetics back out of them.

May you always have happy memories of your sweet pets. I miss mine too (died of osteosarcoma in 2006).

Mar 24, 2014
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Thanks for sharing
by: maria and phil

Thank you for sharing this. We just had Max, our black lab mix, put to sleep on Friday and he had the exact same thing happen to him. Your story is identical to ours except Max always had cysts and bumps on him for most of his 9 years. He always had bad allergies too. We didn't realize it was bone cancer though, as it came on so fast, the bump that appeared on his skull grew so rapidly and his sight went so fast, about two months, we knew it was nearing his time. We didn't do a biopsy. He enjoyed his life and family right up until the day before we took him. I am sorry for your loss and mine.

Jan 02, 2014
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Max
by: Anonymous

Thank you for sharing your story.

I understand your love for Great Danes and feel the same, but unlike you, I will not have another. My Dane Max has been diagnosed with the same Cancer, his lump, also on the head, is about the size of a golf ball, and he has been running a consistent fever of 103. I had to put my last Dane down with lung cancer just before he turned 5, it's way too hard.

Aug 03, 2013
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It seems that Astro is suffering the same thing
by: Daniel

It seems that my great dane Astro is suffering from the same. He developed this big lump on his skull in the upper left side that is the size of a tennis ball now. His head looks deformed. Took him to the vet this Friday and they took a biopsy. We are just waiting for the lab results.

My poor boy is just sad.

The curious thing is that he is not neutered, so I don't know what to say about that. He does have that bald spot on his tail. He suffered from mange when younger, and the vet told us that his immune system was low.

I don't want him to suffer. We love him to death and he is the best dog ever. I think we will be confronted with a very hard decision soon. It hurts just to think about it.

Jun 21, 2013
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I am so sorry to hear of others going through this!
by: Colette

Thank you to all of you who have also been through this and who understand for all the kind words! Sharing helps heal a lot! To those of you who are going through this currently I am deeply sorry!

I did have my beautiful Zeus put down last Aug of 2012 - he went peacefully - the vet let me be with him up to the very end. We buried him in a special place behind our home. I will never forget him and his loyal love up to the very end.

He started to go blind in his only good eye, the lump got huge, bigger than a softball, and he was not eating. I knew it was time.

I love Great Danes. We did get another male harlequin puppy, he is so much different than Zeus but I am learning to love him for his own special uniqueness. It takes time to heal and love again, but I still believe it is the best way.

Please people just be aware about the high increase of bone cancer in getting your large pure bred dog spayed or neutered. If you have to do it wait two or three years or as long as possible - the hormones protect them against this ravaging type of cancer, especially the males. I am not getting our new Dane spayed at all if I can help it.

Jun 11, 2013
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Our Blood Hound Max Has this Also
by: kirk C.

Our Max, like your Zeus, also has a large knot growing on his head. At this time it is the size of a half ping pong ball. His symptoms sound depressingly similar to Zeus's symptoms. It's very sad.

Apr 28, 2013
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Zeus/Charlotte
by: Anonymous

I am so sorry to hear about Zeus. My dog has a large lump too. I'm extremely worried about her head. I am hoping that we can bring her to the vet this week and find out what's going on.

Mar 09, 2013
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Re: Bone cancer
by: Anonymous

I just lost my Great Dane mix to bone cancer; he was also diagnosed in July of 2012. Like you, I am more knowledgeable to the prevention and spread the word to all Dane owners and other large breeds. I have heard that in lieu of neutering, vets can also perform a vasectomy. Bone cancer is horrible.

Feb 01, 2013
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A fellow sufferer of grief from Osteosarcoma.
by: Catherine

I am so sorry to hear of Zeus's cancer. It brings tears to my eyes, as Twiggy, our lurcher had osteosarcoma too (dogs with long bones tend to get it, and I remember reading up in books when Twiggy was ill, that Danes also suffer).

What I didn't know was that early spaying was likely to make a dog more susceptible to this terrible condition.

We had Twiggy spayed at 6 months, to help prevent her from getting mammary tumours in later life!

Don't beat yourself up - but as owners, we do... You took Zeus to the vets early, and I, like you, offered to get Twiggy put to sleep then and there when she was initially diagnosed - but the vet said she could have a few weeks of life left.
Animals don't like to show their pain, but they communicate deeply with those they love.
I was worried that I wouldn't know 'when' to get Twiggy put to sleep, but more experienced owners said 'you will know-she will let you know' -she did.

I expect Zeus is in Animal Heaven now - and you will be re-united one day - our animals just don't live long enough.

Zeus sounds like a lovely brave boy, and animals are so brave - unlike their humans!

Jul 22, 2012
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So sorry
by: Jacqueline

I am so sorry for what you're going through. I so understand your love for your boy. All my dogs have been so precious to me and I miss them all - if only they could be with us longer.

Good luck with Zeus - yes, the inevitable is approaching but at least you can say your goodbyes, cuddle him and be his friend. You'll meet him again, I'm sure.

My thoughts are with you. xxx

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