FrodofromAus Posted February 24, 2013 Share Posted February 24, 2013 (edited) As an owner of a bull termer x who was diagnosed with malignant histiocytic sarcoma in October 2009, I have tried to keep in touch with what is happening in the field of research for our canine companions. The type of cancer Frodo had was a very aggressive cancer and from the stories I have read most dogs are lucky if they survive a couple of months. The good news is Frodo still keeps well after treatment, Statistically speaking one in three dogs in Perth will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime and it is for this reason it is important that trials and research be conducted so that advancements in future treatments can be made. I have recently found out that the Perth Vet Specialists Oncology Department are conducting subsidised clinical trials for the following canine cancers: Canine lymphoma – free medication Canine appendicular osteosarcoma – free medication Canine non-cutaneous haemangiosarcoma – free medication There will be additional costs to owners such as xrays, ultrasounds, bone marrow testing, blood testing, hosptalisation, or any other testing that is required during the course of treatment. The medication will be free. The data that will be collated with suitable participants in these trials will help with future advancements in the disease. Frodo was very lucky to have Dr Ken Wyatt and his team at the Perth Vet Specialists treating him. The experience and knowledge they have is why he is still with me now. Perth is fortunate to have two of Australia's seven veterinary oncologists with Dr Amy Lane being the other. I cant speak more highly of the care he received during that dreadful period of time If any of the forum members know of anyone who has a dog that might be a candidate for these trials please contact the Perth Vet Specialists in Osborne Park on 9204 0400 http://perthvetspecialists.com.au/oncology/our-doctors-onocology/ Edited February 24, 2013 by smiley4444 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kayla1 Posted February 26, 2013 Share Posted February 26, 2013 I hadn't heard of the aggressive type of cancer that your boy had, but it sounds like he is very lucky to still be here with you. Hopefully others can also benefit from the knowledge of these vets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrodofromAus Posted February 26, 2013 Author Share Posted February 26, 2013 (edited) Hi Kayla Yes I was very lucky indeed. Dr Ken Wyatt and his staff from the Perth Vet Specialists did a fantastic job to get Frodo through it. If you google that type of cancer you will find that it effects Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers and Bernese Mountain Dogs more than other breeds. There is some studies going on in the UK to find Rottweilers in particular to participate. I actually sent cheek swabs over to the UK from Frodo to help with research. If you have any contacts in Perth perhaps you could copy my original posting and forward it to them to pass it around? The more people that know of the studies the more likely to find participants. Any data and analysis that is gained will in the long run benefit all dogs. Edited February 26, 2013 by smiley4444 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CareyJ Posted February 27, 2013 Share Posted February 27, 2013 We lost out 22 month old GSP to histiocytic sarcoma in 2010. It was no more than about 2 weeks between diagnosis and us losing her and 3 weeks from initial symptoms. It was an absolutely horrifying experience which I would not wish on anyone and we were willing to throw anything at it. You are incredibly lucky you were able to get treatment so quickly for Frodo and that it was so successful. I couldnt fault the treatment and support given by Murdoch and Dr Fleur James - it was just too agressive for anyone to do anything. I dont have any contacts but I totally agree with the need for more and more cancer research and I really hope the information from Leila's case was utilised by Murdoch and made avaliable to others. We havent yet got another dog so we dont even have a regular vet we could pass this on to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kayla1 Posted February 27, 2013 Share Posted February 27, 2013 We lost out 22 month old GSP to histiocytic sarcoma in 2010. It was no more than about 2 weeks between diagnosis and us losing her and 3 weeks from initial symptoms. It was an absolutely horrifying experience which I would not wish on anyone and we were willing to throw anything at it. You are incredibly lucky you were able to get treatment so quickly for Frodo and that it was so successful. I couldnt fault the treatment and support given by Murdoch and Dr Fleur James - it was just too agressive for anyone to do anything. Oh how awful, your poor girl. Gee it must be a highly aggressive cancer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrodofromAus Posted February 27, 2013 Author Share Posted February 27, 2013 Hi Carey I am really sorry your dog didnt make it. It is a horrible diseases and I know what I went through when Frodo got diagnosed. Everytime I went for treatment I didnt know if it would be the last, the nervous wait for the updated results. A lot of vet websites do have information on this cancer and not many survive it from what I have read. I hope if you get another dog one day, the trials and research that continue now might be the difference of a better chance next time f it should ibe unlucky enough to get cancer. If would be fantastic if anyone reading this thread with Perth contacts,would cut and paste my original posting to get the word out. Maybe someone amongst them might know of a dog that might fit within the trial criteria that the Perth Vet Specialists require. Any cancer research for our pets is important for the future and I know Dr Wyatt is very dedicated to his work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White Shepherd mom Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 Hi smiley. I wish you the best of luck with your boy's cancer. I hope you get some excellent results. Ken, Jess, Alison and Geoff looked after Bella with her cancer but unfortunately things didn't work out for us. They are a very caring team and always take the time to let you know exactly what they will be doing for your dog each time you leave them there. It used to break my heart to leave her there for treatment. Her second treatment made her sick though and she spent 2 days at PVE. She passed away two weeks later, it seems the cancer spread to her brain but the chemo couldn't follow it. I really wish you and Frodo a much better outcome. Hugs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrodofromAus Posted March 14, 2013 Author Share Posted March 14, 2013 Sorry to hear about Bella. Cancer is an awful disease and so many dogs dont make it. I got lucky with Frodo and this is why I am so keen to see the research done. Ken and his staff are absolutely fantastic and I hope that he finds suitable dogs for this trial. Any new data that can be gained can only be of benefit to all dogs. If you could email my original post to your contacts in Perth maybe we will locate suitable dogs for the oncology trials. The more people who know about them increases the chances. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exkiwi Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 As an owner of a bull termer x who was diagnosed with malignant histiocytic sarcoma in October 2009, I have tried to keep in touch with what is happening in the field of research for our canine companions. The type of cancer Frodo had was a very aggressive cancer and from the stories I have read most dogs are lucky if they survive a couple of months. The good news is Frodo still keeps well after treatment, Statistically speaking one in three dogs in Perth will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime and it is for this reason it is important that trials and research be conducted so that advancements in future treatments can be made. I have recently found out that the Perth Vet Specialists Oncology Department are conducting subsidised clinical trials for the following canine cancers: Canine lymphoma – free medication Canine appendicular osteosarcoma – free medication Canine non-cutaneous haemangiosarcoma – free medication There will be additional costs to owners such as xrays, ultrasounds, bone marrow testing, blood testing, hosptalisation, or any other testing that is required during the course of treatment. The medication will be free. The data that will be collated with suitable participants in these trials will help with future advancements in the disease. Frodo was very lucky to have Dr Ken Wyatt and his team at the Perth Vet Specialists treating him. The experience and knowledge they have is why he is still with me now. Perth is fortunate to have two of Australia's seven veterinary oncologists with Dr Amy Lane being the other. I cant speak more highly of the care he received during that dreadful period of time If any of the forum members know of anyone who has a dog that might be a candidate for these trials please contact the Perth Vet Specialists in Osborne Park on 9204 0400 http://perthvetspecialists.com.au/oncology/our-doctors-onocology/ Could you please tell me where you got the statistics that one in three dogs in Perth will be affected with cancer?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White Shepherd mom Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 If you could email my original post to your contacts in Perth maybe we will locate suitable dogs for the oncology trials. The more people who know about them increases the chances. I only know about 20 people in Perth and only about 5 have dogs! Sorry smiley. I do hope Frodo gets the help he needs and is with you for many years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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