Update from the vets on Murphy's leg

it seems that when Murphy got the infection underneath the TPLO plate after his first op this time last year, although we got rid of the infection and the plate was removed it seems to have done some damage to the actual bone as it isn't as dense as it should be and he is now on total rest.

I didnt actually get to see the xrays as they had already been sent off to the specialist and the vet did seem quite evasive (which is very unlike him) although he did mention about a possible biopsy, but I seemed to think he was hiding something, he was also very huggy with Murphy, which although he has always been fond of him he did seem a tad more so and actually cuddled Murphy - Murphy is on Ceporex now for 12 days along with an increased dose of Rimadyl.

I cant helped but think of the worst and came home and cried my eyes out to my hubby - could it be bone cancer (or is my imagination running riot) ? the vet is going to call me within the next few days once hes spoken with the specialist and give me a call.

I know Murphy has really been through the mill, but he is really not a happy chappie tonight and I am really really worried

Poor Murphy Sorry to hear the news was not that good

Will keep my fingers crossed for some better news next time you speak to the vet.

Not the best news for poor Murphy

I can imagine how worried you must be Stephanie - we always do tend to imagine the worst. I would be inclined to get on the phone to the vet and ask him straight out if he believes that bone cancer is a possibility. I realize that he wants the specialist to see the x-rays, but he must have his own opinion. Tell him you are worrying yourself sick anyway so he might as well tell you what he thinks.

Fingers crossed that your anxiety is unfounded.

Stephanie (hug) I am so sorry to hear you are having more problems it's hard I know but try to be optimistic for Murphy...or he may pick up on your sadness...wishing you both well when the results come through..

I'd do what SB suggests and ring the vet and ask him straight for his opinion. You could be getting yourself in a state thinking the worse and it might turn out to be something alot less serious.

Good luck Steph and Murph, I'm thinking of you both xxx

so sorry things aren't going so good for murphy.i would ring the vets and ask him outright about bone cancer,i really hope you are worrying about nothing.sending a big hug for murphy

I would phone the vet as someone else has suggested. The vet might just have felt guilty that the doggy got an infection after the operation and maybe thinks that he should have spotted this. So please dont worry until you talk to the vet and find out just what is the matter.

WHAT DID THE VET DO TO HIM?
did they move his leg and it give him pain? maybe hes feeling sore.
sounds like some thing is going off he if treated murph different to the norm it would make the alarm bells ring.
i wouldn't wait steph i would give them a call and ask them what they think it could be cancer or otherwise.
i wouldn't have thought the infection would not cause bone cancer but if its not as dense as it should be maybe some kind of break?
i know bone cancer looks mottled on x rays as i saw emmas when she was told she had cancer of the bone in her shoulder.
i would ring part of the reason your as upset as you are is because you didn't get the answers from the vet, don't wait give them a call.
you have both been through enough without the vet not keeping you informed as much as possible.
let us know don't sit and worry it could be nothing but ring and ask.

I phoned the vet and asked him outright, he has spoken with the specialist and they say the area of bone that was under the plate and where the infection was is not as dense as it should be and they agreed it is caused by one of three things

a. Bone Tumour (although he was sceptical it could be this as he feels Murphy would be in more pain (and show that he was in more pain) especially when he applied pressure to the area

b. Ongoing infection from when Murphy got an infection under the TPLO plate, he thinks that the infection may not have cleared up, that would mean that Murphy has had theinfection for 1 year now - vet thinks this is the most likely scenario and Murphy is on a massive blast of antibiotics for 2 weeks

3. Dead bone, caused by the infection. if its this then he will have the dead bone removed and a bone graf done

Ive got to phone the vet on thursday to give him an update on Murphy and then just under 2 weeks he'll go back to the vets for more xrays and if the infection is gone, good and well and they will remove the plate in his other leg, if not, then we are looking a biopsy being done please keep Murphy in your thoughts over the next 2 weeks

aww poor murphy sending the fella big hugs and kisses and keeping him in our thoughts