Charleigh is a 10 ½ year old spayed female St. Bernard who lives in Little Rock, Arkansas. She is owned by Matthew and Amanda Kovak. Long before Amanda met Matthew, Charleigh traveled around the United States in old Jeep going from state to state. She has lived in California, North Dakota, New Mexico, Mississippi, Virginia, and now rests her paws in Arkansas. She is extremely loved and goes everywhere with her family. If she can’t go, then her parents seriously consider if they need to go. Vacations are even planned around her. Jekyll Island, GA and India Pass, FL are her two favorite places to vacation.
Charleigh started limping and grunting when laying down around May 2019. It was suspected that she had spinal arthritis and she started seeing a spinal specialist. She was started on Previcox, and gabapentin at that time by her local vet in Arkansas. In early December 2019, Charleigh slipped and started limping. The spinal arthritis was suspected as the cause of the lameness. On 12/12/19, Charleigh was taken to her regular veterinarian where radiographs of the left limb were taken. A lytic and proliferative lesion obstructing the cortex of the left distal radius were found. Tylenol with codeine was added for additional pain control. We were told by our local vet that she had Osteosarcoma and there was nothing they could do, but put her down. We were not going to even consider that as she was still such a happy girl. We knew a second opinion was needed. Charleigh seems to be relatively pain free. She still likes to go on walks and goes to the dog park every day after work.
On 12/18/19 she was taken to the LSU Oncology Group for further work up of a bony tumor of her left distal radius. It was diagnosed as Stage 1 Osteosarcoma. A thoracic radiograph was complete and no visible metastasis was present at that time. Her lameness was rated at a level 1. At that time, Charleigh was diagnosed with a bone cancer called Osteosarcoma. The tumor is locally aggressive and conservative surgical removal is not possible. It also has a high rate (>90%) of spreading or metastasis- usually to the lungs.
We discussed with the vets at LSU many options for treatment. First, stereotactic radiation with a total of three treatments over three consecutive days. This is a limb sparing alternative to amputation for dogs that are not good candidates for amputation. Then follow this with 6 doses of carboplatin chemotherapy two weeks after radiation ends with our local vet. Second, we also discussed amputation as an option for treatment followed by chemotherapy. Because of Charleigh’s prior orthopedic and spinal problems, amputation may be harder on her afterwards with mobility than other dogs without arthritis in other locations. Third, option is to perform palliative radiation therapy if a more aggressive approach is declined, which consists of 2 consecutive weekday doses of radiation with no Chemotherapy and the goal is to alleviate the pain associated with the bony tumor, but will not prevent the tumor from recurring. Average duration of palliative radiation benefit is about 3-4 months. LSU recommended a bisphosphonates as well for a bone strengthening agent and additional pain control if amputation is not chosen called zoledronate to be given at the start of radiation therapy, then every 3 weeks at each round of chemotherapy, then monthly afterward.
We decided to pursue stereotactic radiation therapy followed by chemotherapy and zoledronate. The size of Charleigh’s tumor may not shrink especially with how much new bone has been produced in that area, but we expect to see improvement of her limping and pain in the next few weeks. She should stay on her Previcoxx long term as long as she is not having significant side effects. She may need to stay on some other additional pain control for the rest of her life, and these medications can be adjusted as needed.
When we returned from LSU, we took a step back and began to wonder what we could have done differently. We love her. Money is not an issue. She has regular wellness appointments. We feed her well and she takes vitamins. We are currently feeding her a half and half mix of Honest Kitchen/Science Diet. Then mixing it with AllProvide for added protein. We are trying to limit any carbohydrates, but when it comes to getting her pills down, we do what we have to do in order for her to get her dose in.
We did not see radiation burns until 22 days post radiation. We applied aquaphor twice a day on the area and we experienced minimal burns. She has handled the chemo well and will have her second treatment this month. Her white blood cells and kidney are functioning well.
We must admit that we knew it wasn’t a quick fix but we are disappointed to see her still limping. The vets at LSU expect it to go away and not to worry yet, but we hoped with everything for as normal as she is handling it, she would not limp. The limp has gotten better. She has started to dig and while we try to discourage it, she is still a happy girl. Her activity has double since radiation. Thank God. We keep a diary of food, pills, potty, and general wellness.
We took the frame out from our bed and put the box spring and mattress on the floor and tried to remove the footings off the couch to bring them both lower to the floor and easier for her to get in and out of. We purchased a minivan for easy transportation a few months ago as well. I am not sure there is anything else we can do but love her. We pray the limping goes away and she returns to normal. She is our baby girl and we will always love her.
“Charleigh was laid to sleep the morning of March 3, 2020, with her parents in her favorite spot out in the back of her home. The cancer had spread into her elbow and rendered her on three legs. It was time. She was so loved and will always be remembered. Run Free Charleigh!!!”
