Seeking Advice on recent Osteosarcoma Diagnosis & Treatment for My Dog
Species: Canine Breed: Rottweiler Age: 7 years old Sex/Neuter Status: Female, Spayed Weight: 120 lbs
Background & Initial Symptoms
On February 9, 2025, my dog Phenix developed a sudden third eyelid prolapse (suspected cherry eye). There had been no previous trauma, she wasn’t rubbing her eye-actually at the time it happened she was asleep on the couch, jumped up and the eyelid had prolapsed over the eye. The night previous Phenix had a 10-15 seconds episode of reverse breathing which was the first time to my knowledge I had ever heard her have. She had no other symptoms—no pain, no appetite loss, and no behavioral changes. She remained active, playful, and was her normal loving energetic self.
She was taken to an ED vet, evaluated and ultimately discharged with prescribed Augmentin (BID) and Carprofen (100 mg BID) for 7 days, and two different antibiotic eye drops. Bloodwork was obtained and the only finding was a slight minimal increase in her white blood cells. The Vet actually said it was so slight it was almost insignificant and he contributed it to the prolapse. Everything else was completely normal. February 13 Phenix had a follow up where a stain of the eye was done and no corneal ulcers, scratches, or tears were found. The eye orbit appeared normal to the vet and she suspected the prolapse was an inflammation response to allergies. Phenix was placed on antihistamines and her eye drops were switched to a tri-drop antibiotic/steroid combo. The prolapse initially improved with a decrease in swelling but by February 23, 2025, it had returned to its original state. Phenix was taken back in for reevaluation and it was determined that she had severe cherry eye and surgery would be needed to correct.
Surgery & Unexpected Findings
On February 25, 2025, Phenix underwent surgery to correct the prolapse. During the procedure, the vet discovered: • Thicker-than-normal tissue behind the left eye and in “some” of the sinus cavity, however, he also referred to it as a mass behind the eye. • The eye globe was slightly softer compared to the right eye globe. • Some mild sinus inflammation
Because of these findings, the vet performed enucleation (left eye removal) and sent the tissue and globe for histopathology.
Histopathology Results & Diagnosis
On March 15, 2025, the histopathology report confirmed osteosarcoma.
Key Findings from the Report: • Neoplastic proliferation of mesenchymal cells with osteoid production, consistent with osteosarcoma. • No evidence of infection or inflammatory disease. • Bone destruction noted within orbital tissue. • No confirmation of perineural or lymphatic invasion on initial review.
Despite this aggressive diagnosis, Phenix has had NO signs of pain—not even from the day of the prolapse to today. She continues to eat well, remain active, and show no behavioral changes. She is healing remarkably well post-surgery.
Current Plan & Treatments
Referred to: • NC State Veterinary Hospital for oncology consult (appointment next week). • Veterinary Imaging for MRI/CT scan (awaiting scheduling).
Current Condition & Questions • Phenix is still eating well, playful, and otherwise acting completely normal given the circumstances of learning to adapt to only one eye. • She has NO signs of pain, discomfort, or neurological changes. • Mild swelling remains on her brow and nasal bridge area in between the eyes, but it has not gotten bigger or moved towards the right eye. • Her previous occasional reverse sneezing has only happened a handful of times since surgery and lasted 5-7 seconds each time. Never multiple times daily.
🐾 My Main Questions 1. While I understand the report confirmed osteosarcoma, given the issues found in her left eye (softness, thickened tissue, sinus inflammation, and bone destruction), is this a typical presentation for orbital osteosarcoma? 2. Should I be asking more targeted questions when I meet with the oncologist next week? If so, what should I focus on? 3. What is the likelihood that the entire tumor was removed with the eye? 4. Would an MRI/CT scan provide more insight, or should I push for additional testing (biomarkers, repeat histopath review, second opinion)? 5. Is it unusual for osteosarcoma to present so suddenly with a third eyelid prolapse and no other symptoms?
I appreciate any insights or recommendations. Thank you for taking the time to read and help! 🐾💙