Oliver has Osteosarcoma- Needs Amputation & Chemo

Oliver is a 9 year old standard schnauzer who is currently battling cancer for the second time in his short life. He doesn’t seem to notice much though and just goes about his business being a good dog and proudly rocking his stylish schnauzer beard. He’s a clever, fearless, stubborn and well-loved pup and has been Alison’s faithful companion and family for the last 8 years. He’s touched many lives and brings joy to all who meet him, including the residents at his gramma’s assisted living facility. He’s a squamous cell carcinoma survivor. He had a cancerous toe removed in the fall of 2020 and never looked back. He just kept running like the wind, especially on the beach.

Here he is in 2021 at sunset in Lincoln City:

A few weeks ago he started limping and walking on three legs. He went to the vet and they said it was most likely a soft tissue injury, but Alison pushed for X-rays which revealed a bone tumor. A veterinary oncologist who already knew Oliver said he most likely has osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer that also affects humans. The vet gave him a thorough exam to assess if the cancer had spread to the rest of his body. He had multiple chest X-rays, a full lab panel, an abdominal ultrasound, a prostate and rectal exam, lymph node and heart checks, and a lymph node biopsy on the affected leg. The good news is everything else is clear, and Oliver is otherwise in great health. The work up totaled more than $3000.

On Monday, Oct 2nd, less than three weeks from when the tumor was found, Oliver will have his left hind leg amputated. The amputation is being done by a very experienced surgical team at Veterinary Cancer & Surgery Specialists. The surgeon evaluated Oliver and says he’s strong, otherwise healthy, should tolerate surgery well and adapt quickly to his life as a tripawd.. He will spend Monday night in the Dove Lewis ICU and will travel there by doggie ambulance. He should be discharged home on Tuesday, October 3rd if all goes well. The estimated cost for the amputation is $8600. The decision to proceed hasn’t been an easy one, because there’s a chance there is already microscopic cancer spread to his lungs or other organs. But bone cancer is very painful. The amputation will relieve Oliver of that pain. The leg will also be biopsied so we will have a definitive diagnosis.

After we learn what is growing in Oliver’s leg bone he will see the oncologist again to talk about chemotherapy. Chemo is generally very well tolerated by dogs with few or no side effects. It should give him more time on this earth with Alison and his Gramma, as he is her emotional support animal. Costs for chemotherapy, if we proceed, will be around $3500.

We would be forever grateful to anyone who donates to help keep Oliver happy and healthy for as long as possible. He is Alison’s support system and family and he still has squirrels to chase, a neighborhood to patrol and a lot of kisses to give.

Thanks everyone for the love and support. And for reading and sharing Oliver’s story. Check back for updates- we will use this platform to keep everyone updated. ♥️