Amputation not as a result of Osterosarcoma in Deerhounds

We wanted to introduce a new survey as part of our ongoing research into canine osteosarcoma (malignant bone cancer). We are looking for owners to take part in this survey who have had a Deerhound who suffered from a problem in their leg which resulted in amputation being performed that was not related to cancer. With this planned survey, we are attempting to establish owner’s experience of amputation for conditions unrelated to osteosarcoma. This is very important, as it will help us understand how much the diagnosis of osteosarcoma influences owner’s decisions over amputation. The survey will also help us appreciate what treatment or treatments vets recommend to manage particular non-cancerous conditions of the limb in large dogs. Of paramount importance is how owners feel about the amputation and the impact of it on both their dogs and themselves in caring for them long-term. From this we will not only be able to review the various conditions for which large-breed dogs have had a limb amputated but also and importantly, how this impacted on their long-term quality of life. The opinions and experiences of the owners taking part will help us understand the impact of amputation outside of the context of osteosarcoma, which is extremely important. From these results we are aiming to understand how best to treat osteosarcoma from an owners’ point of view. A major outcome from this study is to help us understand whether the specific conditions that affect dogs impact differently on whether an owner decides on a particular treatment. By looking at the range of conditions for which dogs have had amputation, it will help us determine this as much as possible. Why is this important? Because we must ensure that any new or novel treatments for dogs with osteosarcoma are acceptable to owners and well tolerated by the dogs themselves. This approach focuses on quality of life rather than quantity. We cannot assume that any new treatment (or existing treatment for that matter) that we or any other group develops will be considered acceptable by the owners of those unfortunate affected dogs.


By completing this survey, you will greatly help us understand what drives decisions over why amputation is chosen. Equally importantly, you will provide us with information as to how the selected treatment proceeds and finally on reflection, whether the treatment provided the anticipated improved quality of life and survival. At present, there is very little reported about the optimal treatment for large breed dogs from an owner’s perspective. We are keen that we can begin to understand this further, in parallel with any developments regarding the genetics of osteosarcoma. Without this insight, new treatments - whilst potentially very good at improving lifespan, may not be well accepted by owners of the affected dogs and therefore have limited benefit to the dogs themselves.

 

We would therefore appreciate your support by consenting to be involved, on the basis of this being an anonymised study where the details of participants (both dog and owners) will not be revealed. Only the researchers at the University of Nottingham will know those people taking part. It is hoped that by maintaining a strictly anonymous project we will encourage all owners and breeders to get involved. Participation in this research is entirely voluntary and there is no obligation to take part. Your details and the information you provide will be anonymised. This study has been approved by the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science’s ethics committee. We would therefore appreciate your support by consenting to be involved on this basis. The survey should take no more than 15 minutes to complete. We would appreciate it if you could complete this for each dog you have had that has undergone amputation.

 

For any questions about this survey please contact Emily Holdsworth on svyeh4@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk or sv-dogs@nottingham