Rottweiler Health Foundation

Rottweiler Health Foundation Mission Statement

To raise money to fund critical research into the genetic, communicable and acquired diseases that plague our beloved breed, the Rottweiler.

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Winter 2008

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SHARED REAL STORIES

Photo: Dave with Hank

My Rottweiler 'Hank'
Dealing with Osteosarcoma
Submitted by Dave & Theresa on September 12, 2004

Hank turned thirteen on September 9, 2004. Diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on July 4, 2002, he is a walking miracle.

We took his front left leg about three months after diagnosis on the advise of Drs. Lazerus and Gordon of Rippowam Animal Hospital in Stamford, Connecticut, and Dr .Calo, an oncologist and the orthopedist at Foster Small Animal Hospital at Tufts University.

My vet did the amputation and administered the chemo prescribed by Dr. Calo. Dr. Laserus did say an animal as large as Hank would have a difficult time surviving with only one front leg on his own. Hank is 130 pounds. Dr. Laserus was right, so with the help of a double harness and and a system devised by myself, Hank and I go on four walks per day following a trail of food.

Hank does not walk much on his own as he is not very stable. The commitment is large but well worth it. His only food now is Prescription Diet (PD) in a can. Hank is happy, healthy, comfortable and a miracle.

Photo: Hank, Dave and his other buddy

We were told he had a 50% chance to live six months and a 25% chance to make it almost two years. We are still counting and trying to care for him as best we can without being overly protective. This is difficult. If you can't give your dog the proper care (for his age and size) it will be tough for the dog.

I wanted to share my experience and story with others.

05/28/05 Update
I wanted to let you know that my sweet Rottweiler Hank passed away on March 12, 2005. As with his life, his death was beautiful as we were able to hold him. Hank did not die from the cancer. His back legs were no longer working well as the three leg strain had taken its toll on his 13-1/2-year old body. He also stopped eating and we could tell the happiness was gone .So the decision was a tough, but easy one.

The joy that dog brought my family is indescribable and his will to survive was unbelievable. Hank adapted surprisingly well to his limited mobility and tough predicament.

The house is now too quiet as my yellow lab 'URoy' (he is in the picture above with Hank) who did die from cancer two years ago is also gone. I am sure this will not last too long. We want another dog and miss the joy that my two unbelievable dogs brought us. I wanted to update Hanks miracle story.

David Goldstone




Do you have a REAL STORY to share about your Rottweiler? Please email your story, along with photos to the RHF Webmaster Your story may help others going through similar circumstances.