The pet dog was diagnosed with advanced osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer in the left leg that caused limping and necessitated amputation~

A team led by Dr. Narendra Pardeshi, India’s leading Vet Surgeon from Small Animal Clinic, Pune including Reena Haribhat, Vet Assistant, Pooja Bahot, and Dr. Jyoti Pardeshi successfully saved the life of Badal Khandke, twelve-and-a-half-year-old dog diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer in the left leg. The cancer caused limping and ultimately required amputation. Just 24 hours after the lengthy surgery, Badal was already walking again. Currently, he is doing well and has regained his cheerful demeanor.

Similar to humans, cancer is also a prevalent issue among pets. Kanchan Khandke, a pet owner from Dehradun, encountered a difficult situation when her 12-year-old rescued Indian cross-breed canine named Badal was diagnosed with advanced bone cancer.

Kanchan Khandke, a devoted pet parent and a school principal from Dehradun, said, “I am from Pune but relocated to Rajasthan for 12 years and rescued and cared for 21 rescued dogs. In late 2022, the rescued pet Badal, began limping and panting and was given an injection but his condition didn’t improve. In May of 2023, I relocated from Rajasthan to Dehradun. By the end of August 2023, Badal started limping noticeably and even had a fall that led to crying.”

Concerned about Badal’s health, Kanchan Khandke took him to a local vet who suggested the possibility of cancer after conducting an x-ray. This news worried her greatly as cancer would require extensive testing such as a biopsy. “Dr Pardeshi has been our family’s veterinarian for two decades, so I asked him to visit Dehradun and assess Badal’s condition. In October 2023, Dr Pardeshi and his team consisting of Reena Haribhat, Vet Assistant, Pooja Bahot, and Dr Jyoti Pardeshi came to Dehradun and performed several tests including a scan and an FNAC Test which confirmed the presence of a tumor. Following this diagnosis, I decided to travel with Badal to Pune so he could receive care from Dr Pardeshi. The journey from Dehradun to Pune took four days during which we drove for 35 hours with regular breaks,” said Kanchan Khandke.

Dr Narendra Pardeshi, India’s leading Vet Surgeon from Small Animal Clinic, Pune explained, “Badal was diagnosed with advanced Osteosarcoma, which originated in the lower part of the leg and spread to the upper part. Osteosarcoma in dogs is a fast-growing, aggressive bone cancer that requires timely intervention to improve the chances of successful treatment. This type of cancer typically affects the legs, making it crucial for pet owners to be vigilant for any signs of limping or swelling. The prevalence of cancer in dogs varies by breed, age, and other factors. Generally, cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs. Some estimates suggest that around 1 in 4 dogs may develop cancer during their lifetime. Specific breeds may be more prone to certain types of cancer due to genetic factors. Osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, can affect dogs, and its exact cause is not always clear. Several factors may contribute to the development of osteosarcoma and one of them is genetics. Certain breeds, such as larger breeds like Great Danes, Saint Bernards, and Greyhounds, have a higher predisposition to osteosarcoma. Other factors are old age, bone disorders, and trauma.”

Following a comprehensive evaluation in Dehradun involving blood tests, CT scans, and a biopsy, the presence of cancer was confirmed. The pet was then taken to Pune for further testing including x-rays and repeated CT scans to assess other health issues and leg amputation was recommended for Badal.

Kanchan Khandke said “Dr. Pardeshi advised me to act quickly on Badal’s amputation, but my family was hesitant. In December 2023, I returned to Pune. After some time, the doctor improved his condition enough for surgery. However, my mother suffered a stroke, requiring me to look after her. I  called my brother and niece from Singapore to care for Badal.”

Dr Narendra Pardeshi highlighted, “An amputation surgery for osteosarcoma on his left leg was scheduled for January 9th, 2024.  The primary treatment for osteosarcoma in dogs often involves surgical removal of the affected limb, known as limb amputation. This is typically done to alleviate pain and improve the dog’s quality of life. After amputation, dogs can adapt surprisingly well to three-legged mobility. The surgery went smoothly without any complications and lasted for two and a half hours. The dog was able to walk within 24 hours post-surgery. In the first year following surgery, it’s crucial to monitor the dog’s recovery, provide any prescribed medications, and follow the veterinarian’s recommendations for post-operative care. Early diagnosis is the best preventative measure. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to assess the overall health of the dog and ensure there are no signs of cancer recurrence or complications. Some veterinarians may recommend further treatments such as chemotherapy to address potential metastasis or to increase the chances of long-term success. The specific treatment plan will depend on various factors, including the extent of the cancer, the dog’s overall health, and the preferences of the owner. Consult your veterinarian to discuss the best course of action for your individual dog’s situation and to ensure proper post-operative care.”

“Witnessing Badal walking just 24 hours post-surgery with his three legs and wagging his tail brought me immense joy. The way he has adapted and thrived in challenging circumstances is truly remarkable. I am now at ease and filled with gratitude towards God and Dr. Pardeshi. I cannot thank Dr Pardeshi enough for giving my son Badal a new chance at life. His progress each day fills me with hope and gratitude,” concluded the pet parent Kanchan Khandke.