Hi Tilly & Family,

I'm guessing that you got a diagnosis of Osteosarcoma since you've looked at the lungs for spread? Our Ellie also had OSA in the knee, which was diagnosed when her ACL tore. Most of us have been where you are right now so we definitely understand the need to hear something positive, not just that it is "the end". So, here goes.....

Tilly is a big girl, but not that big. We've had Mastiffs and Danes and St. Bernard dogs and even at least one other Leo who have come here w/ their amputation stories. Even our Ellie was 100lbs pre-amp. So if it is only that the vet is worried about her size, then I do definitely agree you should seek a second opinion. You say she's still strong and fit, so size alone shouldn't stop you from considering amputation. 

For us, at first amputation seemed such a drastic step! We thought she was too big or too old or that she wouldn't be able to manage stairs. We thought she'd hardly be able to walk, let alone go chasing after squirrels as a tripawd! Like you, our primary thought was that we could not let her suffer. But Ellie was still so full of life! And we thought that even if she only got another year, that would be like a 70 yr old human getting another 7 years. So it didn't take us long to decide that we had to give her a chance of living out her days pain free. We knew that if we amputated, she'd at least be spared that. So we amputated and had 10 months w/ Ellie afterwards. Once she recovered from the amputation, she took walks, laid on the patio, barked at the UPS man, laid on the floor for snuggles, went up stairs two at a time...she basically did everything she did before. She didn't suffer as a tripawd at all! And when it was finally time to say goodbye, she let us know. We don't regret amputating at all. 

The big guys and gals tend to have a bit more trouble recovering but, really, recovery isn't a picnic for anyone. There will be a couple of weeks that can be pretty miserable---mostly for you though! If Tilly's pain is being managed and she gets lots of rest and time to recuperate, she'll probably surprise you how well she can do as a tripawd. 

Denise, Bill and Angel Ellie

Otis was 106 pounds at amputation - he is now about 94 (both loss of the leg and about 2 pounds in our efforts to keep him lean).  He is 8, and has mild arthritis in his hips, but is doing great as a front leg amputee.   He cannot take long walks anymore - actually, we only go 7 houses and he sits down at house 5 (on the corner) and spends a good 10 - 15 minutes smelling the air and looking around.   But he can go up and down stairs (and can come down now in a very controlled manner), get up on the counter to steal cat food, chase the family cats or squirrels outside, jump up on the sofa - basically, the majority of things he used to do with four legs.   From my perspective, age and size alone should not rule out amputation, especially if you have access to and can afford a high quality of veterinary care, but definitely get a second (ideally, surgical) opinion.