Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives

My husband and I were given the devastating news yesterday that our 9 year old Rottweiler has a bone tumor in her right hind femur.  The vet says we caught it as early as we could have possibly caught it as it is an extremely aggressive cancer (osteosarcoma).  We had the full panel of x-rays done including the affected leg, her hips and her chest.  There is no evidence of metastasis at this point in any of the other radiographed areas.  She also has great hips and the other leg is still strong.  The vet thinks she is an excellent candidate for amputation.  She gave us all the options, amputation with pain meds, amputation with chemo, or just pain management .  If this cancer had spread to other parts of her body we would obviously keep her as comfortable and happy as possible.  We also called the breeder, who has been with her line for 30 years and has gone through all sorts of cancers over the years.  She would never amputate, but she also said we need to do what we feel we need to do to know we did everything we possibly could for our sweet angel.  The vet said her life expectancy could be 2-4 months with pain management , 4-6 months with amputation and pain management , and 9-12 months with amputation and chemotherapy.  We are absolutely torn.  Our Marley is the happiest, most energetic, loving, funny, sweet dog who has more zest for life than any one person we know.  Do we keep her intact and keep her comfy and as happy as possible?  Do we amputate and put her through rounds of chemo?  She is 9 years old and we know we should really only expect 8-10 years from this breed, but if you all are like us....she is our baby.  We have been so lucky to have healthy family and friends so this is the worst thing that has happened to us thus far in life.  We would go to the ends of the earth to fix this and want to do right by this amazing dog and I know she trusts us to make the right decision.  The question is, what is the right answer?