Hello to you all,

I have just joined as a member here and wanted to share my story. I found a lump on my dog's lower front right leg two weeks ago, his name is Gizz and he is an 8 year old Siberian Husky. We were told to have the lump removed straight away which we did and the test results came back as cancer (sarcoma.) He went in for a lung X-ray and lymph biopsy all of which were negative for signs of cancer. He had his leg amputated yesterday and is doing ok today although he did seem to be in quite a lot of pain the first night (the vet has since increased his pain relief medication). He is able to walk (hop) outside to go to the toilet and is eating and responding well to me. The last two weeks have honestly been the two of the hardest I have ever endured and at times it felt as if my heart were breaking in two. The bond that I have with my dog(s) and the love I feel for them is very strong, as I think all of you here on this forum can understand and relate to. In having told my story, I also want to let anyone else know that I am able to offer support or answer any questions for those that may have a dog who is facing amputation.

Vikki

Hello Vikki and Gizz!  I'm sorry you have to be here, but stories and shared experience are the best therapy for scared people and you'll have a lot to contribute.  I look forward to your stories and pictures–even videos if you can.  Keep on healing!

Mary and Cemil

Hello all,

Thank you for your kind words, they are really appreciated. Jerry – he was diagnosed with a soft tissue sarcoma Grade 2. I'm trying to get as much info on it as possible at the moment. Are you aware generally what sort of prognosis this has?

I will endeavour to get some pictures up of Gizz soon :)

Vikki

Chloe had a soft tissue sarcoma known as spindle cell.  They didn't "grade" the aggressiveness of her tumor, but maybe it just had to do with the type of cancer she had.  Anyway, the vet told us that after amputation they did a biopsy of her lymphnodes in her knee (above her tumor) and they came back negative for cancer.  In our case, amputation "cured" her of it and she didn't have to undergo chemo.

It might be best to talk to your vet or oncologist about his prognosis since one of them would have a better understanding of Gizz's cancer and the chances of it having metastisized pre amputation.  Chloe's vet said that her type of sarcoma is slow to metastisize and gave me the impression that most soft tissue sarcomas are that way, not necessarily all though.  So like I said, you might talk to his vet or an oncologist or post this topic in ask a vet to see what Dr. Pam says about this.

-Chloe's mom

P.S. Chloe is a Siberian Husky/hound mix!  She looks more hound than husky, but she loves to howl and has that widows peak on  her face!

Hi Gizz and Vikki,

Just another dog loving member here sending lots of positive thoughts your way. Welcome guys.

Fortis and Dad

Welcome Vikki & Gizz,

As we all say, we really don't want to be here, but if you must, this is THE best place for information and support for your Tripawd's journey.  My dog had a soft tissue sarcoma on her left knee, amputated last October.  We never found out which type even after special stains done numerous times.  Did rule out some of them but no 'name' to Maggie's STS.

I, like you, found the two weeks from HELL, well, totally HELLISH!  But life is darn good now!  Keep on looking up!  Things will get better and you'll be glad you amputated Gizz!

Tracy, Maggie's Mom