Our 11 year old Keeshond Joey started limping a couple of weeks ago, he had an appointment coming up so when we brought him I mentioned the leg offhandedly and she discovered the lump on his back knee. The biopsy shows  he has a sarcoma and will need the leg removed. We were not expecting that bomb to be dropped! Things are moving at the speed of light now and we agree faster is better for cancer, it's just a lot to absorb so fast. Just got the news last night and we are making plans for his leg to be gone within the next week. It's scary but we have a fantastic vet and she stays involved even though she isn't doing the surgery and even interviewed the surgeon we are going to and approved him. My big hope is we caught this early and it hasn't spread. I guess we won't know until they do they surgery? He is having his blood tests and chest xray tomorrow.

The chest xray? is that to see if it has spread to his lungs?

How do your dogs do on hardwood floors with 3 legs? Am I going to need to cover the floors for him?

If this hasn't spread, I have no doubt Joey will bounce back. He is a crazy little guy with a ton of energy and doesn't let things slow him down. Just feeling a little unsure because I don't know what I don't know, you know?

PS. We were very happy to find this site to guide us through this.

Thanks for being here.

Thank you for the tips and the welcome. I plan to pour over this site and be an expert on this before I'm done. Knowledge is power. Sitting around being sad about it won't help, so we are trying to be proactive and hope for the best possible outcome and do what we can to make the transition as painless as possible for Joey.

Good to know! Thanks for the reply. Joe slips a bit now but mostly because he does everything at 90MPH. LOL Runners may be in order. I doubt he will slow down after. It's not his style. He had to wear a cone for a week one time because he had a growth removed from his eye lid. The cone wasn't round any more and looked like it went through a war after 2 days. He just forced it through anywhere it didn't fit. Typical guy…. 

It sounds like you have a great attitude, which will only help Joey heel quickly.  Do remember to take some time for yourselves, as you said things are going at light speed and those emotions will catch up with you.  Worrying can make a person tired. 

You have come to the right place for information, support and most of all love. 

My pawrents put down big bathrooms rugs on our kitchen floor and back steps since they have the backing that won't slip already in place.  They can throw them in the washer when needed and are inexpensive so if one gets ruined, no big deal.  I have been hopping along on three legs for over a year and have had no problems.

We look forward to hearing more about you, Joey, the surgery and recovery. 

Good Luck and Golden hugs to all of you,

Ginger

So glad to have you here! Well, as glad as you can be when your dog is sick, but you know… Everyone here is super-friendly, you'll be glad you came. :)

We'll be sending good thoughts for a good surgery and quick recovery!

I live in Massachusetts if that helps at all. 

Joey is a doll, very charming!  I too am sorry that you found yourself here, but welcome aboard.  There is the 2 week period of after amp care and craziness that I want to warn you about, so get lots of sleep before his surgery.  He sounds like he will do great, but you maybe in for some sleepless nights with him after he comes home.  My newfoundland mix did great too, just a couple of blips on the radar so to speak but mostly he has sailed through like a champ. 

You will also probably find that you will get even closer to Joey.  There is something about nurturing them through this experience and helping them that brings your already most loved boy to the forefront of your heart.  So hang in there and post as many questions as you want!

I watched tons of the videos on this site before my boy's amp, and read all the blogs.  It helped to learn about the path we were on.  Sounds like you mentally are in the same boat.

Elizabeth and Sammy