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Hello everyone!
I've already started a blog for Tank, now finally getting us into the forums!

I discovered the value of forums and topic specific sites when I had my knee replaced 7 years ago, so as soon as I knew Tank faced an amputation I found this site.

Tank is an 81/2 year old German Shepherd. He has not been officially diagnosed with cancer as of now. He started limping about 4 weeks ago. A couple days later a lump appeared on his right wrist. Our vet was not on duty the day we took Tank in for his first look at the leg. The vet on duty took x-rays and told us she suspected cancer. I asked to have our vet review the x-rays when he came in. He was in a couple days later and agreed it appeared to be cancer. He wanted to do a bone biopsy, but he had to order a needle. A week later he did the biopsy but he warned us that it didn't look good, the bone was very mushy and he couldn't get a very good sample. Another few days later the results came back negative for cancer.

The next step was to check him for Valley Fever, a blood test, another few days and tests results were negative for Valley Fever, which put cancer back on the table. Tank had developed a cough at some point and we were in the vet's office for a re-check on that when we were discussing what our next step would be. Our vet was thinking that he needed to take a good look at the bone to determine for sure that it was cancer. He needed to work up an estimate for the surgery, so while he was doing that, my son and I took Tank back to the truck and I went back in alone. The receptionist was all excited and sent me back to get Tank, another doctor had stopped by and our vet wanted him to take a look at Tank.

That vet turned out to be an orthopedic surgeon. He took a look at the x-rays, test results and Tank. He felt there was no other choice but amputation. He felt it was cancer and the sooner the leg came off the better. That was last Friday, and Saturday we checked Tank into the hospital and the surgery was Sunday. Now it's Wednesday and I'm just overwhelmed its all happened so fast! The surgeon says there is a 90% chance the test results on the leg will come back as cancer. He was quick to point out that there was always a chance Tank would fall into the 10% and not to give up hope.

Tank came home yesterday and I think he did too much. He came home and promptly hit the back yard and pottied like a pro, today is a tired day!! I'm fussing over him too much, but that's my nature. I'm sorting thru the forums, there is so much love here, it's truly amazing! I look forward to learning about all the Tripawds and their loved ones!!

Lisa

Here is your official Welcome to the forums! It's the place you never wanted to be but will be glad you found. If that makes sense…

Overdoing it can be common, I think, when the pain meds let the dogs get kind of carried away. Then they pay for it the next day. But hopefully Tank will settle down and get some rest and begin to recover. Then you can, too. I've read Tank's blog and I think his pictures look great! He's a big, strong boy and has a lot of love in his life to keep his spirits up. Please keep posting to let us know how he's doing.

Shari

Welcome to you and Tank. You'll find lots of info and best of all lots of support here.

The first couple of weeks can be hard but most folks see their pups acting more like their old selves once the pain meds are done and the stitches are out. There can be some ups and downs until then, but we're here for you if you have questions.

I'll check out Tank's blog. You'll see that the dogs adapt much more quickly and easily than we do! Being a tripawd mom is awesome! Be ready for Tank to start amazing you.
All the best,
Jackie, Abby's mom

Lisa and Tank,

Welcome to the Tripawds world. It is a place none of us want to be, but after living with it we don't dwell on it. There is too much living to do to worry about missing a "spare" leg.  I expect you will hear from Codie Rae soon since she really likes her shepherd boys. Here at the home of the Oaktown Pack we currently have three Tripawd GSD's in residence. We no longer worry about the missing "spares" because we are too busy trying to keep up with everything that is going on all the time. The silly humans worry about the missing legs, while the dawgs just worry about what needs to be done next.

The only difference between a Tripawd and a quadpawd is that the Tripawds cannot go as long or as hard, but their hearts are just as big or bigger. Every time one of these Tripawds takes off running it reminds you that you can do anything you set your mind to. One of the recent comments on the Spotlight video that features a Tripawd says a lot about how inspirational they can be: "Once the the dog started to run I was like, okay this is officially my favorite music video."

We are all hoping for a speedy recovery and more good times in Tank's future.

Ralph

Welcome to the family. You story is a bit like our as our biopsy came back negative, but by the time we messed around from our initial visit about limping to surgery was almost a month, and by that time Gus was in so much pain I couldn't wait for the surgery, so kudos to your vets for acting so quickly. Trust me when I say don't regret not having time to think about it, time is everything when you deal with this crap, so now your on the road to recovery, can be a bumpy one so hold on for the ride, but once you get past the rough part you will be amazed at how well these guys do. Hopefully you can find a good combination of meds that work, some dogs have issues with certain meds and you have to adjust to find the ones that work best. Grap some sleep if you get the chance, most here find it's something you don't get much of the first couple weeks. Most of the anxiety during recovery is self inflicted, so if you can keep the nerves in check you will find the dogs do pretty good for the most part, some take longer than others to heal, but so do we. Don't be afraid to ask questions, experience gives the best answers, Paws Up, Spirit Gus and Dan

Welcome Tank!

Lisa-  Sorry to hear Tank is having some problems.  I do hope you received good news from the doctor.  I will keep you and Tank in mind.  We take Lucy tomorrow for her surgery.