I just want to thank Tripawds for helping me through a difficult time.  My Great Dane Tess was diagnosed with distal right front radius osteosarcoma a few weeks ago.  The decision about amputation was not straightforward since she also has hip arthritis.  I initially decided to amputate, then canceled the surgery.  Four vets told me there was no right decision.  I agonized over this decision.  Many people told me I shouldn't put her through surgery and I should let nature take its course.  I met again with the vet who treated (and saved) my other dog with lymphoma.  He told me that even if Tess wasn't limping, it didn't mean she wasn't in pain.  The cancer pain will always be there and gets worse and worse, even with pain medication.  I came home and googled "three legged Great Danes" and found your website.  I discovered I wasn't alone when it came to being completely lost about making this decision.  I also discovered incredible resources and advice.  Based on what my gut told me from the beginning and the knowledge that the cancer pain won't go away until that leg is gone, I decided to have the leg amputated.  The surgery is this coming Tuesday, and I go into it accepting whatever the result will be.  I will not regret my decision because I know I made it with Tess' best interest in mind.

Tess is an extraordinary dog (aren't they all?).  I adopted her from the SPCA 4 years ago after she was pulled from a home as part of a cruelty case.  I walked by her kennel and this huge creature stood up and barked and barked and barked at me.  The SPCA worker said she had never done that before.  I was told her teats were large because she had been "overbred."  She was my first Dane and I had no idea that her belly should have a little scoop to it.  That night she climbed up on the couch with me, put her head on my lap and heaved a huge sigh.  Two days later she had 6 purebred Great Dane puppies!  A few months later she survived gastric torsion and surgery to remove her tail because of a non-healing wound.  Suffice it to say, this dog has been through a lot.  I promised her I would always take care of her, and I will deal with whatever the amputation brings.  Tripawds has helped so much in giving me the information I needed to make the decision and prepare for her surgery.  I can't thank you enough!!

Oh my gosh, Tess and you both sound amazing!  I don't know how I would feel to have a great dane bark and bark at me.  I am a rescuer too but it might have kept me walking and missed a great pup like her.  Her road really sounds like it has been bumpy but she is lucky to have you.

I am sorry about her diagnosis.  We will be thinking of you on Tuesday and hope you will post as soon as you can and let us know that she is okay. 

Elizabeth and Sammy

From another Big Dog…we'll be thinking of you Tuesday and hoping all goes well.

Mary and Cemil

So sorry that you have to go through this. Sounds like Tess is an amazing dane with an amazing parent to take care of her.  We wish you all the best on Tues. Just know that you are not alone – many of us here have agonized over this decision (I speak from experience) only to find out that it was the best decision we could have ever made.  We will be thinking of you….let us know how Tess is doing.

Kami (Mackenzie and Kobe's Mom)

Sorry it took me so long to get back and reply.  I can't thank everyone enough for the support, advice, and inspiring words.  It was indeed Moose that I saw when I googled three legged Danes.  I couldn't believe he was digging!

Tess did well with her surgery yesterday and ate breakfast this morning.  I had her surgery done at a place that has 24 hour care and even has a "mini-ICU" so she was in good hands.  It really pays to have the surgery done at a place where they do this often.  They are getting her up and working on her rehab.  The vet said the dogs are so relieved to have the pain gone that they are happy to get up and get moving.  I will bring her home tomorrow!

Thanks again!!!

Here come my two suggestions, passed on to you with a huge welcome and an OMG for the arrival of puppies when you thought you had just gotten ONE dog!!  What a surprise that must have been (are there morons working at the shelter that they didn't know she was pregnant and about to deliver???????????)….I assumed all shelters had vets who checked the dogs over….guess they were sleeping through her exam!

Okay…a Ruffwear harness will be invaluable for you….ask your vet when you can use it…we used ours right away but Magic's wound was wrapped…some vets prefer you wait til the staples/stitches are out.  In the meantime you can take a cloth shopping bag and split it down the sides so you have handles on each side of Tess….

Non skid rugs for any slippery areas  (you can get pretty cheap runners that are washable and hold up pretty well)

Check entrances and exits to see if you will need to do any kind of ramps…I did the ramps and Magic took about a day and a half to figure out a way to circumvent my thoughtful planning…he preferred the stairs…he was a front amp

The first two weeks are pretty much something you will be glad to be looking at in a rearview mirror, but then it is upward and onward and you shall be amazed!!

Keep us posted!!