Hi Zorba and family, welcome. We're so glad you found your way here! You are not being redundant and you ask great questions.

Making the amputation decision is hard but we realize it's even harder for a senior pup. How is Zorba's health otherwise? Is he still a kid at heart? And what does your vet think about his ability to live a good life on three legs? Oftentimes a second or even a third opinion helps people decide. If you haven't already done so, another opinion with a board-certified orthopedic vet can let you know for sure if Zorba is up to being a Tripawd.

Have you talked to an oncologist yet? What is their opinion about the scapulectomy versus amputation for chondrosarcoma? Is Liam's scapulectomy procedure the blog post you are referring to? 

Stairs aren't a big deal once a dog gets their bearings on three legs. Tripawds can do stairs much better than we imagine. They do need our help sometimes, but it's not a huge issuel

The amount of time a dog or cat lives after amputation varies. There are so many factors that play into it, like the type of cancer and other health conditions. Some live years, some months. There's no guarantees or predicting how long anyone will live, with or without cancer.

If you decide to amputate, recovery doesn't have to be scary, you have us! And as long as you go into it with a good attitude and optimism, you will find that it's much, much easier to overcome. Most recoveries are uneventful and routine. We can help you with things to ask your vet about, if you decide to proceed with it.