Hi, I just joined here.
Tonka is a Bull terrier/ Lab mix 11yrs old. He was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his right front leg about 2 weeks ago. Unfortunately the cancer has eaten away much of the bone so amputation with Chemo was the plan of action our Oncologist recommended. I couldn't have him remain in pain even though he is probably one of the most pain tolerant dogs I have ever met. So the decision to move froward with the surgery was not a problem for me. I am still neverous for him but I think he will do just fine.
I have to say reading the stories here made me feel so much better about our decision. It seems most of our family/friends don't really understand and feel my husband and I are being cruel having his leg amputated. I know Tonka will prove them all wrong.

So again it was very nice to find your site for some support.

You are right: Tonka will prove them all wrong!  Decide to amputate is not cruel, it is great compassion.  your dog is suffering and because of your act of love he will get rid of that horrible pain who has harassed him for months.  Good luck for tomorrow! I will be thinking of you

Suzanne and Oslo

Welcome! We're glad you're here, even if the reason is a bad one.  My Cemil is an Anatolian Shepherd who had his left front leg amputated a year ago because of osteosarcoma.  He chose to recover a little more slowly than some of the smaller dogs, but now he does just fine.  Tonka will too, after the first two weeks.  The two-week recovery period from the surgery is rough, but once through that, you'll have your pain-free dog back.

We'll be thinking of you tomorrow–hope all goes well.  Send pictures!!

Mary

Good luck with the surgery tomorrow.  I can never understand why people think that it is cruel to amputate a dog's leg when it is the only way to stop the pain from bone cancer!  What would be cruel would be to make Tonka suffer or to put him to sleep now and not give him a chance at life.  Sometimes the first two weeks can be a challenge but most dogs do very well after amputation.  Emily could still run like the wind and could still jump on the trampoline!  You will be in my prayers.  Keep us informed.

Debra & Angel Emily

You are totally making the right decision. My dog Tehya just had her first month ampuversary and we too were torn with our decision. Turns out it was the best decision we ever made. Her tail never stops wagging now whereas before she would just go to her bed and lie down with the pain I guess..we never thought for a moment she was in so much pain. For us the first two weeks were not that bad she did very well and continues to do so amazing us with new things everyday. She loves to have her paws rubbed and yesterday she found a way to balance so she could still get her front leg up to get it rubbed.
This website is an amazing source of support for you as I think the pawrents struggle more than the dogs do. All the best to you and Tonka for tomorrow. I will say the first time we saw Tehya standing it took us back just a tiny bit but when she wagged her tail to say I'm ok it was just fine so just be a little bit prepared for that!

Sending you best wishes,
Tehya and her Mom

Best of luck tomorrow. This isn't something any of us wanted to go through, but Tonka will adjust better than you can imagine, and we are all here for you whenever you have questions or just need to vent!

-Gwen & Harley