I don't have an amputation regret story for you but I will tell you a few things I wish I would have done different after my 6 year old Doberman was diagnosed with Osteosarcome July 7. After talking to EVERYONE, vets, friends, online research etc. We decided to not do amputation. We stuck with this decision until October. One day I just really felt we had made the wrong decision. Long story short we totally changed out minds and had Levi's leg amputated October 14.

At first, we were fine with Levi being on the pain killers and he only had a slight limp. It seemed OK even though I was totally freaked out that the leg would break…At the time it seemed like he was OK. But now looking back I wish I would have just done the amputation right away. About 3 weeks after surgery I finally saw a dog that I hadn't seen since June…He is waaaay happier on 3 legs than he was on all those pain killers and limp. pre amputation Iwas a nervous wreck worrying about his pain meds and how he was doing etc. Now that we are 4 weeks after amputation our life is much better. Levi is happier and I am happier because he is happy and not on all those pills…We have also decided to do chemo which has gone well. No side effects.

When we first got the diagnosis I was scared about the amputation and felt like it was the wrong thing. But now that it's done and we are recovered I don't know what I was so worried about. We couldn't be happier with our decision. This is a very short version of our story but I just wanted to say that I was am "amputation doubter" and now I am very happy with the decision.
I'm sorry you are going through this. Our life has been hell since July but now that we are 4 weeks post amp and trying to fight the cancer with Chemo I feel so much better about things. Anyway, I hope this story helps in some way. Thanks for listening. I totally understand that there is no right answer and whatever is best for your family is the best thing!!!

Cholla sounds like Ajax!  If you've read through this site, you probably have seen people talking about a "crash" toward the end of the 2 week period – days 7-11 or such.  Like CHolla, Ajax was rarin' to go right after surgery.  He didn't really "crash" but he did have a few slower days in the middle somewhere.  I'm sure I wrote about it ini a post.  Anyway, based on my experience the fact that you have to try to keep Cholla still now is a great sign – I bet she'll be back to her "normal" self by year end! 

Ajax's incision did get red and we took him to our local vet (closer than the surgeon) who thought it was a little infected, likely due to him licking at every possible second he didn't have the cone on.  It was no big deal, we got some antibiotics and it cleared right up, but you'll want to watch that.

I know you had a tough time withe the decision — so did I — but I just wanted to echo what Levi's mom said.  I think you and Cholla will be much happier very soon!

So glad to hear Cholla is home and doing well.  She'll settle down and need rest — it's been a tough week for her so be careful of her false energy.  Get the rest while you can.  xoxo Sue and Sammy