Thanks for all your feedback!  So encouraging.  But I have to admit I've read some stories, including Bender's, and they are scary!!  I know every situation and every dog is different just like their owners.

I finally heard back from Davis and sadly the biopsy results came back inconclusive.  They saw some abnormal cells but not enough to pin down what it is.  My Davis vet feels it is Cancer and my local vet is very convinced it's Cancer.  The next step will be a surgical biopsy...which is no small deal. 

I am meeting with an oncologist on Monday the 26th to discuss all the what if's of Cancer.  What are the types of cancer it could be and what are the treatment options.  I want to make sure I understand all of this before I move forward with the bone biopsy.  This first biopsy he had definitely did damage as he is more lame since.  I know this surgical bone biopsy will make him that much worse.  In the meantime they are scheduling the bone biopsy to take place after the 26th so if I decide to move forward, I can. 

Otis is already working the up steps on 3 legs and making turns on 3 legs like a champ!  I think he could be a very successful tripawd. 

Thanks again for all your feedback.  It's so great to not feel alone!!

Guys !!!  I have been wondering the exact same thing.  I'm not sure if his pain is due to inflammation or the bone breaking down/damage.  I don't know if the oncologist can tell us that or not but I'm right there with you.  If there is too much damage that he needs amputation why bother with the surgical biopsy.

Poor Otis, last night we were sitting on the couch together. He was maneuvering himself to get settled in to lay down and his ankle gave out.  He fell off the couch and hit his head on the coffee table.  It all happened so fast.  He wouldn't put any weight on his bad ankle after that.   So I kept him on Gabapentin throughout the night.  I usually only do it during the day.  He was feeling better this morning and I gave him some Cannabis oil at noon.  5 drops and it's equal parts CBD and THC.  Oh my!  This afternoon he was running around, playing and being his old self.  All with a bit of a limp, of course.  I normally give him 8 drops at bedtime as I think it helps him sleep.  I'll be interested to see how he is tomorrow after all his activity today.  It was a short amount of activity but still more than he's been getting.

Does anyone else use Cannabis??

Karen and spirit pug girls...we are neighbors.  I'm in Danville.

Hi gang!

Checking back in.  We had an Orthopedic consultation at UC Davis on Thursday and decided to go ahead with the bone biopsy on Friday.  Otis was home on Saturday.  He's been in a soft cast type of bandage and it's giving his ankle good support.  He's on Tramadol (currently tapering off), Gabapentin, Galliprant and Cannabis oil and has been doing really well and has been very comfortable.  He hasn't had to wear the cone of shame as he hasn't messed with his bandages at all.  He's the best dog!!  We take the bandages off today so we will see how that goes.

As far as his ankle, we decided to go ahead with the biopsy as Davis won't consider any treatment, at this point, until they know exactly what it is.  Each vet we have seen (these 2 surgeons are vet numbers 8 and 9) have started off by saying "we don't think it's cancer based on his tests, but we always finish each appointment with...sorry yes, it's Cancer but there is a VERY slight chance it could be some kind of crazy infection.  What kind?  They don't know.  So we are getting a response I liken to...It walks like a duck, talks like a duck, looks like a duck....we think it's probably a duck but not until we see it in black and white will we say for sure that it's a duck.

During the biopsy they cut into his joint capsule and they said it looked very "fatty" and abnormal.  It also had some black spots.  The resident said it looked more like a sarcoma than synovial cell cancer.  With the damage to the bone and the thickening of the joint capsule they are shocked and can't understand how he is still walking on it.  I keep reminding them it's because he's a bulldog.  They are so stoic and strong. 

We are currently in the waiting stage.  Preliminary reports on the joint capsule could come back as early as today but it may be another day or two.  They only took a very small piece of bone as they don't believe it to be bone cancer.  Results on that will be back in another week or so. 

I have to say I have wavered on what approach to handle this whole situation, move forward or not, but with reading all of your success stories and these 2 orthopedic surgeons encouraged that Otis could be a successful Tripawd based on his body muscle and leanness, we are going to do whatever we can to help him be happy and pain free. 

I'll keep you posted. 

I was trying to add Otis to the Avatar photo but as you can see....I'm struggling!

It makes such a difference to hear the success stories.  I just hung up with the surgeon and the preliminary biopsy has confirmed Cancer.  Now we are waiting for the stains to see if it is a histiosytic cancer or synovial and whether he will need chemo or not. 

They are going to call me to set a day for the amputation.  I'm so nervous about the 2 weeks after, as everyone states how hard it will be.  I know when I see him with the amputation and big incision... I will be a hot mess but will do everything in my power to stay upbeat and positive for him.  

Katie, I so appreciate your words of wisdom

The surgery and aftermath, although very difficult, actually has felt easier to me than the decision-making. Being forced to decide what to do for your loved one, based on a series of what ifs, educated guesses, and cold statistics is excruciating! You are working through the hardest phase

I will say this phase has been TORTURE.  Since mid October it has been a serious of sadness, concern, loss of sleep and soooo many tears.  I am looking forward for this part to be OVER!!