Thank you everyone for all the support and help. I apologize for taking so long getting back, have had some issues with the site. I wish it hadn't been a problem because I would have really liked to know all of this a month ago. I read a lot and decided not to amputate. I mean, I planned to amputate, but when I took him in to be amputated and the vet had him she said she didn't think it was a good idea. I really wish I had. I had all the money then and was prepared to do so. She said he seemed okay with his leg it was most likely just arthritis. Very hurt about that and now I lack the money to do so. Probably because the diagnosis cost almost as much as the amputation.

I'm not quite sure where I am either...He had some leg pain, limping, on a leg that he had pins and plates in (2 yrs ago he had that done). The vet said it was either arthritis or cancer. I told her to remove the leg either way, I felt that was best. The morning of his surgery the vet called and said his leg seemed really good, she said it was most likely just arthritis so she didn't want to remove the leg. She said since she had him and she would test for cancer. November she called and said it was cancer. She said amputation was ONLY pain management , it wouldn't slow it down, wouldn't stop it, and wouldn't give him anymore time. She asked if I wanted to amputate and I said no because the diagnosis cost me what I had (also with Christmas coming) and it was only for pain. I don't think he is in much pain, we have a high porch and he chooses to jump off of it rather than take the steps. The vet says she has faith that I will know when it is time to put him down. I don't have as much faith in that as she does. With the snoring/hacking thing, I feel soon very soon. Then he is still going out of his way to play. That is where I am and sadly that is all I know