I chose to amputate without chemo. I have been very lucky and have had 16 great months of extra time with my boy, who is still going strong. We were only given an expectation of about 4 - 6 months, and even at 4 months, had I lost him then, I would have felt at peace with my decision to amputate (which I was certainly questioning at the time and during recovery). It's been an emotional roller-coaster, but the extra time we have gained has been good quality for my boy who is still (at 12) doing hour long off lead walks at the forest, swimming, playing with his toys etc. Everybody's journey is different, so make the choices that feel right for you.

Hi Sully and family. I just wanted to say that we are thinking of you and wishing you all the best for the journey ahead.
My name is Robin and I am a proud Great Dane Mum. Sadly I am also beginning the OS journey but devastatingly it is not for the first time.

In 2013 my 8.5 year old Dane was diagnosed with an OS tumor high up in his hip joint. Because of the location of the tumor and some pre-existing arthritis issues I decided not to amputate. This was also the recommendation from our Oncologist. We treated Thumper with Chemo. He had 6 rounds of ‘in-hospital’ Chemo delivered through an IV, which just involved him staying at the vets for about 6 hours at a time, once every 3 weeks. Then after that it was daily pills. Thumper loved all the attention he received on his trips to the vet and during his entire treatment he did not have any negative side effects at all. Every dog is different and you will have to do what is right for Sully but I wanted to you to hear about Thumper’s experience and to not be afraid to investigate Chemo for Sully. So without amputation and using Chemo alone, Thumper lived another 18 fantastic months and enjoyed every single extra day we had together.

Sadly on the 10th December this year, it was the 1st year anniversary of Thumper’s passing. If that was not hard enough to deal with, the biopsy results came back on my youngest Dane, Rossi. I actually hit the floor when the vet told me it was OS again. Rossi has been diagnosed with an OS tumor in his left hind leg, just below his knee. To say that I am devastated is an understatement, I can’t believe I am having to face this all over again and so soon after losing my beloved Thumper. Rossi and I have our first consult with the Oncologist on Monday 14th but I am guessing that with the location of his tumor and the fact that he is just over 2 years old, that he will be a good candidate for amputation.

I am very grateful that I have found this site and I still have loads of reading through all the info here but I just wanted to introduce myself and say hi to Sully and his family. I know I will needs lots of support and advice but I also hope that I can offer some advice as well, from what I have already experienced. I would be keen to hear from other Great Dane owners and their experience with hind leg amputation.
Robin