Love the name "Lava" for a handsome black Lab.  Can't  wait to see pictures.  Here's  a link for adding images .

Glad you were able  to speak with Karen. She is an invaluable  resource for us all.

We kmow it's really rough hearing the diagnosis  and then planning a path forward.  It's  good news that his other reports were clear!

My Happy Hannah's Vet was the one who did her xrays snd, based on years of experience,  recognized  that it was osteo.  As Rocky's dad said, biopsies  are very often inconclusive and often very painful.  My Vet referred her to an Oncologist  and Radiologist for confirmation.

I don't  know "statistically " here how many do biopsies and how many don't  for osteo.  I do know that the scenario plays out with some conclusive, some not.  Some with very painful recoveries,  some. not.  

In my case, I was confident with just the xrays veing reviewed by the professionals expert in their field.

As far as I can recall in my years on the site, I am not aware of any amputation  that took place that did not need to be done.  In ALL cases, a painful leg had to  be removed to improve quality  of life.  On rare ocassions  rhe actual "diagnosis may have changed, i.e, a different type of cancer may have been identified. In one case it seems that an infection had veen discovered  and amputation would have veen required anyway.  Once the leg is amputated  that is sent off for a pathology report to iden7 rhe type, course of treatment, etc

There are NO right or wrong answers on this!  Some do biopsy, some don't. . See if your Vet can refer you to an Oncol/Radiologist  and then maybe you can make a decion you are more comfortable  with.  

Stay connected and let us know how we can help support you,mo,at? And remember, Lava isn't  worried about a thing!😎

Extra hugs,

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!