otisandtess said
We made the decision quickly, but it was because there was really no choice.   Our lab/Dane mix Otis had broken his wrist.   He could not come home, and was on heavy pain meds.  But obviously, he had the cancer before we even knew it, so I don't think the 3 weeks will make any particular difference - many of us just didn't know 3 weeks earlier.  If a chest x-ray shows clear lungs, and there is nothing to suggest that Bella won't do well as a tripawd, then I wouldn't worry about it.   (Not like you don't have enough to worry about as it is!).  I also had struggled with whether it was "worth it" to amputate - I did not realize how quickly dogs recover from the amputation (I was comparing it to our other lab's cruciate repair surgery).   It also helped me to put it into "dog years."   If Otis' life can be extended by 8 - 12 months of quality time, and you consider that a people year is about 7 dog years, it was worth it.   Actually, the first sunny day, when Otis and his sister were sleeping in the sun, I knew that it was the right decision for us.  There are lots of blogs and forums on this site that detail those first two weeks post-amputation, with lots of hints and suggestions to make it work for your family and Bella, and many of us now on the chemo journey, so stay in touch.

wuggy311 said
Hello everyone,

Three weeks ago, 3/10/16, I brought Bella, my black lab mix to the vet for a limp. X-ray's showed findings consistent with bone neoplasm. My vet didn't really give me much information then and I outright refused amputation or chemo thinking "I would never do that to her." This past Sunday, someone shot off fireworks, and Bella hurt her leg even worse (possible fracture?) and her limp is significantly worse now. Fast forward and to make a long story short, I was referred to a doggie oncologist (I didn't know they existed), and met with him today.

There is a small possibility of a fungal infection, so we did the blood test to rule that out. I've decided, that with the information I have been given, to not do the biopsy, as regardless of what type of cancer it is, amputations seems to be the best treatment to get rid of the pain. The blood results should come back by Monday, so I have nearly a week to think about treatment.

I'm very worried about amputation, however, reading the forums here has given me more information. I have attempted to discuss the possibility of amputation this morning with my family but since they were not at the vet appointment they do not have all the information and are against it. In the end it is my decision, however, I would love to have their support, but more importantly I want to do what's best for Bella. I would love as much information on amputation recovery for myself, and to be able to explain to the family.

It seems, by the bit of reading I have done here, that people have made the decision to amputate fairly quickly after diagnosis. It has been nearly 3 weeks since Bella's diagnosis, and I am wondering if this has any affect to the outcome of amputation. With the potential for osteosarcoma and knowing how rapidly it can metastasize, is it worth it still to amputate?

I am so thankful to run into this website as I am so overwhelmed by all the information that I have been given recently. And thank you in advance to anyone with advice. 

xx,

Andi and Bella

Hi Andi and Bella,  yes thinking of amputating your dogs leg is a horrible heart wrenching decision. My Zeus had surgery in Feb. and I was totally concern how he would do since he is vey large and this was a front limb. I think most of my family besides those closest to Zeus thought I was absolutely crazy to do this. But 5 weeks later my loving companion is thriving as a tripawd. Sure he still is adjusting but he is back to his old self. He initiates play time. Demands his peanut butter and continues to melt my heart.  Only you know what is best for Bella and the decision you make will be right whatever it may be.  Please let me know if there are any other questions I can help with. I am new to this forum but it has really helped me cope. Also search you tube videos on tripawds you can see how happy they still are.  Take care and good luck. Theresa and Zeus

Murphy had originally started limping in October 2012.  Through misdiagnosis and difficulty getting to the specialist, then waiting for biopsy results, it was April 2013 before he had his surgery - over 5 months from the time he started limping!  His lungs were clear, but the lymph node they removed at the time of surgery was positive.  He ended up being diagnosed with histiocytic sarcoma, which is highly aggressive, and normally found in the organs or skin, and his prognosis was 12-18 months.  Next week it will be 3 years since his surgery, and he's still hopping around and doing very well. 

Each person has to make their own decision.  You know Bella better that anyone else.  But dogs generally do very well.  It sounds as though your vet thinks that she's a good candidate for surgery.  Some people do chemo, some do not, that's also an individual decision.

Recovery is usually the hardest part to get through.  The first 2 weeks or so is a roller coaster of emotions - trying to keep up on the pain medications, getting her to eat, helping her outside, and making adjustments, but it gets easier.  And we'll be here to help.

Donna

We did not do a biopsy.  His leg was already broken and the bone so degraded it would not heal, even if it had not been cancer.  Even had it not been cancer, we would have ended up in the same place, and I couldn't see keeping him in so much pain while we waited for results.  I had also already had 4 vets, a radiologist and a surgeon look at the X-ray, and they were all pretty certain that it was osteosarcoma.  Not sure, however, what I would have done in less urgent circumstances.  In terms of recovery time, the first two weeks are hard.  The staples come out about day 10, and generally you can start weaning off the pain meds then.  By week 3, Otis was jumping onto the sofa.  At the end of week 4 we started short walks.  Somewhere in there, he stood on hind legs to steal cat food off the counter.  You definitely start to feel good about your decision once the pain meds are out of their system and you start seeing your dog being your dog again.  So, not sure there is a perfect point where you say "recovered," but for us, it was in that 2 - 3 week range.

We also didn't do the biopsy. The vets were pretty sure it was osteosarcoma and like Otis, it didn't really matter, the leg had a tumor (it wasn't broken but still causing a limp) and regardless of what it was exactly, it had to come off. Quincy and Otis are on similar tracks and everything noted above about the timing and recovery reflects our experience too. It seems hard and overwhelming but if you choose to do it, once you get your mind around it and make it through the first week or so you will be amazed at the adjustment she makes. Good luck!