I'm not sure how to reach Rosie's mom, as this is my first post .... but i hope all is going very well with Rosie.   Both Rosie and her parents have been through a LOT!  I commend you all!

My nine year old 155 lb Newfie had his front leg amputated October 7, 2010.  He was 180 lbs, went down to 172 lbs for quite a few months, then when he started limping around he started losing weight ( and i had him on less food to bring his wght down as well) and came down to 155 lb.  i have a feeling he may be down another 5-10 lbs now.  My handsome Teddy had bone cancer - a giant cell sarcomoa - which is rare.  I have hopes it is benign as can sometimes be the case with the giant cell version i understand.  The vet didnt' send the entire leg or forearm for the pathologist to get a better idea of the cancers advancement.  Sometimes the pathologist can give a general timeframe for the life of an animal by seeing how far it has spread.  From the analysis of the tissue he did receive, he said the rate it was growing was very slow ... all good signs.  Before the surgery, Teds blood work and lungs were good too.  Seeing Ted trying to get his weight around on 3 legs, learning how to walk, making noise dives, and laying there exhausted about killed me.  A month later though, that big guy is surprising me.  He is getting back to his old self.  A WEEK after his surgery he jumped up in the van by himself.  He LOVES to go for rides.  But getting him out .... thats not as easy.  I built a strong wood ramp with slip proof guards on it and he was chicken to use it.  I think he's scared because there are no sides and sure enough when i did manage to get him to come down it, his hind leg slipped off the side.  His eyesight isn't as good as it used to be either. He'd rather jump out without it.  I fear he'll hurt himself. I try to park close to curbs and grass where he has only a foot down to jump.  If anyone has any suggestions for a ramp I'm all ears. i built a ramp for the back door which I think is ideal .... and so far, coaxing him with fav treats and laying them at the top of th ramp gets him up there.  EVENTUALLY.  I let him go at his own pace.  The winters are extreme here and i sure want him comfortable coming into the house.  He definitely loves it outside.  He likes to come in on occasion but gets so warm.  I didn't think he'd be able to do stairs at all, but at moms house he walked up her two steps to the landing at the back door.  And DOWN!  I was shocked.

I know it sounds like he is doing wonderful ... but through it all his poor legs, all 3, are stiff and building new muscle. Some days are better than others.  He does baby steps with his hind legs, a hop at a time for the most part unless something rev's him up - like me playing with him or him chasing our cockapoo brother who i think he feels he's in competition with somehow!  Then he can RUN!

I was wondering what Rosies mom thought about the Cosequin product for Rosie.  Did it help at all - before you tried the Chinese herbs.  And are the Chinese herbs working?  Is Rosie on anything else for stiffness or pain?  Ted was on "Zeel" and is now on Theel, a natural "aspirin" 3-4 X day, GDP 4X day and 4-8 alfalfa tablets/day.  I also give him cetyl-M which seems to help a lot and liquid hyaluronic acid from KV Vet.com.  I had his hips xrayed about 3-4 years ago and they told me he had very mild hip dysplasia.  I should rule anything further out I guess.  I'm just financiially cleaned out.   I wish I could help him around but he is stubborn and stops in his tracks if i hold his collar, put a towel under his tummy or try taking my canvas firewood carrier which has 2 handles on top and wrapped it under his tummy to help him move forward.  I don't think he would appreciate a harness around him either. He does thrive on me being strong and letting HIM know HE is strong and loved.  He's my "BIG BOY!" He does sleep a lot more and rest which has been all understandable. His body from head to tail has gone through changes.  But he still gets barkie, goofie, and shows he's the king of the roost yet!   I do believe our other two family members, the little 6 yr old Cock a Poo and 3 year old female Landseer Newfie make him do things he wouldn't have otherwise.  He gets playful with them and is always watching what they are up to.  I am single, and i tell you, it seems like a lot of work.  i think the emotional, cheering on, and worrying, and making sure they're comfortable, cooking good food for them (along with the kibble) is wearing me out!  They eat better than i do most days. I know.  Its sad to say.  Its hard to take the time to take care of yourself sometimes.  I dread the winter and shoveling and making sure a path to Teds big, blanket-filled den in the lean-to on the back of the garage is cleared and the pavement is not icy, and not getting our exercise like we do when its nice out.

Thanks a MILLION to TRIPAWDS and the invaluable support for the hearts and minds of family members considering or going through amputation.  It was the comments on TRIPAWDs in regards to older, senior dogs doing well on 3 legs that helped me make that tough decision.  That and my neighbor boy who while petting Teddy, not knowing i was contemplating amputation, said "He's just not ready to go yet ...."