Hi. I have now registered with this site, as circumstances have changed!

We took Barney to Cornwall for a few days. The first day he was fine, walking ok (but with his limp) and enjoying the beach. He also went to a lovely old Cornish fishermans pub and everyone loved him.

The next day, he wasn't using  his bad leg. It was just hanging there.......but he was charging about using 3 legs! It wasn't good though, as he could not get comfortable and the leg was causing him pain. He even yelped a few times...it was heart wrenching.

Anyway, when we got home, I rang the vet hospital straight away and we went to see the oncologist that afternoon. The soft tissue specialist also came to see Barney. The cancer had eaten into his bone so much and weakened it, that he had a fracture. The vet did not even have to x ray his leg, he could tell just by feeling it what had happened.

We were told we had two options.......amputation or euthanasia. The latter certainly wasn't an option, as Barney is full of life! We were told that amputation would not be a cure for his cancer as it is an aggressive form, hystiocytic sarcoma, but it would free him from the pain and discomfort. He is on chemotherapy and we are hoping this may help stop any spread of this awful disease.

Anyway, we decided on amputation and Barney stayed at the hospital that afternoon for the procedure.

All has gone well and they also removed a mass that had formed in his armpit. He is still there being looked after in intensive care and will be there until Tuesday. The vet has told me that he is very bright in himself, although he has bruising and swelling, but the wound itself is ok and healing as it should. He has also has a rather radical haircut......being a shaggy dog!!!!!!

I know Barney will cope well on 3 legs...he has already proved it......running around the garden on the morning of his operation and even jumping in the car!!!

It has been a very worrying couple of days, with lots of tears, but I am pleased we made this decision. The horrible aggressive tumour in his leg has gone and we now just have to hope that it hasn't spread anywhere else, although the vet says it probably will, but we are staying positive and we will make sure Barney lives his new 'tripawd' life to the full!

I will let you know how things are when Barney comes home....we are really looking forward to seeing him...he is going to get such a huge hug!!!!!

Sue