Hi Xander's pawrent (mom or dad?),

I'm so sorry to hear about Xander's diagnosis...  but you've definitely come to the right place for information and support!

How was Xander diagnosed? Did he have a limp or lump that made you have concern? You're right... he is young and they say it's more aggressive when diagnosed at a young age... If you do nothing... the cancer will surely spread. If you amputate... then he has a chance at having his life extended and get rid of the leg that will eventually become very painful. I know that it's a difficult decision for you to make.

My Jake (10yr old golden) also had his front right leg amputated. He must have had his cancer growing for a while, since he had been limping on and off for several months before that... and we just assumed it was due to his 'senior' age. He was finally diagnosed with bone cancer after he broke his leg (pathological fracture due to the cancer). Jake's cancer ended up spreading to his spine just short of 2 months post amp... but there are many tripawds here that survive for 6 months, or even more than a year.

The first two weeks are the worse (everyone will tell you that) as Xander will be on pain meds (making him loopy) and at the same time, he'll be getting used to balancing on his remaining 3 legs. He'll probably be tired while recovering from the surgery, and while his remaining 3 legs get used to supporting the extra weight. The incision may or may not be bandaged after surgery (vet preference)... but you can make him wear a T-shirt so he doesn't lick at it. If he still tries to lick at it... then he'll have to wear the 'cone of shame ' for a while.

Use a sling for the first two weeks, then a harness after his stitches/staples come out.. it will be a great help for you and Xander! Have lots of doggie beds and comforters placed around your house... so he can plop down whenever he's tired... Once he's recovered from his surgery... you'll be amazed at how well he does. We have many members here with giant breeds and I'm sure they'll be posting to you soon!

Some dogs don't tolerate the pain meds too well... so do. Some dogs loose their appetite... some don't. Every dog is different. There is always a risk, though small, when a dog has any kind of surgery (anesthesia, blood clots, etc)... but I'm sure that you're vet will inform you of what to expect. If he is healthy otherwise... he should be OK.

Well, that's all the info I can think of for right now... I know that you'll be getting tons more from the rest of the tripawd gang real soon!!

Sending that big gorgous boy of yours a big fat hug! He's beautiful!!!

Angel Jake and Wolfie's Mom

Welcome to the family. Gus had his amp back in April, but he was already limping when the surgery was done, left front, so adjusting to the hop wasn't much of a factor,plus he is a lab-rott mix and very strong, so he had the strengh to handle everything. Gus came home the next day after surgery and was using the steps that night. We thought he looked great when we picked him up, he seemed like he didn't miss a beat, just a leg!!!!, but once home and I think the surgery drugs wore off we started the real fun. Don't expect to get much sleep those first 2 weeks, usually because the dogs are restless, not acting themselves, and alot could be your own anxiety with the surgery and how the dog is doing with it. We had Gus on Tramadol for pain and he didn't get along with it, so we dropped that, but we also had him on Gabapentin and rimidyl, and I think he managed ok with those. He had trouble with phantom pain , the first few times that hits hold on , it didn't last long but he sounded like he was hit by a car, with time that got better, he usually had it once or twice a day, but it is a full blown scream, and if it hits at 3:30 in the morning, hello. Each day might be different, some ok, some worse. I was lucky, he never lost his appetite and always drank. Some dogs have trouble with constipation and not peeing. some owners have trouble with guilt about the surgery after its done, I think somtimes lack of sleep catches up with you and patience and sound thinking sometimes get short during that time. I wouldn't change anything, because Gus was in extreme pain by the time we did the surgery, and I don't think you want to get to that point, but once healed, you won't even know he is missing a leg except for the hop.Once healed, I'd say by 4-5 weeks, Gus was jumping into the back of pickup trucks, climbing into hay mows, roaming the fields as usual, so life is good once you get past all the bumps in the road after surgery. You can't lose sight of the fact tat you are doing this for the quality of life for your buddy and that decision isn't easy, and that first 2 weeks make some people second guess that decision, no time for that. One thing I think helped here was I never did anything different, it was life as usual, although he does get way more treats and rubs than he did before. We initially opted to do no chemo since we thought we had gotten it early, but have since discovered it is now in his lungs, so we started a low dose chemo. My feeling was I wanted him to enjoy life the best he knows how and I if he had the "regular" chemo with side effect, that took away from his quality of life, and I don't regret that decision since he has been himself the whole time since surgery. I didn't have any trouble with doing the surgery and if you don't show any tension, anxiety , whatever it makes the whole journey way easier.  One thing you need to remember, relax, it's a long road, you'll wear yourself down if you don't get a grip and take control of your emotions, your stability does wonders for the dog. This site is the best place to be, don't be afraid to ask anything, experience gives the best answers, paws up, Gus and Dan 

That is one gorgeous Dane! So sorry about his diagnosis but welcome to this wonderful support group.

Our 6-year-old Golden Catie had her right front leg amputated in January. Catie's recovery period was, compared to some, relatively uneventful. The pain meds did made her drowsy and dopey. She's a pretty stoic dog; even though her leg by the time of surgery was atrophied from not putting weight on it, she never complained - not a whimper - not once.  And I can't imagine the pain from the bone-eating cancer that she endured. Post surgery the same - except for one unpleasant episode where she and her brother crowded at the doorway and her surgical site got bumped against the door jamb. After that we just made sure to monitor her carefully and when we weren't around she went into her wire crate for resting.

We too used a t-shirt on Catie to keep the wound site clean, to discourage licking, and for aesthetic purposes (for me with the squeamish temperament). 

It's an anxiety-fraught time for us guardians, in part because WE know what's going on and our furry loved ones don't. Alex sounds like he has lots of spirit and a love for life and he will no doubt amaze you just as our Catie did. Try to hold onto positive thoughts, remember to breathe if you start feeling like you're drowning in worry (it's amazing how a conscious deep breath and exhalation can calm one down), and be strong for your baby. He's lovely.

Sending hugs to you and Alex!