Anita said
So happy to have found this support group.  Was searching for tripod dogs on YouTube and found happy dogs running and playing.  My Kilo is 10 years old. He is 55 lbs and in excellent shape.  He is part Am Pit Bull Terrier.  He was diagnosis with nerve sheath cancer January 2018.  He had some fatty lumps scheduled to be removed.  One place on his hind leg was a little suspicious due to being harder and oblong.  A biopsy confirmed cancer.  The Vet tried to remove the cancer the best he could and said time would tell in the next six months.  Well in the 7th month the lump started growing again.  After returning in the middle of October from a 7 week motorhome trip with him we returned to the Vet and was told due to the lump growing rapidly he suggested amputation.  He said cutting into the muscle with wide margins couldn't guarantee getting it all out and the healing process would be painful.  And in the end the leg would probably still have to be amputated.  Our dog is very active and the last surgery with multiple cuts from removing other fatty lumps one on his front leg took a while to heal with him running and jumping.  So I did not want to subject him to unnecessary cuttings and pain when the final outcome would still be amputation. The good news is that his cancer is localized and doesn't spread.  It  will causes pain and eventually atrophy to the muscle.  I've already been given some good advise on how to keep Kilo calm after returning home Friday.  Will be looking for more advise on what to expect in the next few days and weeks to come in his rehab process.    

Update Nov 8 2018.  Took Kilo in for his surgery this morning.  Our Vet Doctor Jon met with us and brought in his senior Vet Dr Dave to examined Kilo. Dr Jon said after our visit two weeks ago Kilo was on his mind weighing out the options of removing the tumor again or removing his leg.   Upon examination, Dr Dave conferred with Dr Jon in agreement that maybe amputation wasn't in the best interest for Kilo at this time and said removal of the benign tumor again would be best.   So our Kilo will be returned to us later today with the incision to heal and still have his leg to use.  Keep us in your thoughts and dog prayers that this is the best option for Kilo at this time and his healing isn't too painful due to the cut into the muscle.  Thank you all and will still read posts about everyones tripawds success stories.  We still may have to cross this bridge in the future years and all the information will be helpful. 

benny55 said
I love Kilo's avatar picture.  Very handsome  boy!

Yeah, it is scary to decide  about amputation .  It's  major surgery and  recovery  is no picnic  for a couple  of weeks.  HOWEVER, it's  ONE surgery , one recovery and then done!!!  It sounds like Kilo has a lot of spunk and determination  and that's  a great attitude  to have!

You'll want to have a good pain management plan in place, so discuss thst with your Surgeon.   Most  dogs  come home with  Tramadol, Gabapentin, Rimadyl (or something similar)  and an antibiotic. 

Every recovery is different  and every dog is different.  Some come home the first couple of days high from the hospital meds and act like they want to run and play.  Some come home zapped and just lay around  for days (actually a better scenario as far as recovery  is concerened).   Some dogs take several days or longer to get mobile, and some are walking within the first 24 hrs.Then once the hospital  meds are out of their system in about three days, a "crash" happens sometimes.

Peeing and drinking are important.   Pooping may take a few days and loss of appetite  may happens for a few days.  Keep any yummy foods around he may like to help coat his tummy with the meds.

Keep in mind it is MAJOR SURGERY and Kilo needs rest, rest, rest, short potty breaks and more rest!

When you do big up Kilo from the clinic (is it 24 hr staffed?), don't  even vother tomlook at the incision.   Kilo jist want to see yoir smiling  face telling him what a good voy he is and he's  going home!  When you do take a glance, just know a lot of fur is shaved!!

Oh, and if you jave hardwood floors, You'll want non slip scatter drugs for traction .

STAY CONNECTED!!  YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!  We are here to help in anyway you can!  Kilo will be sooo glad to jave that bum leg gone!!

Hugs

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too   

Thank you so much for all the good information.  I updated my original post. After arriving at the Hospital for Kilo's appointment the doctor and his senior doctor conferred and decided at this time to postpone the amputation and just go in again and remove as much of the tumor as they can. At this time Kilo has shown no pain and the type of tumor he has does not spread to other parts of the body.  This will give us more a chance to learn and be better prepared in the future if amputation does have to be made.  I'm relieved as so many things need to have been in place to insure the best rehab in place for Kilo when amputation does have to be done.  I will be retired in another year and be able to give Kilo constant care if he does have to eventually have the leg amputated.  Again thanks for all your input.