With Chloe I didn't hesitate for amputation because for her it was leg gone, cancer free or terminally ill 4 legged dog. Like I said she had a soft tissue sarcoma tumor and the lymphnode biopsy confirmed it hadn't spread beyond the site of the tumor. It was on her left "calf" or hock, which ever you prefer. I do know that my situation is different compared to most others on this site who are battling bone cancer.

The only thing I know from reading about the many other dogs who have been diagnosed with osteosarcoma is that they seem better for a while but the cancer can be really aggressive in the affected leg and cause a fracture.  There was another dog, Sammy ended up fracturing his leg before his scheduled amputation.  It was certainly heartbreaking for Sammy's family and for all of us here to find out that happened.

Here is the forum if you would like to read it:

http://tripawds.....38;ret=all

-Chloe's mom

Hello Morgans people,

I was going through something so similar to you.  I will be posting the video shortly on Sammys blog.  My boy was barely limping without meds, and I had surgery scheduled.  I was going back and forth in my mind.  Not so much about the surgery but about the diagnosis.  It seemed unreal to me that my healthy wonderful boy could be so sick and I am completely unaware of it.  So the surgery was scheduled one week from when he got diagnosed.  2 days before he was scheduled his leg blew up.  I am not even kidding about it blowing up.  I have a video of him the day before.  It was Saturday and he was walking along with only a slight limp.  He was so adorable, he saw me video taping him and he got all wiggly. 

The next day he was outside going potty and his leg shattered.  After 20 minutes outside it was 3 times it's normal size.  The worst part was how much pain he was in.  The specialist said it could fracture at any time doing anything.  I felt such guilt about not watching closely enough.  I guess the moth eaten looking bone just couldn't support him for another second.  Even though he was on the heaviest duty pain meds, he cried for 2 days in the hospital!  He was in so much pain that the surgeon moved his appointment up to first in line that following Monday.

It made me feel like it was more real when this happened, like it was a sign that it was the right thing to do, but I feel terrible that he suffered so much waiting for surgery until Monday. 

You will know what the right move is for you, but I can tell you from experience you just never know when you have to make some quick choices.  Timing is critical here.  There are no judgements being made here, it is wonderful.  You are supported for any and all efforts you make in saving your pup. 

Please let me know what you end up doing.  It is tough that so many Rottweilers end up on this site!

Elizabeth and Sammy

 The day we picked Tasha up from her surgery I was so scared and ready to fall apart when I saw her. Guess what, I didn't!  When I saw her come hopping into us her nub wagging and the life in her eyes I knew for sure we made the right decision. My girl was there with us and going home. Yes the first week or two can and probably will have some difficult times, I think it is actually harder on us than our dogs. Stay strong and positive when around her she will pick up on your emotions. Hopefully very soon she will be amazing you and showing everyone how awesome three legged dogs are!

 Good luck tomorrow Morgan, our thoughts will be with you.

 Jo Ann & Tasha

I was reallly confused about amputation too.  Nearly all of my friends said that I should put my James to sleep and not put him through surgery.  I was sobbing for days with a terrible headache.

Thank goodness I decided to amputate.  It's been a little over a month now and I cherish every moment that I have with James.  He is doing great! 

Sending good thoughts your way.  I am sure that Morgan will do really well!

Nancy and James the poodle