I've learned osteosarcoma is most common in large to giant breeds (60 lbs+). "German shepherd had the highest incidence (of osteosarcoma), followed by the Great Dane, Saint Bernard, boxer, Irish setter, Labrador retriever, Doberman pinscher, and collie." Knowing that some breeds are more susceptable than others, there has to be some genetic influence going on, unfortunately.

I wish you luck with your appointment next week. My girl Athena isn't a giant dog like your boy is (she was 104 lbs at time of surgery), but I was definitely concerned about her hip displaysia and arthritis and wondering just how she would cope. I was so afraid that she would not be able to walk again after having her front left leg removed. But she has proven me wrong of course and now runs and plays and acts like a normal happy dog again! Yes the first few weeks of recovery might be rough, especially because of his size, but I know others have referred you to all the other giant breed dogs on this forum who had amputations, like Cemil mentioned above. Good luck!

That's why backyard breeders make me so sad. My s-i-l just lost her one-year-old lab to a liver shunt, of what is believed to be the inheritable type. Other pups in that litter were so sick as babies they didn't survive (in fact, they ended up with this dog b/c the one they wanted ended up being sick).

Good, responsible breeders want nothing more than to preserve the health and future of the breed and work with dogs who uphold the breed standard. Irresponsible ones just want to make puppies to sell off (or...want to do that and breed dogs that are larger and more massive than the standard, etc.).