I faced the same decision with my almost 11 y.o., 85 lb. pittie a couple weeks ago. We were treating him with chemo for lymphoma when we discovered the osteosarcoma in his humerus. He didn't have a fracture but had been essentially unable to use his rf leg for a few weeks. He wasn't a good amputation candidate because of significant arthritis in 2 of his other 3 legs. We even tried radiation to shrink the tumor & a bone-building drug, & after two MORE weeks he was still in just as much pain, even with loads of tramadol & gabapentin.  Kermit is my best friend, my baby, my pillow every night, my guardian. I would do whatever he needed to be comfortable, and if nothing could be done I wouldn't keep him around just for my needs.

As a nurse you know that bone pain is some of the most excruciating pain possible, and when you add in a fracture, the pain must be almost unbearable, but our furry friends power through it as best they can. If that fracture becomes displaced, which can happen so easily, it will be torturous. Please don't put him through his last 2 weeks in that kind of pain.

I couldn't stand seeing Kermit try to tough out every day in pain and since he was otherwise not sick yet there was no way I could euthanize him, so we went for it & amputated the leg 2 weeks ago tomorrow & revised his chemo to treat the bone cancer first. He is doing GREAT!!

Kermit's recovery so far has been unusually smooth, with just a few bumps in the road, and we're going to have to address the arthritis soon, but I have no doubt that he's SOOO much more comfortable.  Even his oncologist, who initially thought he was a poor amputation candidate, was thrilled with his happy demeanor at his one-week checkup & first Adriamycin treatment.

We take nothing for granted; we know that eventually this awful disease will take him from us- maybe in a month, maybe in a year. But after two weeks he's starting to play ball again, he's chasing the cat in the yard, and he's starting to get up & down from the furniture again (without my freaking out that he'll fracture).

Your mileage may vary. But that's my story and I'm grateful every moment that we were able to provide Kermit with the care we have. We're not outta the woods, but I almost have my old, crazy, goofball doggie back and I'm adoring every extra moment I've been given with him.

I suppose all I'm trying to say is that the decision to amputate or not is yours, but whatever you choose, don't choose to let him suffer with a fracture until it becomes too unbearable.

Good luck & goddess bless.

At this point, I'm pretty sure I'm going through my second osteosarcoma diagnosis.  20 years ago, my first family dog was limping (I was the little girl who noticed) and it was cancer.  I was too young to know all the details, but I don't think there was amputation or chemo as options.  Britta's tumor grew and looking back, it was clear she was in immense pain.  She's get up and hobble through the house, panting.  Both of those are signs of pain, bad pain.  The tumor was exploding her bones and she probably had fractures in there, too.  She was medicated, but I think if amputation was an option, we would have done it.  Now with Jackson, and dogs like Britta to help pave the way, we amputated his leg before any tumor caused fractures or too much pain.  We're beyond 2 months out and he's back to normal!  He's practically been himself since about 2 weeks post-amp.  Our recovery was really great and quite smooth.  Even if it wasn't, knowing he's pain free right now, enjoys his walks, fetches whatever you toss him, jumping on beds and couches, wrestling, and riding in cars to see special people....well, you get the picture: we'd amputate again.  Your pup is in pain and the pain will get worse.  I encourage you to remove that pain and enjoy all the time you have with him.  Buddy will recover and will be the star you love and adore!  Promise.  I'm glad you found us, although we all understand that we wish we never met!  Good luck.  Breathe and hug your pal.  Talk it over with Buddy.  He'll understand and feel much better without that darn tumor or fracture slowing him down.  Keep us posted!

~ Katy

Magnum was a 9 year old rottie when we amputated her back left leg due to osteosarcoma.  We also did 6 rounds of chemo. I didn't hesitate to do the amputation because I knew it would get rid of the terrible bone pain (and by the time it was diagnosed we only a week or so to make up our minds because her pain was getting bad)

Magnum was a bit lighter than your boy (about 80 pounds before surgery).  She got 8 months (which is less than the stats) but we don't regret anything.  She bounced back from surgery (see below, just a few days later) and after she finished the pain meds a few weeks later (they messed with her head) she was a very happy girl again.  She got around on 3 legs as if she'd always only had 3.  

Since I've been on this site I have seen a couple of dogs who lost their battles within a few weeks due to complications but the vast majority of dogs get through surgery without any problems.  The prognosis after that is anyones guess.  There are no guarantees with cancer. Some people do chemo and still only get a few months, others don't do cancer and beat the odds.  All I can say is that we (that's Magnum and her pack) got to have so much fun and loving in those extra 8 precious months that we were given post amputation.

It's a very personal decision and only you can know what is best for you and your rottie. Look into your heart and do what feels right. We are here for you whatever your decision.

Karen and Spirit Magnum

to JODIO6  wow,,,,that cancer hystiocytic sarcoma is what the oncologists are saying is the 'second' cancer chance is fighting,,came up on her kidneys, spread like wildfire, liver, bladder and after the chemo the masses on her liver and bladder where gone!!! hate that your baby has this however, this is the first time i ran into another rottie friend has the same cancer...gives me hope!  Linda CHANCES MOM and best friend

Yay for Buddy!  He will feel so much better.  It's good to get the harness on order but you may not be able to use it until the incision area is more healed.  The day we picked Liberty up we used a suggestion from this site.  We split a canvas shopping bag up the sides to help her walk on the vets slippery floors.  It worked really well.  I think by that evening or the next day, she didn't need it any more.

Get some rest while Buddy is being looked after.  I look forward to more updates!