Hi Everyone,

I came across this forum a week ago and read up on options for our dog Cuddles.

He's had soft tissue sarcoma since before Christmas, and ever since the vet took samples of it it's started to grow exponentially to a point where it's obstructing his ability to walk.

The cancer is soft tissue sarcoma on his hind leg (the oncologist believes it's localized) on his metatarsals, between the tarsal bones and his foot. My guess is the growth is partially caused by infection from him licking it (he's had really bad breath for a long time now)

He's a American Eskimo and some sort of terrier cross, and although he's almost 18 (in June), before the cancer developing he's still been quite aggressive towards strangers trying to touch him aka lots of energy (he's always been like that but if you don't touch him he's super cute)

I've noticed on forums people talk about old dogs getting amputation done and recovering quite nicely, but I haven't noticed anyone mention dogs over the age of 16.

He still looks very sharp (even sharper since we started giving him codeine, my guess is the pain is significantly less when he's on it), drinks a lot of water, but is refusing to eat on his own anymore so we've had to force feed him for the last few days now... I am wondering if this is a sign of him wanting to go. He does have severe inflammation because of his periodontosis.

I am wondering if someone has any experience with ancient dogs like this, and whether we are being selfish even thinking about amputation as I can tell he's in a lot of pain with the tumor, and instead he should be euthanized? Any thoughts or advice would help. Feel free to throw any medical terms at me, I do have a background in biology. Thanks