Okay, first of all,  B R E A T H E.....B R E A T H E.....YOU ARE. NOT ALONE!    You are in the best place for understanding,  support and information.   We understand the sheer fear, the non stop crying, the uncertainty.  We can all relate.  We also know that Gatsby will be pain free with that bum leg gone!  

As you can see from some of the links that Admin Guy gave you,we have had many very large dogs do very well on three.  Yes, recovery can be a bit slower and mobility  can take a bit longer (not always) in large dogs,  but the dogs do recover and do get mobile.....at their own I individual pace.

Not saying  recovery is a picnic.  The first two weeks  can be rough.  It's  major surgery.  While recovering,  they also have to adjust to three legs.  Gatsby would have some good pain meds fo help navigate  those early recovery  days

And yes, if you can, do get Gatsby assessed by the Orthopedic  Surgeon who will be doing the surgery.   They are excellent  resource  in helping to determine  if Gatsby is a good candidate.   Arthritis  usually  is not a vig enoigh deal to eliminate proceeding with surgery.  Dogs woth arthritis, TPLO surgeries,  etc, still an do very well on three.

Yoi can talk to your Vet about joint supplements,  adequan injections, etc as a way to help keep the arthritis  at bay.

Now, about "statistics".  We don't pay too much attention  to those around here.  We've  seen some dogs and cats far exceed them and, sometimes less.  Gatsby doesn't  have a timeframe stamped  anywhere kn that pretty Wolfhound butt pf hers!  No one knows how much time any of us have on this earth, and dogs don't  care.  Dogs don't  count days in a calendar.  All they are about is being  spoiled and loved and gett tumny rubs and treats! They live in the moment and have no worries about the tomorrows. 

Your love fot Gatsby comes shining  through.   Do your research.  Talk with Gatsby.  Whatever  decision  you make is the right decision  because  it will be ine from a place of love.❤

Keep things chunked down for now.  You can think about chemo, etc later.  

STAY CONNECTED  and ask any questions  you want.  We've  all been where you are and understand  like no others can.  

Rem to  B R E A T H E.  Also chow down on chocolate, lots of it.  It helps clear the mind!😎

Hugd

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!