Just wanted to share this great article by Dr. Krista Magnifico, DVM. If you're wrestling with the decision to amputate, it will help:

"To Amputate Or Not To Amputate: Heidi's Story"

Here are the arguments and points of discussion that pet parents have:

Number One:
“I don’t want to put my dog through that.” OK, I’m going to put on my best “be nice” face. Your dog is in an immense amount of pain. That pain is manageable only for a short period of time. At some point we will be putting your dog down because they refuse to move, or eat, or do anything because they are in so much pain. SO, if you are telling me this I will remind you that not taking that leg off is not wanting your pet to be pain free. Be honest. I think that most people use this excuse because they don’t want to put their wallet through the procedure.

Number Two:
“He will be unhappy with three legs. I can’t do that to him.” My response; Your dog is already three legged. They are just three legged with one additional painful rotting limb stuck to them. Another important point to remember is that at some point the cancer will eat away so much of the bone that it will fracture, or crumble.

Number Three:
“The recovery will be too much on him.” Like the current excruciating minute to minute with no chance of relief in sight is better?

Now, I understand that I am not being subtle. 

Here’s why. I cannot stand seeing an animal in pain if there is anything that can be done about it. So get over your phobias, and cosmetic disfigurement, and get that damned leg off!

Read more: http://dawgbusi.....eidis.html