Hi Gerry:

We went to a specialist hospital for Tika's amputation.  The oncologist and surgeon were both in the same office (VSEC--Kansas City).  They way they handled it was that we met with both surgeon and oncologist after initial diagnosis (which was made by my vet). They discussed our options with us and what they thought Tika's outcomes would be for each option.

At the point we said yes on amputation, the surgeon took the lead and the oncologist would be there to discuss post amputation care and cancer care.  Part of the amputation was to also confirm what form of bone cancer Tika had, and that was not a pretty wait for me (almost a week).

We live about an hour from this particular place, and bringing Tika home was not really pleasant, even though we left her after her surgery for two nights, and she was really doing good with mobility and going bathroom, etc. The car ride was not good, we have a SUV that we can lay everything down flat in, but she was very loopy and didn't want to lay down in the back.  I spent the whole time in the back, getting carsick holding on to her.  She wanted to do her usual be up near the front, look at the windows, and we are in a moving vehicle.

My big fear was that she would take a spill and get frightened or lose her confidence because she was now a tripawd.  So my advice would be really think about how far you would want Dakota to ride in a vehicle after major surgery when he's still groggy (and the pain meds make some of our furkids quite nauseous and ill--Tika was one of those)

Since then though, she's gotten really good about riding in the car and finally will SIT DOWN!  She also lets Tim and I help her get in since she's a rear leg amp. (For the first several months it was like a little kid: I can do it MYSELF)

After surgery, the oncologist took over and we do the round of chemotherapy which Tika took like a champ.  Our regular vet took Tika's staples out and did a basic check of her, so we definitely had a team approach.

Since then (that was 9 months ago), we've consulted with several veterinary oncologists throughout the nations including Ft. Collins, OSU, University of Minnesota vet school, University of Missouri vet school and it's been amazing on how much information they share with us and options they present.

Unfortunately, Tika's cancer is very, very aggressive, which they warned us about because of her age (only 5 years old!) and we can't seem to get anything to stop the growth of the lung mets (Metronomic Protocol slowed them down for awhile). So we are now in a new phase in Tika's life which is end of life care.

However, we have no regrets (even tho' my spouse had to about carry me out of the hospital the day of Tika's amputation ), Tika's life has been just as full of activity and adventure as it was before and in many ways, we've become a lot lot closer.

And today, almost 10 months after her diagnosis, even with nasty lung mets growing out of control, she still continues to be a trooper, strong, goofy and my big polar bear.  It is 10 months we would have had otherwise if we did nothing.

--Kim and Tika

We were referred to Oregon State Vet by our local vet. We initially went to oncology to have Shilo's osteosarcoma verified through aspiration. Once that huge road passed we then decided to do the amputation and so they got the ortho surgeon to come in. I had seen in mentioned that both are housed in the same building and that is how it is at our hospital. We actually drive about an hour and she did very well on her trip home (in the back seat of a Mustang). The only trouble was getting her out after getting her in(easy part). She let Dad pick her up to get her out, well after much discussion that is..

Anyway with all the questions and possible worries you may have after the amputation I would recommend trying to stay close to facility you have perform the amputation/chemo. For little things I would go to my local vet but for the most part I was on the phone for a week with the vet hospital after her amputation. Just food for thought....

Shilo & Lisa