Hello to all,

Our 4.5 year old Irish Wolfhound, Fiona, is two weeks post diagnosis with osteocarcoma.  The tumor on the distal radius was discovered after she experience sudden, painful lameness.  Our veterinarian thought she had injured her elbow, and the tumor was caught on that X-ray.  Chest xrays show no mets, but we understand that micrometastases are quite common.  We have had a consultation with oncology at the University of Minnesota and are on track for a complete amputation of her left front leg and chemotherapy.  She may be eligible for a study, the start of which is a biopsy and CT scan, with surgery scheduled 10 days after.  At this time, her pain is very well controlled with Metacam and a relatively low dose of Tramadol.  She is as active as she ever has been, often walks without any discernible limp at all, and wants to be outside (unsupervised, please, mom) and play with her German shepherd sister.  My question:  Should we proceed with amputation immediately or should we wait until we have exhausted all medical pain relief options?  The tumor is quite small, showing nothing on the outside of her leg, not overtly painful on exam, and all vets have said they believe it to be very early -- leading us to believe the danger of pathologic fracture is reduced.  Part of our debate is that we live in Minnesota, where we currently have ice and snow, which will be a slippery surface for a new tripawd.  We are likely to have the chance of these conditions for a few months to come, but as the winter wears on, if we do have slippery conditions, they tend not to last as long as the weather trends to warming.  So, immediate amputation?  What are the benefits and effects on prognosis and survival time?  Later amputation?  Same questions.  We would love to hear your experienced opinions!  Thanks in advance.