Our beautiful Black Lab was diagnosed with bone cancer in her front right leg. The first vet gave her a 3-4 month timeframe. We then took her to a second opinion, who basically said the cancer has most likey spread to her lungs. I have been doing a lot of research online and found a wonderful vet in madison at the university school of veterinary. They did xrays today and her lungs are clear. HOWEVER, he did state the the staticis after amputation and chemo, she may live for only a few more months. 97% DO NOT last long. But in the waiting room, we talked with 2 different dog parents, and their dogs are still here after 4 years. With amputation, and chemo. We are so,undecided. Do I put my dog through all that pain for her to live only 3 more months? She is 9 years old. If anyone can share with me their story, I would greatly appreciate it. This is the most difficult decision we have ever had to make.
The main reason I did the amputation was to remove the pain. I felt even a few short months with less pian would be worth it. We, unfortunately only got 1 chemo session in. My TY fought a hard battle with a MRSA infection. He couldn’t battle both at the same time. I know it is a hard decision. We did not have a lot of time to think our over, as we had lost a lot of time trying to get a diagnosis. Know that whatever decisions you make for her, you are making them out of love. Lori, TY & gang
I’m very sorry you are facing this situation. It is a very hard decision to make. We all have no idea how long our dogs or cats will live. We have to base the decision on the shape our dog is in, does she enjoy life, our finances, the time we can spend with the dog in recovery. My 5 yr old dog got cancer and unfortunately she got lung mets 4 months later. I did have her leg amputated and we had many months of quality time together. She was out of pain and I would do it all over again faced with that decision. Everyone is different, there are no wrong decisions when you love your dog. Our fearless leader Jerry lived for 4 yrs after his diagnosis. It really is a crap shoot. good luck, we are all behind you.
Penny and her Gang
Hi…
So sorry to hear your story; let me tell you ours. Our Dobe Nitro was diagnosed May 2014 with osteosarcoma of his right front leg. After much agonizing we had the surgery, and he did 6 doses of chemo. It is now one year later and he is happy and (I believe) healthy. He will be 10 yrs old in October; it was a difficult journey, but I wouldn’t change a thing. We live in Green Bay, WI and I would love to talk to you if you need someone.
P.S. It really is harder for the humans…the dogs adapt amazingly well!
My heart goes out to you. We just had to make this same difficult decision a months ago. You can read about our experience with amputation and how our fur baby is faring under the blog “Sheba’s Osteosarcoma Story”. We have no doubt now that amputation was the right thing to do. Sheba is now back to a new normal, less than 1 month after amputation. I sometimes even doubt she remembers a fourth leg. She is able to do everything she used to do. Her walks have me out of breath because her hoppy gait is fast!! However that being said, each dog is an individual. If your lab is generally healthy, not overweight, and without other issues or joint problems, I would think the adjustment to three legs not be burdensome.
When we looked at Sheba as we were faced with this difficult decision, Sheba…so full of life…told us what she would want. She wanted the chance to fight this awful cancer with us. We did it for her and for us. No regrets.
So sorry you had ro find us, however, under the circumstances there is no better place to be!
Yes, this is a scary time and it feels like you are stuck in a nightmare! If you’re like me, I cried everyday for weeks agonizing over what to do! I even went ahead and scheduled the surgery the then cancelled it!
I’m actually a bit astounded by some of the poor “prognosis” response you’ve gotten from the vets. Let me be real clear about this…your dog does NOT have a timeframe stamped anywhere in his butt!
Is your dog still full of life? Does your dog still enjoy getting up everyday snd being by your side? He has clear xrays snd that’s good! Is his leg painful now?
I final k y proceeded with the amputation for my Happy Hannah because the leg started becoming more and more painful. If I didn’t proceed, I would lose her in a matter of weeks…if she didn’t break her leg first.
After a rough recovery period of about three weeks…some dogs recover faster, she started getting her sparkle back bigger and brighter than before! She sailed through four rounds of Carboplatin (chemo) and we never looked back!
We had the most glorious one year and two months of extended bonus time for loving, spoiling, tummy rubs, slobbery kisses, treats, sunbathing, eating deer poop (Hannah, not me :-)) and snuggling! And in doggy years, that was over SEVEN years!
Actually, let me make a suggestion. Call our TRIPAWDS HELPLINE Tuesday. I’m on duty tomorrow as a volunteer. I’ll be more than happy to help guide you to resources to help you make a decision for your pup.
For now, remember, nothing has changed in your dog’s world! He could care less about any ole statistic! He is living in the lresent and not worried about a thing!! Days on a calendar mean nothing to him! Quality and being by your side mean everything to him!
It is major surgery and it does have risks. Some dogs do transition to Spirit in just a couple of months, some after a year…or two…or three…or. more! We just recently had a fourteen yr. old dog who had amputation two years ago for bone cancer
pass away from old age complications.
The important thing is you are removing the pain and giving your dog a chance at an extended life…a quality life.
My computer keeps wanting to disconnect so I’ll sign off for now. I do hope you’ll call tomorrow. From this point forward you are not alone! We are right by your side all the way!
Can’t wait to hear more about your pup!
Sending lots of hugs your way!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
Oh, I forgot…here’s the link to our Tripawds Helpline. (Toll free)
http://tripawds.org/helpline/
1 -844 -tripawds
If I’m not available when you call, just leave a message and I WILL get back to you!
Hang in there! This site is a terrific resource for information and support! We all unerstand like no others can! You’ll make a decision out of love and that is always the right decision!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
Hi, our pittie was diagnosed with osteosarcoma about a month ago. She is 12 and it has already spread to her lungs. We went ahead with the amputation after reading about other senior dogs who had such great success with amputation and the pain from the amputation really pales in comparison to the pain from the cancer. Also, the chance of a spontaneous fracture or break was not something I wanted her to go through.
We also started chemo last week with the intention of stopping if it got to be too much for her. Although the stats are bleak, every dog is different and if there is a chance she could live another year happy and in no pain, we wanted to give her that chance. I won’t lie, the 1st 2 weeks after amputation were tough but now she is just about back to normal. The amputation decision was the BEST decision we made. For us, her quality of life was more important than the quantity.
I say, go for it. Even is she only has a few months left, she can live them pain free, once the leg is gone, and who knows, she may (hopefully) still be with you this time next year.
I also wanted to say Good Luck with your pup. Sending good thoughts her way.
Hang in there! These are tough decisions to make, and few understand how tough like the folks here!
Unfortunately I can’t really comment since my dog had a leg tumor versus bone cancer, but I’m sure the others who do have experience with it will chime in!
Also since the blogs move quite fast you may want to pose this question in the forums as well.
But take heart, you love your dog and she knows it! Whatever your final decision will be it’ll no doubt be in her best interest!
Deep breathes and her steadfast love will get you through,
Rascal and Co.
Statistics shmatistics! Vets always provide the worst case scenario prognosis. And the most important thing to consider is quality of life, not quantity—you’re not getting rid of the leg, you’re getting rid of the pain.
They gave Jerry 4-6 months after his Osteosarcoma diganosis. He loved life on three legs for 2 years! Every dog is different, but the vast majority recovery quickly and adapt well. You will find MANY stories in the blogs and forums.
Welcome, and best wishes for your Black Lab. What is her name?
Sorry I guess I exaggerated Jerry’s survival after his diagnosis.
Penny
I will comment here as someone who just lost their dog to this terrible disease on Sunday. We are still raw w/ the loss, but know we made the right decision to amputate. Ellie made it 10 months, after amputation and chemo. But they were good months with lots and lots of quality time. Yes, amputation is major surgery. But the acute pain can be controlled. It is nothing like the pain of OSA. So by amputation, you at least give them the chance for a pain free life for what ever time they have left. Ellie adapted really well to three legs and was able to do all the things dogs want to do (take walks, chase squirrels, lie in the sun….). She didn’t like water but there are lots of dogs here who swim after amputation. it is a hard decision, but for us it was either take away the pain with amputation or put her to sleep back in September. We chose to take what time we could get with her, pain free. And we don’t regret it at all.