My sympathies to you, Brian. I lost my Boxer, Rocky, about 3 weeks ago. He was two months past his 14th birthday. He just gave out, man. I revived him with CPR, he started acting like his old self again, but passed away in my lap on the way to the emergency room. I was there with him and he was in no pain whatsoever (he was pretty much impervious to pain anyhow).

All I can tell you is to be strong and you'll surely do what's best because you love your dog.

JV

Sorry to hear that!

Brian, sorry to hear this.

Large breed dogs do better with forelimb amputation that hindlimb.
Ask to be referred to an ACVIM oncologist (speciality board certification in Internal Medicine sub speciality: oncology) if you need a second opinion. This tumor needs to be staged and he needs to be evlaluated for spread to distant organ sites. This sounds like an osteosarcoma.... very aggressive. One thing, it is harder for an owner to accept his 3 legged companion than for an animal, they respond dramatically and do well in the majority of times with only 3 limbs.

Best wishes,

I have seen three legged animals that act as if it meant nothing to them at all. I guess what I am saying is, they are fine.

Hi:

My 8.5 year old female lab Isis was recently diagnosed with the same cancer and I went ahead witht he decision * after doing some research) to amputate and go ahead with chemo. She has adapted and responded like a champion ( although it is her front leg) She has never been happier because I think she was in so much pain with the tumor on the leg. You have to make the choice but I feel I made the right one. She has reacted very postively to the chemo and really seems lke a new girl.

I love her deeply and now get to spend one more precious year with her.

see video of her and her brother:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5WAC...ack%20fabulous

hey guys and gals, i just wanted to pop in and give an update.
we picked up my poor dog yesterday. the tumor is in his hind leg.
last month, the tumor was not detectable. as of yesterday, it's
visibly noticeable and is about the size of a man's fist. i am going
to try and convince my dad into seeking a 2nd opinion.

Sorry to hear about your dog Brian. I lost my dog 5 years ago... one weekend he just started fainting and falling over, wouldn't eat and started vomiting... and this dog was usually just a ball of energy... my parents took him to the vet as soon as they could get a hold of him... and he never came back... his heart was beating at 15bpm (I think it's bradycardia), and the vet kept him , saying he only had a few hours left and that he would make sure he would go without any pain...
it's a hard decision to make in your case - just make sure that your dog isn't in any pain - my heart goes out to you man

Edit: JV - tears came when I read your reply - sorry to hear about your recent loss

I just returned from the vet for our Boxer's annual...all was well. Our vet is also a very skilled surgeon and I asked her about osteosarcoma. Her opinion is that amputations are more trouble for the owners than for the dogs, but she cautioned that it may only buy months or a year as this sarcoma will often manifest itself in the lungs. She will prescribe chemo, but her opinion is that is hell on a dog and may also only buy months.

JV--so very sorry about your loss.

update - my father just called. we have an appt.
for tuesday w/ an ACVIM specialist. again, thanks
for all the sympathy and suggestions.

Sad story. As a dog lover, I am lost for words. I feel your pain.

JV, Really sorry about loosing your friend.