Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire My Dog has Osteosarcoma...Amputate the Leg or Not

The vet has diagnosed one of my dogs with this nasty schitt and from what I'm told, 4-6 months is all that he's got left. He's on pain meds now and seems to be doing OK but he carries his hind leg. The vet says that getting rid of the leg will ease his pain on his way out but it won't add any time to his life because it's most likely in his lungs too. Seems like whacking the leg is the thing to do to me but has anybody else gone through this and would you have an opinion?

Sorry to hear about that, BE. Wish I could tell you what to do, but I can't. Only you (and your bride or kids?) can make that call.

I just got back from the vet's office 20 minutes ago. My wife's dog (she really belongs to both of us, but hangs with my bride 95% of the time) was walking like she was drunk this morning and so I took her in. Basically she has a slipped disc in her back - congenital not due to injury. Might get better and might not. Of course, my bride is out of town until Sunday and doesn't know this yet. Not relishing telling her the news. We have 4 other dogs, but Katie is really special to my wife. The vet said surgery was a possible option, but to be ready to pay at least $3000 for it - that plus there is no vet in the area that does spinal surgery, meaning travel and motel/hotel and kenneling the other 4. Might have a hard decision to make here.

This is a hard one BigEars.

Now this is only me, but at the first signs of pain I would take him down and have him put to sleep as I do not like to see my best friend in pain. usually when you notice a dog in pain they are in a lot of pain as most dogs just don't show it. Labs in particular are bad about this.

Just remember that amputation will be painful and will take a fair amount of time to heal.

This is a hard decision my friend and my heart goes out to you.

Ditto.

Rough news for sure. Our dog had the same, but on the front leg. He was young, at 5.5 years. We caught the cancer early and went ahead with the amputation and chemo. Had another two summers of camping and adventure with him, which made the cost worth it to us. In the end the cancer came back and once in the lungs, things progress quickly. Yes, it is not cheap and watching a dog struggle through the recovery is tough too. Best of luck with your decision.

short course on osteosarcoma in dogs:

pain meds only: 2-6 months (dependent on successful pain control)

amputation: 10-14 months (wound heals in 3-4 weeks) MUST HAVE THREE OTHER GOOD LEGS and NO mets to the chest on xray

amputation + chemo: up to 20 months

one of the most painful cancers out there

If he's your friend and it will ease his pain.....do it.

We're he my dog, I'd not amputate.

I would treat him with lots of love and Bacon. Spoil his azz and get him ready for his journey with as little undue suffering as possible.

Good luck to you both.

As hard as it sounds and I've had to do it twice I'd chose putting him down over suffering. When they tell you 4 to 6 months the dogs quality of life is pretty much gone. Don't make him suffer for your own feelings.

+10 been there done that.

God i hate these posts. Always bring tears to my eyes. I care more about my dog than I do most people. God be with you with this decision and many prayers for your buddy

This ^^^

Osteosarcoma is a death sentence. Period. The human survival rates are not great, and in a pet that is relying on an owner to notice, it's a guarantee that it is metastasized by the time it's discovered.

Thanks for the input and good wishes. I really do appreciate it. I just want to make sure I'm doing what's best for him and not me. Right now I'm leaning toward the amputation as the vet says labs are very stoic and he's probably in a lot more pain than he shows. I've never let my dogs on the furniture before but he's taken over the loveseat and he gets the bulk of the leftovers plus a few snacks in between. Sorry about your pup Salsola, and good wishes for yours Otter. I keep thinking "why in the hell is a good dogs life so short while rotten people live forever"? Pisses me off and makes my eyes leak.

I haven't figured out the quote thing but thank you gitem. I feel the same.

Damn...it had to be a lab... Im 6'1 and 300 pounds and im sitting here holding my ten year old lab cryin like a baby. For you yet estaticnthatbim jotninbyour shoes. God bless you

Big Ears: I would echo the sentiments of others who have said do not let the dog suffer for something you want...

He would not let suffering happen to you, if he could possibly stop it....

Ears,

I'm so sorry to hear this. I lost two dogs to that over 50 years time.

My advice is love him hard and close for a few days, take him to do what he loves most, then let him go, my friend.


Sharing Your Concern,
L2S

I feel the sudden need to hug my 6-year old GSP for awhile after reading this. If it was my dog, I would do what luv2 says.