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Location: UK
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 13,122
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Sorry to hear this news, I went through the same thing 18 mths ago with Bandit, (there is a thread about it , if you want to take a look, , sorry cant seem to get it to link here), the first thing you need to know is if its spread, then decide on the next step.
You have to look at all the aspects of the outcome and decide whether you wish to give palliative care or go for invasive surgery, this is something only you can decide.
Sadly Bone cancer (osteosarcoma) is very aggressive , and can be very painful, medication can help relieve the pain for a while , and sometimes the cancer can spread, (even if its not already) and other factors will come into play.
I have known two dogs suffer from osteosarcoma, Bandit and my friends Rotti, both in the front leg, Maddies spread to her lungs , Bandits didn`t, but both from diagnosis to passing was not long.
Amputation was not an option for us, Bandit was coming up to 11, and had a few other arthritic problems , and I could not see him coping with 3 legs, apart from the trauma of the operation, I asked my vet what he would do in the same situation and he agreed with me, he also said,in his experience amputation only buys time, as it usually comes back elsewhere, so in your situation I would speak to your vet, see what the results bring back then make the decision on whats best, going on knowing your own dog.
Horrible Horrible disease, and horrible to watch them go through it,
Sending lots of vibes to help you in what ever you decide to do.