tai09 says:

Hi and welcome to the Tripawd site, although sorry that you have to be here under such difficult circumstances. My lab, Tai, is 8 and was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in her right front humerus 4 days before Christmas. We were given the same options as you…amputate or put to sleep. We also opted for amputation. Amputation was the only way to relieve the pain, which in itself made it the right decision for us. I didn’t struggle with the immediate decision but I did question myself a number of times over the two weeks following the surgery. As almost everyone on this site will tell you – the first two weeks are a roller coaster of emotions. I was overjoyed when she would do things she had done prior to amputation and overwhelmed with guilt and sorrow when she faltered. My suggestions would be as follows:
1) Try to return to Peeties normal routines as soon as possible. Tai has always been fed outside (we live on an acreage) and the switch to feeding her inside to avoid the stairs and too much movement was more distressing than I had realized.
2) Stay positive in your reactions and emotions. I did end up crying uncontrollably on her shoulder more than once but it bothered her to see me like that. She was coping so why couldn’t I? It did help when I made a HUGE fuss over her for accomplishing things like going up or down some stairs, bringing me a stuffed toy, eating well.
3) Be awed by how amazingly quickly they adjust to their new situation. Every day she did something that was new and more like her old self. Some people suggest keeping a journal.
4) Keep busy doing some research on the internet about supplements or cancer treatments. It helped me feel like I was doing all I could and stopped me from just wallowing in pity. There is a lot of research being done on cancer fighting supplements which is very positive.
5) Do something that he likes to do which isn’t too taxing. Tai loves car rides and trips to pet stores so we drive around a lot.
6) If Peetie starts “yelping” – lots do and Tai was no exception – talk to your vet. There is a medication that people recommend on this site which alleviates what most believe is “phantom limb pain”. I didn’t know about it at the time and honestly she only did it a few times but it was quite frightening.
6) MOST IMPORTANTLY…ENJOY Peetie. He is still the same loyal loving companion that he always was. Remember that he lives “in the moment”. All he knows is that he’s with you and he loves you.

Lastly, I didn’t restrict Tai too much in moving around and negotiating stairs etc – although some people will tell you not to let them do anything until their stitches are out. She was happier when she felt she could do more for herself so I let her move around as she wished and helped when I could. I did not use a harness as my vet thought it wasn’t beneficial for a front leg amp and the stitches were in the way anyway. Within a few days she could do stairs. In a week she was able to get into the car – with some assistance and go for a car-ride (a big hit). By the time her stitches were out she could go to the dog parks for short socializing walks. She started assisted swimming last week and adjusted well (once again). I just don’t know how she can swim with one front leg but hey she does. (Yes she has a life jacket on).
I also took her off of Tramadol sooner than was planned as I thought it made her lethargic, nauseus and depressed. I did that with the concurrence of my vet but if Peetie seems dull and depressed it might be worth a discussion with your vet.
It’s now 2 months post amp (its her 2 month ampuversary today in fact) and I have NO REGRETS!!! Her quality of life is different I have to admit but it is great nonetheless. She is doing chemo, taking supplements and we’re hoping for the best. We’re taking every day one at a time and enjoying whatever time we have left together.
Hope this all helps. You’ll find this is a very supportive and informative site. Any time you need to talk or have a question you’ll get loads of support. We’ve all been where you are.
Pawsitive thoughts from Laura and Tai