Removing a cancer infected leg??

[MaxTN]

Max was diagnosed with cancer in his front leg. He has had two surgeries so far to remove the cancer. When this started our vet told us that he thought that he might be able to do a couple of surgeries before we had to make a decision. About removing the leg or putting Max down. At first I thought that he was too young and too active 2 take the leg. But now changing my mind. He is 8 years old.

The first surgery was 06/2025, the second surgery was 7 months later 01/2026. So now 5 moths after that he has an appointment with the Vet Tuesday.

So my question, and to those out there who've had to have a leg taken off of a dog, is how well did they adapt? And for people that have had a front leg taken off a Doberman how well did they adapt?

Thanks for any help. I’m not ready to let Max go, but if that’s what needs to happen, that’s what I will do.

 

[BGpa]

Max was diagnosed with cancer in his front leg. He has had two surgeries so far to remove the cancer. When this started our vet told us that he thought that he might be able to do a couple of surgeries before we had to make a decision. About removing the leg or putting Max down. At first I thought that he was too young and too active 2 take the leg. But now changing my mind. He is 8 years old.

The first surgery was 06/2025, the second surgery was 7 months later 01/2026. So now 5 moths after that he has an appointment with the Vet Tuesday.

So my question, and to those out there who've had to have a leg taken off of a dog, is how well did they adapt? And for people that have had a front leg taken off a Doberman how well did they adapt?

Thanks for any help. I’m not ready to let Max go, but if that’s what needs to happen, that’s what I will do.

I adopted a one and a half/2 year old BCxunknown from a little old lady shelter out in the country; couple donkeys, old horse, assorted cats and dogs.

Andy had his front leg removed at shoulder due to coyote trap, left at shelter when "rancher couldnt bear to look at him".
He got along fine for another 12 years. Trail and camping dog, nothing fazed him, "as a tripod he had better balance, never fallen yet". When people freaked out at sight him on the bluffs above the dog beach digging gophers.
Heart dog. Lived his best life.
I did let it go too long when "old dog syndrome" and various other problems etc made his final days miserable.

So you'd have to ask the vet on cancer...effect on quality of life...

If its soft tissue cancer it often pops up again. Father in law was told "we can take your arm and shoulder, or do chemo/radiation".

He chose the latter and it returned, a slow painful end. You never know.
Cancer sucks.

Sorry this has happened to you and your pal.

 

[JanS]

So sorry to hear that. I have heard of many tripods living full active lives and it seems they almost don't notice it. If that will take care of the cancer, I would definitely do it.

 

[GennyB]

Max was diagnosed with cancer in his front leg.

So sorry to hear that. What kind of cancer? Osteosarcoma?
If so I think the question you should be asking is how will treatment affect his quality of life? Will an amputation give him some good quality time? I understand completely how difficult this is to deal with and how hard it is to think about potentially losing him but in IMHO, quality of life should be in the forefront of any decision. I wish you both the best and the strength to make the best decision.

 

[Ravenbird]

What @GennyB said. If it's Osteosarcoma and has spread then amputation may not add a lot more time. I would listen to your vets, with my biggest question being whether the cancer has spread beyond the shoulder, I've known several tripod dogs (not mine) that adjusted and lived perfectly happy on 3 feet. I'm sorry this is happening and wish you grace as you and your dog travel this awful road called cancer.