I’ve had Bailey since he was a puppy. He got cancer in 2005, in his right shoulder joint. I found a great group on Yahoo that helped me make the decision to amputate, but all was in in favor: young age, very good health/weight, and no cancer had metastacized, so we went ahead with the surgery. I opted not to do the chemo.
Bailey has had an awesome life over the past five years! He moved across the country, lived in a new house with stairs that he has no problems maneuvering, and he LOVES the winters here in PA, with lots of snow. He definitely has husky in him. But he is a big dog — 85 pounds, and the amputated leg was the front right, so he definitely has had a harder time on his other three joints!
His vets now actually wonder if the tumor was caused by something other than cancer, given his cancer-free life so far.
Anyway, it’s been tougher for Bailey over the past month. He is more tired, and has developed some anxiety — mainly separation anxiety that has been difficult to deal with, as he is destructive. He has chewed quite a few pieces of furniture so far. After a couple of visits to the vet, there isn’t any discernible physical issues, so we have him started on Prozac for the anxiety and Deramaxx for the pain.
I sure wish I had a way to know how much pain he is in! His activity level has dropped more than half (walks are very difficult, as he can only do about 2 blocks — and I have to make it 1 block away or one block back, unless I want to sit and let him rest for 20-30 minutes!).
I wanted to just keep track of how he is doing. I always thought that Bailey would not have a lengthy life-span, given his large size, in addition to the strain on his body from the lack of one leg. I think we might be getting to the final lap, but who knows how long it will take. I just want him to be comfortable. I wish I didn’t have to leave him home (he does have a dogwalker) when I go to work, but somebody has to pay the vet :).