In January, we noticed Tucker began favoring his right hind-leg. The limp didn’t improve, so we took him to an emergency vet clinic on the 28th for x-rays. The results showed “bilateral mild degenerative stifle joint disease with mild synovial proliferation/joint effusion on the right.” We were advised to consult with our vet & an orthopedic specialist, as it appeared Tucker would likely need CCL surgery. Our vet agreed upon reevaluation, noting that the imaging and Tucker’s symptoms aligned with a CCL tear. Thus, we proceeded to schedule surgery with the recommended orthopedist, bracing ourselves for a lengthy 16-week recovery period.
On Feb 19th, we dropped Tucker off for surgery. They let us know they would call after standard pre-operative tests to discuss the comprehensive recovery plan. The surgeon called & rather than discussing the anticipated procedure, he delivered distressing news – he suspected something far more serious than a CCL injury. Revealing the presence of a bone lesion, he cautioned that his experience suggested bone cancer, urging caution until a radiologist could review the findings. We were shocked to hear this. How could our otherwise vibrant 1-and-a-half-year-old puppy have cancer?Subsequently, we started researching osteosarcoma and got connected with a specialist. We got the results back that afternoon, an “aggressive bone lesion of the right proximal tibial.”
More testing was needed to make a formal diagnosis. We took him to a specialist last Thursday where they ran a number of tests on him, including a biopsy. We’ve kept hope over the last week that it could be some type of bone infection.
March 1st, we received the devastating confirmation that our happy-go-lucky boy has osteosarcoma. After extensive research and the guidance of Tucker’s veterinary team, we’ve made the decision to proceed with amputation next Wednesday (3/6). This course of action aims not only to halt potential metastasis but also to alleviate Tucker’s pain. Following the surgery, Tucker will start chemotherapy treatment.
While this is an aggressive form of cancer, Tucker is a fighter and besides the limp he hasn’t slowed down at all. We appreciate all the support.
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Loved the picture of Tucker with the ball in his mouth. Isn’t it just a shock to hear your dog isn’t as well as you thought he was? I remember that feeling, just the idea of removing a leg! Our dog also went in for a CCL repair, but it failed. The damage was so extensive they had to remove his leg. Once we were able to get our head around the missing leg, our focus went straight to doing whatever we needed to do, as long as it brought our dog comfort. It sounds like you’re similar. Thanks for sharing. I enjoyed reading about your experience.
Such a shock! We are still trying to understand how our otherwise health year & a half pup has cancer. Thankfully he’s still just as playful and happy.
My sweet Chloe Margaret is in surgery as I write this comment. Chloe is having her front, left leg amputated. She has osteosarcoma. She will begin 5 rounds of chemo every 3 weeks. Chemo starts once she has healed; probably 2 weeks post surgery. I am devastated, scared, and I have been on a roller coaster of emotions since her diagnosis, 28 February. Thank God I got a second opinion as I was not given any options or for that matter, hope either. I chose amputation because first and foremost, Chloe’s pain would subside, and second, this will hopefully buy her at least one year of quality time. Waiting for a call from Doc Megan is agonizing. Thank God I found “TRIPAWD’s”. I absolutely need support, guidance, encouragement, and education on how to help Chloe navigate life as a 3 legged dog. Any and all advice is appreciated.
Thank you.
how has Chloe and you adjusted? My Chloe is scheduled for the same surgery this coming Tuesday and Im worried about her adjusting and us for that matter.
I hope Chloe’s surgery went well!! It is definitely an adjustment but dogs are so resilient.
Aww what a hoppy boy! How did surgery go? How is he doing? Looking forward to an update and hoping for some good news!
Surgery went great! He is already getting restless stuck inside (not a bad problem to have in this case!). Thank you!