Amputation - What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know: VLOG 67

Amputation is a shocking thing to consider for pet owners for their pet. If you are watching this, you might be considering amputation & are overwhelmed thinking about removing your pet's leg.
As a cancer specialist, we often have to recommend amputation for dogs with bone cancer in the leg. And it is a somewhat easy recommendation because we veterinarians know the dogs are in pain from their tumor, and we know how well the dogs will adapt and how great they will do after the surgery.
In this VLOG, Dr Sue breaks it all down for you, including what to expect at surgery, the recovery, and how well dogs recover and adapt. And we will go over high owner satisfaction rates. We know it's not an easy decision, but we hope this information helps.
*****Helpful links:
Tripawds Community:
tripawds.com/
Find a Cancer Specialist
vetspecialists.com/
vetcancersociety.org/pet-owners/
My Osteosarcoma playlist
• Osteosarcoma in dogs
Chemotherapy VLOG
• Chemotherapy Myths & M...
**Dr Sue's chemotherapy sheets**
- HELPING A PET THROUGH CHEMO AT HOME:
drsuecancervet.com/wp-content...
- FAQ ABOUT CHEMOTHERAPY IN PETS:
drsuecancervet.com/wp-content...

[@alexanderrochenko4670]

We amputated our dogs leg that had an insanely huge tumor and two years later without chemo she’s doing fine

[@mariannageorgopoulou3949]

I am glad your dog is doing well. Our dog had exactly the same huge tumor on his back leg. Unfortunately we were stack away from the country due to covid and the lady that took care of it never mentioned anything. Now it has to be amputated. Did your dog's tumor grew really big in a short period of time??

[@jasminjadore42]

My dog doesn't have bone cancer, but a tumor that ruptured externally a couple days ago and we got the word that we have to amputate. She's had the tumor for seven years but it's just now affecting her life. I cried all day, but I'm watching videos and coming to terms with amputating. It'll probably have to be sooner than later, but whatever is best for my baby 💛

[@joyanna9124]

@@jasminjadore42 Your baby will do great!

[@shelbyr25]

@@mariannageorgopoulou3949 mine did. she had a soft tissue sarcoma on front leg. stayed really small for years and then tripled in size during covid. i eventually relented to do the amputation (after getting 3 opinions), which i honestly think saved her life. her recovery was miraculous and she’s doing great now. we start hydrotherapy today!

[@shelbyr25]

@@jasminjadore42 this was literally my same situation. my senior girl had soft tissue sarcoma (front leg). for years it didn’t bother her then it grew huge, ruptured and became infected (of course this happened during covid!). i also cried each time i heard the word amputation. i just couldn’t imagine doing “that” to her. eventually i decided i’d rather she lose her leg than her life and relented. on the other side of it i truly believe it saved her life. she’s doing soooooo much better. there was some adjustment but her energy returned & was fully within 2-3 wks.

[@samjones9077]

My dog had an amputation after an accident just 4 days ago, she's walking and sometimes even running round on her 3 legs no problem, eating, drinking, wagging her tail, enjoying a fuss. She's great, I can't believe how quick she's recovering.

[@CV_411]

Thank you sooo much for recognising how hard this decision for amputation is for the dog owner. I don’t think my vet actually understood the anxiety around this decision that I had to make. My boy is fine now but this was one of the most difficult decisions I had to make for his well-being. I wish you were my vet :)

[@MikelKiriakos]

Absolutely, my girl is going under tomorrow having her front leg removed. What a shitty feeling.

[@kathleenmarkklam5304]

We are going through this right now. Its such an overwhelming difficult decision to make. We are mentally prepared to do it but not emotionally.

[@susanbotha6016]

My doggie just had a jaw amputation and it's literally one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make and I still feel extremely quilty

[@LS-ek1fd]

I adopted a tripod cat years ago and later found a dog in the road hit by a car, that became my second tripod. Both had wonderful long lives. Oddly, in 2015, I was hit head on by a drunk driver and am now, you guessed it, an amputee. I spent a year and a half trying to save my foot, riding around in a knee scooter I can tell you from experience amputation is painful, BUT it heals. I can do everything I did before I lost my foot. I cried and went into a real emotional state before my amputation and woke up thanking the surgeon for giving me my life back. Unlike me, my tripod pets did not feel sorry for themselves. I tried to learn a lesson from them, but hey, I’m only human. Now, my golden retriever has cancer in his ankle joint. He is older, I can’t help but worry about this decision, but his cancer has not metastasized. He is a great candidate for a prosthesis too. I’ve contacted a dog Prosthesist who just so happens to know MY Prosthesist! With all my experience, I’m still praying I’m doing the right thing. Thank you for this video. It has been a great help!!

[@Hurricane.L3n1x]

your so strong. thanks for sharing your story x

[@MonicaLNJ]

Thank you for sharing your experience from both sides! I just got the news Friday that my older Bassador will likely need an amputation due to a soft tissue sarcoma. I'm mostly okay making that decision since it will save him from worsening pain but there's still grief and anxiety about such a big change in his life. This is definitely one of those times I need to learn from my pups and focus on today rather than worrying about all the "what-ifs" the future might hold!

[@casspower]

Oh my gosh i adopted a stray that had been hit by a car and is being amputated tomorrow. I’ve been so sad all day but this video and these comments have made me feel better. I bet your babes are so adorable❤

[@liza8577]

Dr Sue, I am so so thankful for this video! I have been in fear over this decision, and this video is a big comfort blanket for me. Our sweet Olive is having her surgery in a few days, and your video has given me the support I needed. Thank you.

[@DrSueCancerVet]

I am so glad I was able to comfort you! Wishing the best for Olive. ❤️

[@kvol1668]

On Friday, my hound went back for our two week follow-up on an injured rear leg and the x-rays show lysis happening. My vet is suspicious that it's osteosarcoma, and I'm waiting to hear back from the radiologist tomorrow. I think based on everything I'm seeing, the vet is correct. I'm not going to be able to afford curative care with a cancer specialist due to cost, and it would be a 10 hour roundtrip per visit. The wait over the weekend has been very difficult and emotional, but your videos have helped to prepare me for the decisions I need to make, even if they are tough ones. Thank you for the information, and being empathetic and encouraging. My dog is my only family, so I want to do the best I can for her in the time we have left together.

[@DawnmarieZakowicz]

😍 We definitely made the right decision to amputate with Fallon, we're with the 86%. Our primary vet discouraged it due to her size/age-11/arthritis in her back legs--all that was said here. Our surgeon evaluated her and said he would be happy to tell our vet he was wrong. Fallon did so well!!!

[@DrSueCancerVet]

So great to hear. It was an honor to be her oncologist and help in her care. I love the clip in this vlog of her running around in the snow. She did SO well. She was amazing. xoxoxo

[@shelbyr25]

same. i dreaded doing this on the front end (Baby had a tumor on front right leg). it became REALLY problematic so i eventually relented. my dog was also senior (14). but i truly believed it saved her life. she’s back to her normal self and doing great!!

[@jen1230stack]

This video really made me cry tears of joy. My 13 year old miniature bull terrier recently had a ruptured tumor on her back leg and to see her so miserable with a leg so swollen from pitting edema, it caused a tear on her inner thigh. I DID NOT think TWICE about amputation. I immediately gave the ok to the surgeon because all I wanted was my baby girl to be happy and healthy. It’s been 12 DAYS since her amputation and she is THRIVING! Her sutures will be taken out in 5 days! The first 2 days she was groggy from her meds, but she was hobbling along the day I brought her home. She’s actually FASTER with 3 legs! I like to joke her fourth leg weighed her down ❤️. She’s always been at a lean weight so I think that helped with her springing back easily. I agree with the study: 1,000% I would do this again. My baby girl is alive and happy and that’s ALL I need. It will surprise you how quickly your pet will acclimate after their amputation. My advice if you’re on the fence is to take your (the owners) emotions out of the equation and do what’s best for your animal. I’ve seen some animal documentaries where the videographer/photographer is astonished with how some animals in the wild have adapted with injuries that have led to partial paralysis in a limb and survive. Think how that animal is coping then, imagine with the medical resources and CARE you’re providing your beloved pet- they will feel so much better and so will you as the owner for saving their life and seeing them flourish.

[@irmafranco9113]

My dog was shot in the front limb and required amputation. It was such a hard decision to make without any time to process everything. I decided to amputate and we are on day 2 post op. She walked around some, but she will need to lose a few pounds. Thank you for the video, the results of the study are reassuring as I and my family were extremely wary of amputation. I hope we have a positive experience and I am grateful my wonderful dog is still alive.

[@mikalesa]

Thank you so much for this video, I’ve crying since last week when we got the diagnosis, we have decided to amputate our dog’s front leg (he’s a Great Dane), it’s going to be today, but my heart is still so broken because I’m just so afraid

[@gregpulsipher848]

Extremely helpful. Thank you for taking time to put this out there.

[@DrSueCancerVet]

So glad you found it helpful. Thanks for the positive comment :)

[@K9MobilityHeroes]

sue you are good I have been looking for someone like you to learn from have you more on this topic!

[@emilyley75]

My 10 year old 50 lb terrier hound mix, Blue, has a peripheral nerve sheath tumor affecting the nerves in his right forelimb. That limb has atrophied and he will never get full funtion back even if we were to do just radiation to get rid of the tumor. It will further atrophy and shrink becoming way less functional and a liability. He is already compensating for the issue in his gait and other activities. Radiation provider said it's better to amputate prior to therapy because after therapy the tissues woludn't be able to heal as well. We are scheduled for surgery this coming Wednesday, everyone is confident he will adapt and enjoy most of the activities he currently does. Thank you for providing this information, it has been hard to find much rhat's relevant.

[@ellieeastham9141]

Thank you so much! I'm a vet nurse and this is such a simple and informative video to show owners.

[@ngtmarpete]

I’m am so grateful for this video! My baby girl with have her amputation next week, and this video has given me a lot of hope for the future. Thank you!

[@juliemontoya9727]

We are starting our fourth day home with our front-leg newly "tripawed" dog. I wish I had seen this video a week ago, as it would have been very helpful. This might sound silly, but I appreciate the advice in the video about using a clean T-Shirt to cover the shaved area and long suture area. I thought I was a big wimp for finding it hard to see the long suture and fashioned a T-Shirt to cover the shoulders and also create another barrier for scratching. So nice to know I'm not the only one who finds that a bit hard to see. Our 9 yr old super active trail-running mini-aussie was initially diagnosed with chondrasarcoma. We labored over the idea of amputating, and yet his lameness was progressing so quickly. He is still healing up, and we will find out in a few days whether he has the chondra or osteo type sarcoma in a few more days. Chondra does not spread or spread as fast. Our pup was hopping around to get to his food dish and to go potty by himself the first day home. He still needs recovery, but this far, I know we made the right decision. Thank you, Dr. Sue.

[@DrSueCancerVet]

You are welcome Julie. Glad you have the info now. I hope the recovery goes well. If you need it, there are other OSA videos in the osteosarcoma playlist. xo

[@just_wright]

Thank you for this video!❤️ Very helpful! Our dog is getting 1 back leg amputated tomorrow! Not his 1st time getting amputated, first time was a toe few months ago, this time is a leg. He's been a pro so far jumping around!

[@othername1000]

Southpaws in Australia live streams these surgeries several times per month. (For ppl who want to see what the surgery is like). You can even ask questions if you catch them live.

[@fredabery3816]

great video- landed here coz our cat might need amputation for trauma, but watched it to the end and learned lots along the way- love your work! Cheers!

[@davidthelibrarian]

After first visiting the "tripawds" website you recommend, I had trouble immediately finding useful information. However, I emailed the owner and they really helped me out. There is great information there, and it's worth digging into.

[@DrSueCancerVet]

Glad you got the information you needed. Others have told me they have found the community helpful.

[@joyanna9124]

You are absolutely wonderful Dr Sue! I adopted a Cavachon from a rescue. The poor puppy had a untreated severe front leg fracture. When breeder finally took her to the vet it was not fixable so the breeder said euthanized him. The vet called the rescue N she drove over to next state N saved him. Her vet did an amputation N I was chosen to adopt him. He is 4 months old n doing fantastic. We love him so much. Thank you Dr. Sue for all you do for our fur babies.

[@jessicalee232]

Thank you so much for this. We just amputated my sweet girls front leg and am heart sick to see her without it but so hopeful for better days ahead.

[@DrSueCancerVet]

You are welcome. Sending hugs. Thank you for the comment :)

[@plinko5737]

awesome video. Great job!!!

[@grandebigy]

Having our second dog with an amputation. The front leg is definitely worse . Its been a week & she cant walk yet . But she's improving slowly

[@paulaehlers6535]

Loved this! We also were in the 86%, and would totally do it again. I recognized another dog/pawrent in this video....Gerry and his mom Lynda. Wish I had seen this while we were agonizing over whether to amputate or not - it would've made the decision so much easier.

[@DrSueCancerVet]

Thank you for commenting Paula! I am so happy to hear that you think this video will help others - that's the goal! Please share and subscribe too if you have not. xo

[@countleo4069]

Thanks for your videos and links to an Oncology vet. I found a great one in the Salt Lake City area and we just competed Gina's first visit/treatment.

[@macpduff2119]

Our standard poodle was diagnosed May1 with osteo sarcoma. First we tried Radiation therapy and pain meds, but this week we finally bit the bullet and had her front leg amputated. In 3 months her tumor and swelling had grown to the size of a large paire She's been home now two days and on lots of medications but showing improvement. Prior to her amputation, Dusk was limping for a month so we knew that she could move on just 3 legs. We havent done chemo yet.

[@martaknutson3450]

Thank you so much for this. My Wheaten is getting a front leg amputated in a few days. I feel a lot better after seeing this! And seeing some of them with their stitches readied me for it and to bring a T-shirt or something.

[@DrSueCancerVet]

You're so welcome! I am so glad it was helpful! Sending good energy to your pup. #Tripawdsrule definitely check out the tripawd website too.

[@micahwest2793]

@@DrSueCancerVet my 9 year old Brazilian Mastiff was just diagnosed with Bone Cancer in her shoulder. The vet said she probably only has 6 months to live and wouldn't be good for amputation because she's over weight. I wanted to try some things like Turkey Tail Mushrooms and CBD to treat it first. The cancer is all in about a 2 or 3 inch area right below the shoulder joint and doesn't seem to have spread yet. How long will it take to spread if i don't amputate it immediately? Is there ever a miss diagnosis of bone cancer?

[@kerryheuter6195]

Awesome video. Very informative.

[@DrSueCancerVet]

thank you for your support. always! xoxoxo

[@donnahansen85]

Great video! We would also be in the 86% and would do surgery again if we had to. We met Paula (below) and some others who are now great friends :) Our Murphy had histiocytic sarcoma instead of osteosarcoma, and he got over 4 years after his surgery. He surprised us by pulling us out to the car the day after surgery. Murphy loved to run along the fence, dig by the wood pile looking for mice, roll over for belly rubs, sit pretty, catch treats, go for car rides and love on our grandkids. He even helped to raise money and awareness by walking twice for Bark For Life and once for PuppyUp! Tripawds rule

[@DrSueCancerVet]

They do rule. I am always impressed by the spirit and resilience of the pets I meet and treat, especially Tripawds. Please feel free to share, and subscribe if you have not already. Thank you!! xo

[@sprittel]

Thanks alot really helpful video!

[@DrSueCancerVet]

So glad it helped! Thanks for watching!

[@inekarobinson8600]

Thanks I'm going through this right now I just got the news yesterday I have alot of things to think about.

[@DrSueCancerVet]

So sorry you are dealing with this. ❤️‍🩹

[@Asebfuwv]

I just had to amputate my dogs back leg because he had 3 mast cell tumors that where making his leg swell beyond recognition. He comes home today and I’m just praying it’s cured and I have more time with him.

[@Pathologymadesimple]

I love you so much You inspire me a lot 😍😍😍

[@DrSueCancerVet]

Thank you!! xo

[@WagnerHD]

My dog (7 year old Labrador) has this cancer too. We were told to amputate but couldn't do it. So we decided to give her painkillers. Some might say it was a wrong decision. After 3 months we switched to injections of something called Librela. With that she had no pain at all. Now, after she's been living with that cancer for 14 (!!) months, we made a new xray and it turned out that it hasn't spread at all!!! So we're going to amputation tomorrow. I'm scared that something bad will happen...

[@genelowe7209]

I so very much hope and pray I fall into that 86% category as well!!? I have been so torn by this decision. We will be picking up my Japanese Akita this afternoon after having his front leg amputated to remedy his pain from osteosarcoma. He will be 8 in just a couple of more weeks. His name is Thor and he's a pretty strong dog with a beautiful spirit. I just really want him to be happy and thrive. I'll update this in the near future after getting him home and finding out how well he adapts. Thank you for making this video. I've watched it more than once and found it so helpful.

[@eliduh3183]

How did it go?

[@genelowe7209]

@@eliduh3183 I would do it again. He is still with us and remains happy. I was lucky enough to have insurance allowing a targeted therapy approach instead of traditional chemotherapy. My dog is a bit lazy and it was definitely difficult at first. I was afraid I may have made the wrong decision for the first couple of weeks. But now, I can't imagine doing it differently. However it turns out, we have been given more time with him and his spirits remain high.

[@JackyWacky1]

Thank you for this video - we rescued a dog that needs a leg amputation and im terrified

[@tomkvideo]

I’ve got an 8 year old pitbull with a growth on a joint on her back left leg. We got an X-ray today and found no other growths anywhere else, we’re going back this week for a biopsy on the leg and growth as well. The joint is too far damaged for surgery, so amputation is likely. I feel much more comfortable after seeing this video.

[@DrSueCancerVet]

I am so happy to hear that this was helpful. I hope her surgery goes well!!

[@c.a.newsome2437]

I was resistant to amputation but pain management wasn't working and it was a choice between the leg and Gypsy. That was 4 days ago. Hours after the surgery she insisted on jumping into the car without help. Today I took her outside for the first time. I took her to a quiet cemetery where she could lay down when she got tired and I could drive to pick her up. She walked 1/2 mile (with breaks). Even though she had major surgery she is in much less pain than she was a week ago.

[@mitchellwiebe5896]

I'm about to go through this with my dog in about a week, he's 4 years old. They checked his chest and they said he is good.

[@TJPL.1995]

our boy didnt have cancer but the operation to fix his knee on his back leg went horribly wrong and he had it amputated a few days ago, we're scared for him and if he'll cope, he's a big dog (44kg after amputation) and we know its going to be a long road but we love him and are prepared to put the work in to help him.

[@tripawds]

Pawesome! Thanks for sharing. :-)

[@DrSueCancerVet]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Please subscribe if you have not yet :)

[@DrSueCancerVet]

Thank you for watching! Please feel free to share, and subscribe if you have not already. TIA. xoxo

[@joniloumckinster111]

This reinforced what I knew. A friend has a 3 legged dog due to injury that swims the pond for hours and run a d plays. My semi paralyzed dog managed to wrap. Something around his worst leg while no one was home which cut off circulation below his knee. He was also non weight baring on this leg. Due to wanting him to have some weight for balance and something to be able to sit on the ER vet. suggested taking 3/4 of the leg halfway down femur. I had thought going up to knee would be easier and better but decided to go about knee after hearing vet. Tott is out of surgery and sleeping but feel after he heels will do fine.

[@mr.saltnpepper]

Our dog Scout was attack by my neighbors aggressive dog (2/19/20) even though it should've been on a chain; but when my dog Scout had came up to us he could not walk and he had two major gashes on his front arm and armpit, Scout also has a few scraps and a black eye, Scout was in so much pain he wouldn't yelp. We took him to the vet today and they said the gash on the armpit damage his nerve causing his arm to not move but a few months it may or may not heal, if it doesn't they will amputated it. Please pray for Scout to heal 🙏 P.S Do you think we should take any legal action about the neighbor I don't know what to do. ☹️

[@aldairsec24]

I feel better after this video, my 8yrs pitbull have osteosarcoma in his front leg but in my city there are not zoo oncologist its going to be a hard process without a specialist help 😞

[@jimrogers9253]

thanks! will do. woodrow and jim

[@DrSueCancerVet]

💙

[@alixf3227]

I'm so glad to have found this video with these reassuring comments! My dog has an inoperable mast cell tumour on her front leg and she has IVDD, but so far the vets agree that she is still eligible for amputation. We should find out this week, and now I'm even more confident about it!

[@DrSueCancerVet]

Glad it is helpful. 💙 If the MCT is inoperable, have you and your vet considered Stelfonta? kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWO2omWvecSie68

[@crazy4Christ]

I'm glad I found your comment. My dog also has a MCT on his front leg and IVDD and I was wondering if I'm doing the surgery for me or for him. I just bought a laser so I can hopefully help out his IVDD. I hope your furbaby is thriving now ❤

[@alixf3227]

@@crazy4Christ she is! Regular physio (mostly hydrotherapy), and little baby steps at first, but we are eight months post -amputation and she is better than ever. An important piece of gear has been her front leg support wrap that she wears on walks so her tendons dont stretch out. Best of luck!

[@alixf3227]

@@DrSueCancerVet very late reply, but my dogs mct was subcutaneous and resting above the joint. Amputation was the right choice. No more pain or GI issues. She's a happy pup!

[@crazy4Christ]

@@alixf3227 thank you so much for those tips on hydrotherapy and a brace for supporting the remaining front leg. I'm so happy to hear that she's doing better than ever! ❤️

[@ninadowling3046]

In Shreveport, Louisiana I was shocked to find out they held back with pain meds because owners would steal the meds. I was horrified. They mixed together nerve meds, anti-inflammatory meds, and a very mild analgesic medication that was insufficient for his pain as he had been hit by a car and crushed his pelvis. I was upset. They made me leave him to get iv pain meds instead of giving him liquid hydrocodone like had been done to my other dogs. Toby suffered a great deal. I was livid! Are they that strict every where?

[@jimrogers9253]

thanks! my buddy woodrow just had a right front leg amp for osteosarcoma yesterday. very encouraging! JDR

[@DrSueCancerVet]

Glad it was helpful! 💙💙 Hope his recovery goes well and check out the series on OSA and in this week's new vlog I talk about some updates. (please subscribe)

[@hannahamill2073]

How old is Woodrow

[@jimrogers9253]

@@hannahamill2073 2yrs

[@aldairsec24]

Hi how is woodrow? My buddy Max have the same problem and i dont know how long he can make it after the surgery im very afraid :(

[@JustMe-rn3ot]

Thank you!! See, my dog is getting his paw amputated so I needa know how to care for him! :C

[@josuea.2468]

We just adopted a three legged dog. Picked him up in KY to bring him home to NJ. The transition's been tough but he's warming up. Amputation happened about 1 month ago. Doesn't do too well on our hardwood floors yet. Should we keep the harness on inside? We have one but haven't used it as the foster family kept him off leash for the most part.

[@tarynlee5730]

My 4 pound yorkie is scheduled for amputation soon thank you for your video:,)

[@DrSueCancerVet]

So glad you found it helpful. Sending positive energy your way 💙

[@charlesbandurski8546]

Hope all is well

[@michaelbeecher2095]

We’re amputating our dogs front left leg tomorrow. His name is Kobe yes, named after Kobe Bryant. He has the same heart of a champion and I believe he will be just fine and playing fetch again soon.

[@nili3529]

Can you speak about the level of activity they should get post amputation. Is that true that they should not run / walk for more than 15?

[@user-vu3hz]

back in 2018 we adopted a dog and in that same year he had ran away and was missing for 2 years, he had a microchip and they called us and said they had found him but he was hit by a car and had to get his right arm amputated :(

[@TammyJeanneMovies]

Do you recommend amputation for soft tissue sarcoma?

[@user-kf5yl2ek2c]

Hi everyone, my 10 year old male Akita Inu was found with Osteosaroma in his front left foor. We amputated and the doctors did already the first chemotherapy to my dog....but i am worried about my health living together with a dog during his chemo. My Vet never warned me about taking precautions and measures for my personal health... Thank god the dog neither vomited nor had diarrhea and i always bag his poop But he should tell me to wear gloves too and most important he should tell me to avoid kissing him near his mouth and muzzle and not let him lick me !!! Now i am trying to remember the first three days after his first chemo, what kind of contact i had with my dog and i am freaking out because i learned that the chemo could be cancerous for the people .....I let him lick my leg a little and i kissed him on the muzzle near the mouth right after his first chemo when the Vet brought him to me.... Could any suspicious contact that i had with my dog with his saliva and poop be fatal for my health ?

[@matthewheeke4377]

My Rottweiler is getting her leg amputated in two days. She is barely two and developed a type of joint cancer. As I was scheduling this surgery, I kept questioning am I doing what is best for her? I know I am coming at this decision from an emotional standpoint because the thought of losing her to cancer is debilitating. My vet is great and he helped me to understand his recommendation to amputate, especially because she is so young and this will help her to live a long happy life. Still hard to do when you can’t ask the dog what she wants, but I think she loves us just as fiercely and would choose to live❤

[@craftingonabudget1400]

My ollie just had his right back leg removed, still in hospital, come home tomorrow

[@pinkyjeandesigns7602]

How is he doing? My dog, an American Bulldog, jumped out of our car window and broke his femur badly. His amputation was yesterday. He's still at the vets office. I'm so worried about him.

[@Hurricane.L3n1x]

omg my puppy koda comes home tomorrow after getting his right back leg amputated too, he got ran over by a car few days ago

[@barrydawg7544]

Dr. Sue, My guy has a large tumor on his right hind leg. The biopsy came back as cancer. I have made the decision with a recommendation from our vet to remove the leg. We are scheduled for Oct 15. This has been a huge decision for me. After seeing your video and other videos,, I feel the right decision is to take the leg. I read that you shouldn't let the dog lick the wound area. I know that animals will try and lick and clean themselves. Should we have a cone so he can't lick or what do you recommend? I just want my guy out of pain and keep on being our companion. Also I have read where others have had the legs removed without chemo and their dogs are doing just fine. I know chemo is pretty expensive.

[@Matt-zb7hz]

My cat had to get his left hindlimb amputated due to Fibrosarcoma. I've noticed a few times where my cat would be flipping around like a fish out of water meowing. It freaks me out cause that's never happened before the amputation. Not sure what caused that...

[@ChazCuDe]

I just have amputated my 10 yr old dog siberian husky and i cry so hard to see after the surgery.I'm worried how to face when he gets home.

[@Angie12392]

My dog has a mass before knee above ankle but there taking his whole leg off why?

[@claytonjones6119]

I’m worried for my dog kita who needs to have her leg amputated and I’m just scared and worried for her

[@annnjet]

How about if my dog is 16 years old, heart failure, osteoarthritis on both hind legs( need to remove her front leg)?

[@Realsovietholyman]

Im facing this now with my husky but its from a car not a cancer. His surgery is Friday , The Er Bill was 3100 and i just cant do anther 3k for something i might have to have repaired later vs the easier 1 time fix. Hes already learning how to not rely on the splinted leg 3 year old brown and white.

[@princessrae632]

My dog had his front leg removed bc he broke it slipping on the porch step but I'm so scared watching him on my own without my bf idk what to do.

[@juliabouy]

I have anxiety just watching this. My dog has this golf ball on his lower leg right on his bone area so a difficult area. They said it could have an issue removing there

[@billkirby75]

Do you have any good referrals in Chicago?

[@davidtaylor784]

Need to know my 7 year old pit bull has mass cell cancer on his front right paw and he having a hard time walking the dr said amputate his leg

[@MewKnowNothing]

I have a dog that has a small tumor that has not spread, if we do this is there a chance she will have it not spread at all and live normal life!? She’s 10

[@ginsadventures1747]

Just had to have my dogs leg removed today. So scare on him doing ok

[@PITGANG1984]

Is there a chance to consult u please ?

[@erikeriksen4578]

Please, can somebody tell me about spinalproblems after amputation? I had a big dog before I knew it was cancer a naprateur treated him and it was a great relief for him. Of course it returned. Anyway this made me believe that he would develope serious spinal problems after amputation and I put him to sleep. Am I the only one to experience this?

[@sandydean4384]

My big 90# girl was hit by a truck Friday. Right back leg is busted up so bad close to hip. One doctor said he could fix it but as heavy as she is I'm considering amputation. She is so sentisive to pain. The other leg have alot of meat gone on lower leg. She isn't trying to get up yet. I know it's only been about 28 hours since her injury. What do I do!!! Do I have her leg fixed, removed or do I have her put down to keep her from suffering???

[@michelletellier7841]

Do you have any videos on cats success with amputation? I have just made the decision and booked an amputation for my senior cat who has just been diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his hind leg. I feel confident about my decision but, I'm happy to hear you say that you recognize how difficult the decision is. Probably the toughest decision I've ever had to make in my 40 years! This video is inspiring because my vet told me that dogs do well with amputation and cats do even better 😊 Thanks for posting this.

[@vanessathammarath3119]

Did you find anything? My cat has a injection site sarcoma. My vet recommends we amputate her hind leg where it's at. I'm really nevervous we just did the x-rays and blood work if everything is good we have surgery set for June 4th. My poor baby is only 5 years old

[@timg734]

i hate to ask this question is what is the cost of this i just found out yesterday that my dog has Cancer and iam on a budget but my dog is only 5 years old

[@musicallydesigned8161]

Thank you for this. My dog’s amputation surgery is tomorrow and I have just been a mess

[@DrSueCancerVet]

I’m so happy I could help you. ❤️Sending positive vibes!

[@musicallydesigned8161]

@@DrSueCancerVet he’s doing so well already! ☺️❤️

[@KAUSTAVCHATTERJEEck]

I am going through this stage and in my mind so many questions are arising. My 8years old Rottweiler has osteosarcoma (front right leg) and the doctor recommended doing amputation but says there’s a chance of him dying cause of the anaesthesia (as he’s old and he might collapse) He is a little aggressive right now so whenever we’re going for a vet vie has to get a sedative. So after the operation at the time of medication will there still be a sedating procedure ??? I would really appreciate your reply doctor. *any suggestions or answers for anyone else would also be appreciated * Thankyou in advance

[@SRH1991]

Can everyone give their experience on cost of their amputation with their furry loved ones?

[@Angie12392]

What’s the best way to help a 3 leg dog into car after surgery safely???

[@buddymojo]

My greyhound just nine leg removed due focused foot, they tried to pin but it don't work. She's just home but she's scared to move and is also peek g herself is this normal?

[@luanamendoza]

My dog has hemangiosarcoma on his hind leg and the lump got so big it ruptured. Now the wound is not healing. It’s an open ulcer. It has been a week. Should I wait and see if it heals or should I go ahead and take him to emergency for amputation? He is 12yr lean 26 lb hairless. He has an appt In 7 days just for a check up. I’m thinking to take him to emergency tomorrow. What are the risks of having an open ulcer for two weeks? He is taking antibiotics twice a day and I’m treating the wound with colloidal silver. I just started him on ImYunity also.

[@yuri_e]

are there any pet health insurance available????? or is everything out of pocket

[@joshygoboom3470]

My loki is almost 11 years old and he had a tumor the was growing so fast and they amputated his toe and hes a retired service dog he help me after knee surgery for 3 months. Then weeks before his surgery he was having trouble walking and i was the 1 carrying him up and down the stairs

[@bzubz8538]

My dogs leg got broken and they’re amputating it tomorrow im so scared and sad i dont know what im going to do im the only person she has and i have to work what do i do make sure shes okay any ideas

[@joeizunstable]

Hello, you touched on overweight dogs. Does being overweight mean they would not be a good candidate? We have a 110 lb malamute with a high grade sarcoma on her from leg. Our oncologist made the recommendation of an amputation because the tumor was removed but returned to the size of a golf ball 3 months later. It's aggressive. X ray and ultrasound cleared her so far everywhere she scanned. She gave us the vib that amputation is our only option at this point. And that's fine. But we want her, Abby, to be happy. We don't want to be selfish and put our pain above hers. Can heavier dogs do well with front leg amputations? Can the weight be reduced after the surgery?

[@albertosotelo9969]

We are considering amputating my dog's leg, two and a half years ago, my wife and I found him mauled by dogs on the street with his leg destroyed, he had about 4 sugeries to have it reconstructed and after 1 year he was able to use it again, he took antibiotics for almost 1 year, after 2 and a half years, he still uses compression bandages I have to change every other day since his circulation is not good and his skin is so thin, if he doesn't use the bandage his leg starts to swell, he has used his leg properly even loves to run. He had an infection that got so bad overnight, out of nowhere, he did not have any cuts or anything, it just started to swell, even with the bandage on. We took him to different vets, they all said it would be better to have his leg amputated, and that it would have been better if we had had it amputated from the start, he suffered for 2 days and his skin distended so much it has gotten even thinner. I am considering amputating, I do not want to see him suffer again, or die from infection. but I don't know if he will be the same dog, he is a happy, playful, peacefull, big fella...

[@krystinaellis8393]

In this video it’s mentioned that it’s recommended for dogs 7-9. My dog is 12 1/2 and has sarcoma and one of the options the oncologist presented was amputation. Would that make sense to do for a dog his age?

[@ghostcat2467]

I'm wondering the same.

[@freedomisessential6444]

I took my sweet 5 year old AmStaff in last Monday for her front limb amputation. Everyone was super confident and enthusiastic- so much so I wasn't even given the time to speak with the surgeon beforehand with any extra questions and I was really nervous. The said he will go over everything the following morning when I pick her up. On the intake form that morning I dropped her off it asked about doing bloodwork before hand. I thought that's strange to ask me this the day of surgery. Anyways, they said surgery went great then 5 hours later called to tell me she died likely from abnormal clotting. Could have this blood panel helped beforehand to ensure she was healthy enough for surgery? I feel devastated about this all as it was unexpected.

[@freedomisessential6444]

I forgot to mention that this was due to osteosarcoma that was caught late due to a 1st failed biopsy and misdirection from prior vets. They stayed her lungs and that I think was it. I am so mad they didn't give me the chance to ask more questions beforehand.

[@luvihoney8225]

My dog just get amputation 2 weeks ago and i was cry and cry before i decide after the tumor get so big..its very hard and i always scared if he can walk or not and hes 13 y old

[@DrSueCancerVet]

I am so sorry. Sending positive vibes. 🤍🤍

[@rm-vz4vm]

My 10 yr old Golden (lean) has a nerve sheath cancer in a rear leg. I’ll be seeing a specialist soon. She still gets around so we’re not to amputation decision. Just wondering if anyone had this similar experience.

[@lyndsiakunkler3966]

Our dog was just diagnosed 3 days ago with a nerve sheath tumor that is now compressing his C6, so he's dragging his right front paw/leg. It's so rare, I struggle to find others who have dealt with this. How is your dog doing??

[@philliphall5198]

I’m worried about using a three leg dog back with the goats by himself Just can’t allow that without other good fighting LGD

[@hannahamill2073]

My dog shadow is 3 years old and I just found out yesterday that he has osteosarcoma, my hearts broken I’m not sure how I can deal with this considering I’m in major denial. My buddy’s gonna have three legs

[@charlesbandurski8546]

He'll be best 3 legged pal you have ...how'd it work out?

[@summeradkins1485]

My dog had his front limp amputated 3 weeks ago and suddenly developed severe muscle spasms in pretty much his entire body.. is this common as the nerves and muscles try to adjust? He’s really stiff and his back is arched like a cat

[@DrSueCancerVet]

I am sorry to hear this but not this is not common at all. I would talk to your veterinarian/surgeon. Maybe physical therapy and/or acupuncture could help. 💙

[@summeradkins1485]

@@DrSueCancerVet Thank you for your reply! We’ve started him at the chiropractor and he’ll start physical therapy in the next few weeks.

[@ruthrojas1779]

Thanks for this video 🐾💕✅ . Very helpful! My baby 🐾 is getting amputated his back right leg tomorrow. 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@DrSueCancerVet]

Glad it was helpful! Hope everything went well

[@iligherrera1776]

How did it went? My baby boy got run over by a car and I have to make a decision 😞 Weather is amputated or pay $10,00 to try to fix it

[@marionelizabeth1]

My 12 yr old female dachshund has been diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma in her right front armpit and i dont know if i can put her through the pain of amputation. I'm scared out of my mind.

[@luanamendoza]

Same here. My boy is 12. Did you get the amputation? How is she doing now?

[@marionelizabeth1]

@@luanamendoza yes, and she is doing well. She's had 2 of 8 vinblastine chemo treatments.

[@traceycostello3004]

Hi. Can I ask how your dog is doing? My dog Buddy is in for amputation tomorrow, so frightened of not having him around for long after