Last Saturday, we were stunned and saddened to find out that Dixie has bone cancer. I took her in suspecting torn ligaments or a broken leg, only to be shown x-rays indicating aggressive bone cancer. Shocked by this news, we had several discussions about the treatment options, further tests, and multiple consultations with veterinarians. While neither of us at first thought that amputation of her leg would be our decision, further tests indicating (though without complete certainty) that there is no further OBSERVABLE spread of the disease and that her organs are functioning properly, we decided that amputation is, after all, the most reasonable way to relieve the pain at the site of the tumor...and PERHAPS prevent the spread of the cancer to other parts of her body. The immediate relief of the pain is guaranteed, while the promise of no more cancer is not guaranteed.
We have been assured, by the doctors and technicians...as well as some online testimonials, that dogs readily adapt to functioning on three legs. Most reports indicate that they can do anything they did before losing a limb and that recovery is pretty immediate. We are certainly hoping for these results for our beloved Dixie.
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