In just three more days, Xanadu will become an official tripawd! He has been a partial tripawd since he fractured his OS leg in October. I was so concerned about his knees, that we have tried to save his leg. But the tumor has become too aggressive leaving us this last resort. I thought I would be freaking out about such a major surgery, but I have found peace in this decision. When faced with the alternative (euthanasia), I know in my heart that this is the “right” choice for Xan.
Wow. I just read your previous blog post and see you and Xan have not had an easy ride. It is one thing to embark on amputation when we think are dogs are relatively “C” free (no lung mets) and another with them.
In reality, a good portion of our dogs (the ones who have no visible mets at the time of surgery) are quick to develop mets after amputation, but we still were able to spend some more quality time with them. And that time means a lot. So I think you have just the right attitude. If Xan still has a zest for life now (if you can tell that despite his current bone pain), he probably will have that zest for whatever time that remains. Glad you got that 2nd opinion.
Try not to get discouraged if he seems to temporarily lose that zest during recovery. Some do, some don’t.
I hope everything goes well this week.
Xan, we can tell that you’ve got a lot of spunk left in you. We’ve had lots of senior dogs here who do fine. Thank dog your pawrents did get a second opinion. While the recovery can be challenging, it’s nothing compared to the pain of a bone tumor. As long as you watch your activity level during those first few weeks, then focus on getting stronger, you should do just fine.
We send our love and well wishes for a speedy recovery. Please let us know how surgery goes OK? Thanks for joining us.
Xan will be fine. Just keep loving him and supporting him. He will need it the coming days.