Giant Breed Amputation

My 190 lb Newfoundland had suspected osteosarcoma in his front right leg and the vet is recommending amputation.  Are there others out there with giant breeds who have had a front leg removed? We are worried about him getting around due to his size, our house having lots of stairs, and getting him in and out of a truck.

12 thoughts on “Giant Breed Amputation”

  1. Please visit my blog Louie the Neapolitan Mastiff. My Louie had his left front leg amputated due to osteosarcoma in Aug. 2015. He is now still going strong 19 months later. It was a rough go the first month. But if I had to do it over again knowing how the last year and a half has been I would not hesitate. Lou is now about 185 pounds and there are some videos on my blog that show him getting around just fine.Good luck to you and your beautiful Newfie whatever decision you decide to make.

    1. Thank you so much, it’s so hard not knowing what to expect so seeing a positive side is fantastic.

  2. I want to jump through the screen and smooch and hug that cuddle bear RUFUS!!

    He is absolutely stunning!!

    I’m so glad Big Louie posted. That’s Such a good blog for you to read.

    I see you’ve ppsted over in the forums. I think that will be helpful too as these blogs go up and down pretty fast sometimes!

    I know its not easy hearing this kind of news, but you’ve definitely come to the right place for support and understanding.

    Lots of hugs

    Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

    1. Thank you. I need to figure out the blog thing so I can start posting about the experience. The vet got him in for tomorrow and now it’s imminent, I’m a lot more upset about it than I realized.

  3. Your boy is absolutely gorgeous! We have 3 St. Bernards and one of our precious boys had his left front leg amputated nearly 1 year ago. We just celebrated his 11 month ampuversary! He is still going strong though a bit slower than when he had all 4 legs. Please look at my blog about our journey “living in the moment” Your big guy looks healthy and strong and I would not think twice about amputation due to his size. These wonderful giants are very resilient and my Patchy is an example of that. Wishing you comfort and peace as you embark on this journey. Summer, Patchy and Pack

  4. Gorgeous! I was worried when my Otis was diagnosed. I found this site through google and it change my thought process and has given me quality time with my pup. Otis is a Dane/Mastiff X and weighed 125 lbs. Nowhere near the weight of your pup, but a giant breed regardless.

    My opinion is if he is bright eyed and wags his tail and loves life, the benefits of amputation outweigh the risks. Otis will celebrate his 8 week Ampuversary Friday 3/3. I believe if we just attempted to control the pain that he would no longer be with us.

    I have a few blog posts and videos and pics you can peek at here:

    http://otisgreatdane.tripawds.com

    Good luck.

  5. I’m sorry you are having to face this disease. Our then 5 1/2yr old, 170 lb, talk and rangy (his head comes to nearly my waist) Pyr Zeke was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his right front radius last July. Due to his size had concerns about his mobility post amputation so had him evaluated by a veterinary orthopedic specialist before making the decision to amputate. Decision to do so driven by the very real concern of his sustaining a traumatic fracture in the leg due to the tumor. And not wishing him to deal w that pain and trauma. Today marks his sixth month ampuversary. He’s adjusted well and is doing well. Good luck. And happy to share more of our journey if it helps.

  6. Hi again Rufus,

    I’ve replied to your post in the Size And Age forum but just wanted to say me and Eurydice (170lb Dane) are totally in love with you !!!

    You sure are a gorgeous boy !!!!

    You will be a truly magnificent tripawd and I promise you as soon as your hair grows back your pawrents are going to be surprised people won’t even notice you lost your spare leg.

    They may even point out “you are limping” …

    You will make it, Rufus and your life will be beautiful again!

    Lots of tummy rubs, pretty boy 🙂

    1. Thanks everybody. We are taking him in this morning and are worried sick, mainly about the possibility of complications and partly about how we will manage the first week with getting him and out of the house (we have stairs from both front and back). I’m sure everything will go as smooth as possible. Think good thoughts for us.

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