Surgery Day

So this morning I dropped Bentley off for his amputation. He of course had no idea and gladly pranced away with the vet tech. I used the time to clean my apartment and rearrange some stuff. He already loves his new Big Barker bed so he will be use to that after surgery. I’ve been fine all day waiting for the call saying he’s okay but I called around 5pm and they said they were about to start. Poor boy has been there since 8am!!! I wish I could have cuddled with him in the hospital. It’s so hard to not go visit him but reading the Tripawd’s book I know it’s not good. I’m going to use this night to catch up on my reading about having a new Tripawd. I’m starting to second guess myself, but he even stopped limping as much and just started hopping the past few days so I know it’s the right choice because he will now be pain free!

Final Days on Four Legs

Bentley has been limping a lot more recently. We went to his physical therapy (swimming) and it helped some but I’m just trying to keep him as pain free as possible before his surgery. We had a consultation with the surgeon a few days ago and he will be having his full leg amputated in less than a week. The sarcoma has progressed too far into his bone for a limb sparing procedure to end with a good chance of removing all the cancer. His surgery is scheduled for Wednesday. As of now I’m in denial and feel like I have no more tears. I’m able to talk about it like its no big deal because I can’t realize how different our lives are going to change. I just ordered a Big Barker orthopedic bed, the web master harness, and a stroller. Living in the city I want him to be able to meander in the park and eventually come with me everywhere like he does now with the stroller. I’m just trying to keep him comfortable and ease myself into less denial, but it’s hard. I just want him to be out of pain, which will happen in time.

Help! Should I amputate?

Bentley is a 3 year old pitbull that was just diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma in his back right leg close to his paw. The vet recommended amputation but I don’t know if that’s the best way to go. He had already had TPLO surgery for his torn acl on the same leg last year. If he looses that leg is the other acl going to tear? He already has a 50% chance of that happening. I’m just afaird to go through with the amputation when there could be another cure to his cancer such as tumor removal and radiation.