Skip to content
Featuring Demian Dressler, DVM and Sue Ettinger, DVM, Dip. ACVIM (Oncology), authors of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide

Osteosarcoma and Amputation: myths and facts

Updated: December 20th, 2018

In my last blog, I gave my recommendations about osteosarcoma (OSA) work up. Now it’s time to talk about treatment.

Conventional treatment for OSA targets:

  1. The primary tumor with local treatment (surgery and/or radiation)
  2. The likely micrometastasis with systemic treatment (chemotherapy)

Today, I am going to talk about amputation.

The Goal

The main goal of local treatment, whether surgery and/or radiation, is to prevent recurrence and control the pain dogs inevitably feel with OSA.  Osteosarcoma hurts.

The tumor destroys the normal bone — and that pain decreases the quality of life of the dog.

Remember, many dogs are stoic and hide their pain. As pack animals, they don’t want to be perceived as sick or weakened, so they will hide their symptoms for as long as possible. This is why it can seem like dogs “get sick overnight.” But the reality is that they only start acting sick when they can no longer mask their pain!

Amputation, as radical as it may sound, is usually the best treatment option for OSA. The complete removal of the affected limb prevents a possibly sudden and painful fracture, and effectively removes the source of deep, aching bone pain. It helps restore quality of life.

As a vet and oncologist, I know that amputation is a source of pain relief – it removes the  pain that a dog bears with each step and improves the comfort for the dog.  I was taught this in vet school and during my oncology residency: the affected bone cannot be removed, so the only way is to remove the cancer is to remove the whole leg.  I was also taught that dogs did amazing afterwards. I still remember the movie Dr Delahunta at Cornell showed us (on a projector and reel) of a Border Collie still herding sheep.  The dog ran so fast, you could barely tell a leg was missing.

I’ve been a vet for about 15 years,  and I am really comfortable making this recommendation. I see how much happier the dog is without the painful leg, and guardians tell me they have no regrets. But it is never an easy decision for the owner to make, at first.

While I was taught I needed to educate owners about the surgery, the recovery, and that most dogs adapt well, I was never taught was how uniformly negative the reaction is by pet Guardians to the concept of amputation. Guardians think it is cruel, barbaric, mutilating and unfair to amputate.



The Myths

I’ve learned there are a lot of myths out there:

Myth:  My dog has arthritis or had knee surgery, so they are not a candidate for amputation.

Fact: Most dogs, even older dogs with average, moderate arthritis, usually do well on three legs. The best thing to do is have an orthopedist do a good orthopedic exam prior to surgery.

Myth: The surgery is too painful.

Fact: While the surgery is painful, pain management is part of both surgery and post-op care. Patients are kept comfortable with injectable pain meds while in the hospital and oral pain meds at home. Since we know it is better to prevent pain than treat it, protocols are designed to be pre-emptive and include fentanyl skin patches, continuous rate infusions, and epidurals.

Myth:  Amputees have poor quality of life after amputation.

Fact: Amputation results in an improved quality of life since they are no longer in pain with each step they take. Dogs typically adapt very well to the loss of a limb, and can still use stairs, run, play, and even swim.

Myth: Large dogs do poorly as amputees.

Fact: While small dogs and cats do well across the board, large dogs also do well as a rule. There will be exceptions to this, but doing well after amputation is the norm. In addition, many dogs are already walking on three legs before surgery, due to the pain. I have many older patients and many large and giant breed dogs that have successfully undergone amputation. Do not let someone tell you that breed, size, age or weight is reason enough to avoid amputation.

Thinking It Over

If it is hard for you to contemplate amputation, you are not alone — most owners simply cannot imagine how their dog could live a good life without all four limbs. It’s important for you to know that most owners are happy they make this choice. There are many great online resources. Two that I really like are www.tripawds.com and www.bonecancerdogs.org


For more useful information on Osteosarcoma, get a copy of this informative seminar


What You Need to Know

It’s also important to point out that your dog will have a LARGE amount of hair shaved for the surgery, and the incision will be large. In addition, the incision is often bruised and can actually get worse the first few days after surgery. This fades, of course, as natural healing takes place.

One idea to help with this is to ask your surgeon to put an old t-shirt of yours on your dog before they bring your dog out after surgery. I have a lot of clients who are uncomfortable seeing the incision and the t-shirt helps. They can avoid the immediate shock when they reunite with their dog, and then look at the incision after, when they are reassured that their dog truly is OK.

I recently posted a question on my FB page if you would consider amputation. Of the 95 responses, 72 (76%) did/would do the amputation, 17 (18%) would consider, and 6 (6%)would not or did not. While I am not claiming this to be scientific and my readers may be skewed towards those that would treat, I found the 58 comments really interesting. Most that did the surgery have no regrets. Here’s a sample:

  • Charlie’s eyes told he it was not his time to go. He has thrived on three legs. His quality of life is excellent and he is pain-free. I encourage all pet guardians given amputation as an option to consider it.
  • His recovery was amazing, and we have no regrets!
  • We chose amputation without a second thought and have no regrets. The surgery was 4 weeks ago and to see her running around, jumping up on the furniture and appearing very happy and pain free lets us know we made the right decision.
  • Off with the leg! Save our pooch!
  •  IT WAS THE BEST DECISION WE EVER MADE FOR HER!! She walked out of surgery and her pain was gone. We treated her with some chemotherapy, and prepared to spend our ‘last months’ with her – BUT THAT WAS 11 MONTHS AGO! She swims and runs and howls and climbs up on the couch even better than she did before she was diagnosed. Tomorrow is Lorrie’s 6th birthday, and she and her four legged Golden Retriever sister will be eating cake – if there’s any chance of living even a few months past the surgery, I would always recommend it; dogs have the most incredible resilience!
  • Oliver is a 40 lb Standard Schnauzer and 18 months post amputation. Although it was difficult to see him go through the surgery, it gave him his life back. His pain prior to surgery was so severe and difficult to watch. He went through 8 rounds of chemo and is now on metronomic therapy. He runs, plays, and is so happy. The interesting thing is, when we are out walking, people rarely notice he is missing his hind right leg. He can do everything he did prior to surgery and lives every day to the fullest. I have learned so much from him – resilience and determination. Amputation was the best option for us as Oliver has so much more life to live!
  • I will admit the first 2 weeks after the amputation are rough, but beyond that mine did SO well on 3 legs and everyone who knew him said that he seemed happier than when he was limping on 4. He had the amputation and 4 rounds of chemo and just recently died 6 months post op (cancer spread to spine). At first it was hard for me to believe that Sunny would live happy and pain free on 3 legs, but he hopped around with an endless smile on his face…it was a great 6 months and I have no regrets.
  • YES! WE WOULD DO IT! We have NO regrets, and want to let others who face this decision, that dogs adjust well after such surgery.

Amputation may not be right for every dog, however. Dogs with very severe arthritis and some neurological conditions may not be able to walk well after an amputation.

In the next blog we will talk about other conventional treatment options, including radiosurgery and palliative radiation. And don’t forget that The Dog Cancer Survival Guide is a must-read if your dog has osteosarcoma.


Get a copy of the Dog Cancer Survival Guide for more helpful tools and information!


 

Leave a Comment





  1. Ryss on July 29, 2019 at 6:19 am

    My dog has a large tumor on his right front lower leg. The vets I have taken him to want to remove the leg. However, he suffers from collapsing trachea as well. Does anyone have any experience with amputation for a dog with this condition? I have tried researching this but can’t find any cases where a dog had both issues. I want to be assured he will do as well afterwards and it won’t make him cough worse.

  2. Joe on May 24, 2019 at 4:06 pm

    My 90 lb ridgeback had the bone cancer in his leg. Very very sad. But we opted for the amputation and that beast is doing fine. He’s doing real well. He is 8 and I didn’t want to put him down. He is ok. It was sad to see what he went through but at least I can still spend time with him and he is living his life. The only thing is I can’t tell him to give me his paw. But he still loves me
    If you feel your dog will continue his life then do what makes you feel good about it
    Best of luck to you and be there for the pooch Joe

  3. Larry on May 23, 2019 at 10:12 pm

    We are debating now for our 11 year old, 80 lbs
    Golden Doodle

    • Dog Cancer Vet Team on May 24, 2019 at 8:37 am

      Hey Larry,

      Thanks for writing! As there is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment plan when it comes to dog cancer as each dog and their health situation is unique. You have to decide on a treatment plan that is right for both you and your dog. Are you okay with handling the side-effects of conventional treatments? How important is life-quality to you? Do you think your dog can handle surgery? These are just some of the questions that you have to ask yourself.

      In terms of amputation, Dr. D writes in this article that dogs can have a pretty normal and happy life. They genuinely don’t care if they are walking on 3 legs or 4.

      Osteosarcoma: When Amputation is Not An Option is another really great article by Dr. Sue. If, after going through the treatment plan analysis steps, you decide that amputation is not an option, this is a really great article to have a look at

      As Dr. D writes in the Dog Cancer Survival Guide, there are a number of things that you can do to help your dog with cancer– under your vet’s supervision. Conventional treatments (chemo, surgery and radiation), Nutraceuticals, Immune Boosters and Anti-Metastatics, Diet, and Brain Chemistry Modification. This is what he calls the Full Spectrum Approach to Dog Cancer Care

      Once you know your options, and what is most important to both you and your dog, you will be able to make a decision based on what you think would be best. Consult with your vet, or oncologist, and ask questions! 🙂

  4. Joe on April 24, 2019 at 3:24 pm

    It is good to hear the positive comments about dogs that have improved post amputation. My ridgeback has done fantastic after his surgery and we are glad he’s good. He will live longer now and we can all enjoy his love. When they have life left do what has to be done to keep them. They will in turn take care of you.
    Best of luck to all of you that will go through the upsetting time. Be strong and hug your pet

  5. Joe Occhiogrosso on April 24, 2019 at 12:29 pm

    Hello. Very sorry to hear the bad news. But the good news is that with the amputation your dog will be fine. My dog is a ridgeback he was diagnosed with bone cancer and the front left leg was amputated. It hurt me more than him. If it is caught early and they operate and your dog is young enough to have a life ahead. Then do it. My dog wrigley is happy and having fun and a good life. Just don’t say give me your paw. Open a gofundme Acct and have people help with the costs. I wish you the best of luck and keep the pooch comfortable and happy. Good luck. Joe

  6. Bianca on April 23, 2019 at 10:50 am

    My dog has bone cancer, the doctor said that that we would need to amputate the leg as soon as possible. I seen it on a Saturday (took him to the vet Monday) but I hadn’t noticed it but it’s seemed like it grew over night. but with past issues with other pets and and others opinions and the same issue with theirs I’m not sure which one is the right choice to either amputate and have him live a few more months or to euthanize. I don’t really know a lot about cancer but I’m worried that if I do amputate it will still spread. I don’t want to be selfish with him but I don’t want to be the one to decide if he has to be put down either. He hasn’t changed too much with his daily routine but he doesn’t Move around as much as he usually did.

    • Dog Cancer Vet Team on April 24, 2019 at 7:16 am

      Hi Bianca,

      Thanks for writing. It sounds like you should have a look at the section on Treatment Plan Analysis. Especially the articles on How to Make Decisions About Dog Cancer Treatments and Why Your Personality Is So Important To Your Dog with Cancer 🙂

      There is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment plan when it comes to dog cancer as each dog and their health situation is unique. You have to decide on a treatment plan that is right for both you and your dog. Are you okay with handling the side-effects of conventional treatments? How important is life-quality to you? Do you think your boy can handle surgery? These are just some of the questions that you have to ask yourself.

      In terms of amputation, Dr. D writes in the article above that dogs can have a pretty normal and happy life. They genuinely don’t care if they are walking on 3 legs or 4. Dr. Sue, a vet oncologist, and the co-author of the Dog Cancer Survival Guide discusses Osteosarcoma and Amputation: Myths and Facts that you may also find helpful.

      Osteosarcoma: When Amputation is Not An Option is another really great article by Dr. Sue. If, after going through the treatment plan analysis steps, you decide that amputation is not an option, this is a really great article to have a look at 🙂

      As Dr. D writes in the Dog Cancer Survival Guide, there are a number of things that you can do to help your dog with cancer. Conventional treatments (chemo, surgery and radiation), Nutraceuticals, Immune Boosters and Anti-Metastatics, Diet, and Brain Chemistry Modification. This is what he calls the Full Spectrum Approach to Dog Cancer Care 🙂

      Once you know your options, and what is most important to both you and your dog, you will be able to make a decision based on what you think would be best. Consult with your vet, or oncologist, and don’t be afraid to ask questions! You are your dog’s guardian

  7. Joe on January 11, 2019 at 4:07 am

    Hi. Thank you for your articles and info. My dog a ridgeback hound mix. 8 years old just diagnosed with bone cancer. His front left leg was removed. The tumor was small and the cancer appears to be gone and hopefully won’t spread. It was caught early.
    It Was diagnosed as osteosarcoma

  8. Sondra on August 31, 2018 at 1:54 pm

    I’m so glad I’m came across this article. I have an 11 year old border collie who has been lame on her rear left leg. We took her to the vets a few weeks ago and she said it was probably a torn acl and gave use anti-inflammatory meds and said if its not better in 2 weeks come back. She got better but it came back in about 3 weeks and much worse and with a large lump. She went in today for xray and biopsy. I paid the have rapid results so we will know Tuesday what stage it’s in. Because of her age my vet doesnt recommend amputating if its already metastasized. If it hasn’t, she will get the amputation next week. Ive been reading so many articles on this form of cancer and the outcome is so negative. I’m so happy this article has positive outcome if only for a few more months, the dog is pain free and happy. I dont have a problem amputating her leg so long as it hasnt spread. She’s been running around on 3 legs this past week and it hasnt slowed her down one bit. I love this dog and I’m in tears writting this. I pray it hasnt metastasize because I’m not ready to let her go but I wont have a choice otherwise. I can’t let her live in pain. I will keep you posted on her results. She’s starting tomorrow morning on a steak, veggie and herb supplement diet. I figure even if I have to let her go, she’s going to eat like a queen until then.

  9. Theresa Verdon Mauriello on December 30, 2017 at 4:24 am

    My 8 year old Great Dane Boxer mix, Sadie was diagnosed in June with Osteosarcoma in her front right leg. X-ray revealed no spread to lungs. We had the amputation done and opted for recommended chemotherapy. At her 4th treatment she began to limp on her back left leg upon examination, slight arthritis was the suspect. She was put on anti inflammatory meds. She began walking again and showed no increased lameness. We proceeded with her 5th treatment which took more out of her than the previous ones. About a week prior to her 6th and final treatment her back upper thigh swelled up. Upon fine needle aspiration Doctor confirmed spread to
    tissue suspecting tumor on thigh bone, tumor isn’t growing in bone but out of bone and into the tissue. She is on pain meds now. She did so well with amputation and chemo I am wondering if there is anything more out there that we can do? My girl still has life in her eyes. I have been reading your book and have found it so helpful.

  10. Susan Kazara Harper on February 22, 2015 at 5:24 pm

    Cara, Thank you for sharing Bella’s story. For some people amputation is so scary and is felt to be a horrible thing to do. Yet as you’ve described, it is very often a wonderful way to give your dog pain-free, joyful days again. Dr Dressler says that the best way to fight cancer is, if you can, cut it out. And sometimes osteosarcoma allows us to do that. Well done for battling for Bella, and enjoy all these wonderful days. You’re right, optimal nutrition is the best foundation. I’m so glad to hear your story, and thank you again for sharing it with everyone on this site. Amputation won’t be the answer for everyone, but I think you’ll help others consider it if it has been recommended. Give the beautiful Bella a big hug from me please. And one for you!

Scroll To Top