We lost our rottie, Katie, to an osteosarcoma, about 18 months ago. Like you, I didn't think much of her occasional limping or tenderness around her paw. It would come and go. Eventually, it didn't go, and we took her to the vet. The vet assumed it was a muscle strain, and gave her pain relief. A week later, it wasn't any better, and MaxBabe insisted on x-rays. I knew, when the vet called and didn't want to discuss it over the phone, that Katie was in trouble.

As with your puppy, her prognosis was 3-6 months, tops. We also decided against amputation, due primarily to the fact that by the time it was diagnosed, it was almost certain to have metastasised in her lungs. Also, she had arthritis in her other legs, and we didn't think it was fair to prolong her life in that way.

We elected for radiation therapy and pain relief. We took her to a doggie oncologist. We knew when it was time to send her to puppy heaven. In the end, it was almost exactly three months from date of diagnosis when the pain became too much for the medication to keep under control. The vets at the oncology place were wonderful. Katie received top-notch care.

The weeks following her death were very tough. I was comforted by remembering her in better times. It's obvious you love your puppy very much. I wish you all the very best in this difficult time.

Max