We brought Bruce home in March of 2011, he was a nine month old puppy, he was very shy and reserved but also the sweetest and gentlest dog we had ever met. He joined our small family of 3 humans and 1 English Bulldog (Butch) and they became best friends (they are exactly one month apart in age). In late November of 2015 we added a third member to the canine side of the family with a 5 week old orphan Bullmastiff/German Shepherd cross female.
I took Bruce into our vet on August 15, 2016 because he had been limping off and on for a few week, we had checked for any obvious reasons for and couldn’t find any, but in a household with 3 large dogs, sometimes they play and little rough and it’s not entirely uncommon for the occasional minor injury to occur.
Our vet felt that x-rays were in order and diagnosed what she thought was a knee injury. On August 23 we had an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon, who immediately upon looking at Bruce’s x-rays, decided he needed more x-rays a little lower on his left rear leg. What he saw there came as complete shock to us, Bruce was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, luckily his chest x-rays appeared clear. But we had some big decision to make. After a lot of talking, and researching and crying, we decided on amputation, followed by chemotherapy.
His surgery is scheduled for August 31, yesterday we went an got him his new harness, and he’s been trying it out, so far he doesn’t seem particularly impressed with it.
You made the right choice. My 3 year old hound cross had it done in February for osteo and we also pursued chemo. He is doing amazing so far! We can hardly tell he has three legs most of the time!! The choice was agonizing but I enjoy every minute we have left together!! First couple of weeks can be rough but you won’t regret this:). Good luck to your family❤️
CUTENESS ALERT!!!!! OMD !!! Bruce is so cute!!! I’m in loooooove!!!!
Cannot wait to see pictures of your whole pack! They are all very lucky to have you as their humans! My beloved Happy Hannah was a Bull Mastiff and my Merry Myrtle is a Bull Mastiff.
I’ve been following Bruce’s story. I know what a shock and kick in the gut the diagnosis can be.
I also know it doesn’t mean squat to Bruce! Nothing has changed in his life! He doesn’t count days on a calendar and he certainly doesn’t have a timeframe stamped on his precious butt!!
I’ll be watching for updates and looking forward to celebrating all Bruce’s victorious! 🙂
Hugs to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!