We started fostering Igor in September 2020 after a year+ at a local Virginia rescue, just after the start of the pandemic, when our neighbors convinced us that we could handle one more dog to our pack of 2 large dogs. By late September, we decided he was a permanent member of the pack. He was so brave, so vocal, and so sweet with all humans and dogs, and is just so easy to take care of compared to the other dogs we’ve adopted and/or fostered with various behavioral and health problems.
We’ve been on so many adventures, mountains and beaches of North Carolina, cities of DC and Indianapolis, Florida, and New Jersey. He was always the bravest, the first one to run towards the ocean, the woods, or the enjoy a lunch on the patio at a local restaurant. We recently relocated to NJ to be closer to family, and he has absolutely thrived. Loved running around the new backyard, and visiting family and friends.
Less than a year after our move to NJ, we found a lump protruding from his shoulder, which we figured was from rough-housing with our 2 other dogs (dislocation or something). He showed no other pain indicators, such as limping or licking his legs. We scheduled a visit with our new vet, who had it aspirated, and we found out shortly thereafter that the results showed that it was likely chondrosarcoma. After discussions with our vet and an oncologist, we quickly decided that amputation was the best way forward, and we have struggled every day these last few weeks with the idea of taking a limb from this brave, strong dog.
Today was his surgery, and X-rays showed an additional lesion on his bone of his leg, but no spread to his lungs, so we moved forward with the amputation. The surgeon stated the surgery went well, no complications, and she’ll call again in the morning to let me know how recovery is going and to schedule a pick-up, but for the moment he’s resting comfortably.
I worry because although the initial biopsy showed chondrosarcomoa, the vet stated the fully biopsy after surgery will provide additional information and if it’s potentially the more aggressive osteosarcoma. I take comfort in the stories I’ve read on Tripawds (quality over quantity), but I’m still terrified of those biopsy results. I know I can handle his recovery, but I’m scared and confused as to what will come down the road. I’m working on being as brave Igor.