What do we do?

Mikey got Gus a "buddy" today (pictured.) This is very stressful to us. We love him so much, I just wish we could know what is the best decision. Planned Pethood will do the amputation for between $500- $600, but it really isn't about the money. I do have Care Credit http://www.carecredit.com/ , which is a "credit card" for veterinary service. They offer a no-interest time period, and is a great card to have during these trying times.
I am asking myself if I am wanting to go through with an amputation, chemo, possibly radiation for Gus, or is it us being selfish, and not wanting him to go? Everyone who has ever met Gus knows how special he is, and such a soulful dog. He is like no other I have ever met. Gus is not my "pet," he is my homeboy! We chill together, we play together, we used to hike together...

Tough Day

Twas the night before the Oncologist visit... Poor Gus, he didn't feel good today. He was really limping. I could tell the pain was bothering him. We got up a little late, so I think we didn't medicate him quick enough, and it threw off his whole day.

I have been researching everything I can find, getting advice from the http://www.rottweiler.net/ group. I have been reading the http://www.bonecancerdogs.org/ website, and others. I am overwhelmed with all the information I have discovered. I made a list of questions to ask tomorrow.

1. How does diet affect healing?

2. Amputation complications?

- What if another leg goes?

3. Why do dogs get lower doses of Chemo/radiation?

4. What about Holistic treatment?

5. What pharmaceuticals, vitamins, teas, herbal remedies can we use, if any?

- Artemisinin

- Immugen

- Hoxey

- Boneset

- Fosamax

- Gabapentin

- Doxycycline

- Tramadol

- Rimadyl

- etc.

6. What do they know of the "Dog Cancer Vet," Dr. Demian Dressler, or Ted Schneck, who claims he can cure canine cancer?

7. What should we be reading?

8. What is realistic treatment without crossing the line of animal testing?

I am sure I will have more questions tomorrow, but making a list now is helping me cope, I assume, it gives me "control."

Gus is doing well on the diet we started, and loves getting spoon fed!

Wish us luck tomorrow, or at least, wish us strength...

Pictures of Gus

Thought I should post pre-amputation pictures, in case we decide to go that route...

Started Raw

Gus started eating Stella and Chewy's Freeze-Dried RAW food tonight, no problems so far. I have been feeding him like a baby, and he is LOVING it! He is such a spoiled boy. We love him so much. This is extremely difficult. Monday seems so far away. I have been researching Rottie amputations, it seems pretty common. I am wondering what we can do to prevent this in our other critters. I had no idea how common it was for dogs to be afflicted with Cancer.

Pictured here is Gus with friend JuJu.