Putting dog down, 2nd opinions wanted
Species: Dog
Age: almost 10 years
Breed: Unknown (boxer/lab mix?)
Weight: 112 lbs
History: Bad rear hips, has been sitting on his butt for the past 4ish years
Test results: diagnosed with neurofibrosarcoma, tumor in the front left leg, and a possible bone spur in the hip
Timeline of issues:
1.5 years ago- random seizure followed by growth of tumor around his front left wrist joint
1 year ago- tumor removal surgery, seemed to get better but it grew back rapidly after about 6 months
3 weeks ago- tumor is the size of a fast pitch softball but still doesn't really affect him but he starts limping and can't put weight on his back left leg. Has a hard time getting up from the ground or couch.
2 weeks ago- vet visit, they say that the rear leg is probably a bone spur and from him shifting weight away from the tumor leg. Gets 2 steroid shots into his hip and walks better for about a week.
3 days ago- tumor starting to burst open and bleed, steroid shot appears to be wearing off because the limping is back
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I decided to have him euthanized today but would appreciate any 2nd opinions on if I did the right thing. The vet said that the next step after the tumor grew back would be amputation but that he was too old and big for it to be worth it. I have another boxer that is 10 years old so I want to make sure I am following the "right" timeline and doing enough, thanks!
Posted Apr 15, 2025, 7:33 PM UTC