Scarlopsided

Watch a video of Scarlett coming home!

Today we brought Scarlett home after two long days in the animal hospital. Per our personal research and the vet’s recommended reading, we were fully prepared for the gruesome 12 inch wound stretching across her side where her leg once was. Since the surgery was scheduled I had been envisioning the moment we would pick her up. In my vision Scarlett was lethargic, delirious on dog drugs, and would need to be wheeled out in some sort of pint-sized stretcher.

Nay! Not this dog! This charismatic canine hopped to her humans bearing slobbery puppy smooches and leaving a trail of happy pee behind her. 🙂

We hadn’t imagine her leaving the vet after an amputation in LESS pain that when she went in. But she truly was. In all reality, Scarlett has been primarily using one front leg prior to her surgery. Her now departed limb was more like an evil parasite, causing her pain and getting in the way. Good riddance #4.

Scarlett (also goes by Scarlopt, Scrit, Scritlett, Scrittle) Benoit is…

1) A golden retriever, who sheds with a fury.

2) Just over one year old. A puppy.

3) A genius. At least our family thinks so.

4) The happiest, most energetic, lovable dog around!

5) Lastly, she is a tripawd.

So how did our rambunctious retriever  loose a limb? Canine osteosarcoma, more commonly known a bone cancer. It all began…

… a few months ago when we noticed Scarlett limping. A subtle limp at first, we brushed it off as a result of vigorous puppy play. As her limp worsened, we became very concerned and scheduled a vet appointment.  A few X-rays, biopsies, and a stack of vet bills later we received the diagnosis. Luckily, no chest legions were found on Scarlett’s X-rays, making her a candidate for amputation. Legions of the chest often indicate that the cancer has spread and is too advanced to treat.

On a Monday morning our pitiful, hurting, four-legged friend entered the canine ward for surgery. On Wednesday afternoon the more energetic, precancerous puppy  we once knew came hopping through the door.

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