Before:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1372550680.jpg


Doc called us in the middle of the procedure to say he didn't recommend closing over the tumor residuals. He was afraid that it would grow back fast enough to prevent the good lip/chin tissue from healing. So we took a deep breath, and said okay to removing the front part of the jaw, just behind the lower incisors. Chip has bounced back remarkably fast, this photo is from last Sunday - 4 days post-op

After:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1373765571.jpg

We were never too concerned about cosmetics - he's a goofy looking mutt anyway. That being said, from most angles you'd never know. He was back on soft food one day post-op and functionality is very good. Can't pick things off the floor, might not ever. But personality-wise, he seems pretty much the same great dog - just minus the stinking, infected tumor. Of course, we've traded that for incredible piles of drool - but I like the dog more than I like a clean floor. (BTW, new dark cherry wood floors - big fail)

When he was diagnosed last February (yes, 2012), the curative procedure was to remove most/all of the lower jaw. That made no sense in terms of an uncertain and potentially short survival. I'm really glad we made that decision then. Now it seems the original cancer is not growing and has not spread. So who knows how long - but if it gives him a longer run free of the tumor, then it's a win-win. Tough decisions, we really love this dog, and love him enough to know when not to hang on.

Chip is a stud before and after surgery.
You are a fine man to take care of your pup.
God bless dogs because humans fail me often.

God bless you & your family Don. What a special pup also.

Thanks Ted....amazing....but maybe not when you consider the Cattle Dog breed. :)

Here is the embed:

<iframe width="853" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/5I_QzPLEjM4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Thanks for the update, Don.

I wish all dogs owned such great human advocates as yours does. :D

So happy to hear things are going well for Chip.

Please give him a big hug [or ten] from my girls. ;)

Best wishes for continued health and recovery. SmileWavy

:D

Too cool!

I will surely second that... SmileWavy

We had to put Deuce down yesterday. He was 9 and went downhill quickly over the last few months. He was man's best friend for sure. Our other AmStaff won't eat, she is besides herself w/o him. Tonight we have to tell the kids and it's going to be really hard. We're going to miss all 100 pounds of sweet hard-headed self.
http://i930.photobucket.com/albums/a...psa001ebef.jpg

that face tells much..
sorry for your loss..

Rika

My sincere condolences.
Beautiful pup.

Man, that sucks...it always does. I really feel for you and your family. I wish we could all be born with a dog that would live beside us all our lives...that would be perfect. (I think Charlie Brown said that first and it's pure wisdom)

Very difficult deal, we recently went through a similar loss...................our best to you Janet

I'm very sorry for your loss, Janet.

"Deuce" looks like he was a wonderful companion. Look at those eyes....oh my!

9 years is too short....R.I.P. "Deuce".

:(

We love them, but their lives are too short.

“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.”
― Dr. Seuss

Thanks, everyone. We got him right before our wedding in 2004 and he was the most gentle giant. Everyone he came in contact with loved him instantly. I was looking at a picture I have on Facebook of my oldest son, who was 2 at the time, sitting on his back sleeping, deuce was asleep too. It doesn't get much cuter.

Sorry for your families loss jferr.