Over the past couple of months I noticed that my 7 year old boxer mix was limping when got to a trot but not when walking at a normal slow pace. We took it easy for a while and then I took him to the vet last month. He was prescribed some anti-inflammatory meds and rest. Last week, he started limping while walking, usually after getting up from a nap or sleep. It also started to look like his wrist joint was a little larger than normal. He got an x-ray yesterday and then vet believes it is a boney tumor. They took an X-ray of his lungs and it does not look like anything has spread there yet but who knows. I know this sort of cancer can be super aggressive. I am just looking for some perspective and thoughts about what to do for my guy.
My vet mentioned that he seems to have some issues with his back left knee as well so I am not sure amputation would be a great option. He hates going to the vet so I worry about putting him through such a major surgery and recovery on top of that. I also worry we caught it too late for amputation to meaningfully add time because the minor limp while trotting started months ago. I worry about putting him through radiation or chemo for the same reasons but am curious if anyone has had success there. He started on a gabopentin and carprofen yesterday. He was in a weird state from anesthesia last night but was mostly normal in personality this morning. I am leaning toward just pain management with meds but am not sure how long that can go before he is in too much pain.
I am going to try see an oncologist next week to discuss options but am really looking for any experiences or thoughts from people who have gone through this with their pups. I would love as much time with him as possible and to try relieving his pain, but do not want to hold out too long before considering euthanasia. I would like to do in home euthanasia when the time comes if possible. He still has energy, light in his eyes and begs for treats like he always has but it seems like the pain increased in the past week or so based on his limp. I also have a 4 year old daughter who loves him so I want to think of her in this process as well (i.e. keeping her safe, giving her a chance to spend time with him and say goodbye). I love him very much and want to do right by him.
I am including a pic of him from yesterday (still a little zonked from the anesthesia). He is using the stuffy my daughter got him as a pillow. The books are stories she was reading to him to help him feel better.
TLDR: My dog has bone cancer and I am not sure what to do next. Looking for thoughts.