Alumni Connection Helps Dog with Cancer

Oso, a 2-year-old chocolate Labrador retriever, started dragging his back legs while on a walk. His veterinarian in Bend, Oregon—surgeon Dr. Mauricio Dujowich, a UC Davis alum—performed an MRI that revealed a massive tumor inside his spinal cord, pinching the nerves to his back legs. He then performed surgery to remove half a vertebrae, open the spinal cord, and remove the tumor. Within two days of surgery, Oso was standing. But Oso’s treatment wasn’t over. He still needed radiation therapy to ensure the tumor didn’t grow back. Dr. Dujowich connected Oso’s family with Dr. Michael Kent at UC Davis.

Oso qualified for financial assistance at UC Davis through a generous grant from the Blue Buffalo Foundation’s support of the Petco Foundation pet cancer treatment program at the UC Davis veterinary hospital. The grant helps support treatments for domestic companion animals suffering from cancer. The project is designed to support pet parents of modest means or pet parents whose pets provide a service to others.

Oso received 20 low-dose radiation treatments on UC Davis’ state-of-the-art linear accelerator. A month after treatment, Oso got his playful and energetic personality back.

“It was a true miracle to see him picking up sticks and going on walks again,” said owner Pauline. “We're so grateful to Petco, Blue Buffalo, Dr. Kent, and the entire UC Davis team for all of their support – we’re so happy to have our puppy back!”