Philanthropic Support and Specialized Surgery Saves Dog with Oral Tumor

Darla, an 11-year-old Newfoundland/Labrador mix, was rescued as a puppy by her devoted owners, Roger and Yolanda Gombert. In early 2025, her family received difficult news – Darla had developed a canine acanthomatous ameloblastoma, a benign but invasive tumor affecting her lower jawbone.

The Gomberts were referred to the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, where Darla was evaluated by both the Radiation Oncology and the Dentistry and Oral Surgery (DOSS) Services. Specialists explained that while the tumor wasn’t cancerous, it would continue to aggressively erode her jaw if left untreated—causing pain, difficulty eating, and ultimately requiring palliative care. Surgery was recommended as the best course of action.

Faced with a complex decision, the Gomberts took time to weigh their options.

“Should we subject an older, though active, dog to costly and painful procedures?” Roger questioned. “What sort of future could she, and we, expect?”

During their discussions with the care team, the Gomberts learned they qualified for financial assistance through a generous grant from the Petco Love Foundation, in partnership with the Blue Buffalo Foundation. The grant helps support treatments for companion animals suffering from cancer. The project is designed to support pet parents with limited resources or pet parents whose pets provide a service to others.

With financial relief and the reassurance of expert care, Darla underwent surgery in April. DOSS resident Dr. Allison Volk and Dr. Janny Evenhuis, a board-certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery fellow, fully removed the tumor while leaving the mandible largely intact. Darla made a smooth and speedy recovery, and no further treatment was needed. These days, the only visible signs of her surgery are a slight gap in her teeth (from which a rogue kibble occasionally escapes) and a tendency to drool a little more when she’s excited for treats.

“Yolanda and I extend our heartfelt thanks to Drs. Volk and Evenhuis and the entire surgical team for Darla's fantastic medical care, to Dr. Rosseel for his consultation and for initiating the process to receive the Petco Love award, and to all of the support and medical staff at UC Davis who worked together to achieve this wonderful outcome,” said Roger.

Thanks to the generosity of the Petco Love Foundation, Darla has been given more time to enjoy the life she loves.

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