Thanks to Cancer Treatment Grant, UC Davis Patient Receives Vital Follow-Up Care
Snickerdoodle, a 5-year-old chocolate English Labrador retriever, was diagnosed by her primary veterinarian with a mammary carcinoma following a litter in 2024. She underwent surgery with that veterinarian for mammary mass removal and a spay procedure. The histopathology report noted that the tumor was malignant, but there were no signs of metastasis at that time.
She was referred to the Medical Oncology Service at the UC Davis William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH) for further evaluation and potential follow-up treatment.
While there continued to be no signs of metastasis in her lungs or abdomen at her initial visit to the VMTH, her UC Davis oncologists noted that she may still develop metastasis later in life if there are trace number of cancerous cells in her mammary tissue. For that reason, it was recommended to pursue chemotherapy treatment to minimize the risk and prolong survival time.
Over the next 10 weeks, Snickerdoodle completed five rounds of chemotherapy at UC Davis. Following completion of treatment, chest x-rays showed no evidence of metastasis. Her veterinary team will continue to monitor her going forward. Snickerdoodle’s family is thrilled to report that she is doing wonderfully and is back to her happy, playful self.
“Snickerdoodle was an absolute champ throughout her journey, showing incredible strength and resilience,” said her owner Julia, who, along with her husband Rick, have been by Snickerdoodle’s side throughout her sometimes arduous recovery. “Her wagging tail and bright eyes are a testament to the incredible care she received from the dedicated team at UC Davis.”
Julia and Rick 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.
“None of this would have been possible without the incredible generosity of Petco Love,” Julia said. “Our family is so grateful for the vital funding we received, which played a crucial role in helping provide Snickerdoodle with the life-saving treatment she needed. This milestone is a huge victory for Snickerdoodle and for everyone who loves her. Our deepest thanks are extended to the staff and medical team at UC Davis and Petco Love.”
You can follow Snickerdoodle and her family on Instagram.
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