Philanthropic Fund Helps Cat and Owner Through Cancer Treatments

Kitty Perry, an 11-year-old domestic shorthair cat, was healthy her entire life, so it was concerning when her owner Rachael noticed a fast-growing lump on her side. Rachael took her to their primary veterinarian who diagnosed Kitty Perry with a sarcoma – most likely an injection site sarcoma that could’ve been due to an injection she received months or years ago. Noting the aggressiveness of this type of cancer, her veterinarian referred her to the Oncology Service at the UC Davis veterinary hospital.

At UC Davis, soft tissue surgeons worked with the oncologists to remove Kitty Perry’s life-threatening tumor with the best margins possible, as well as a local lymph node. The surgery was a success and left only microscopic aspects of the disease in the rib cage, which needed to be treated with a full course of radiation therapy – 20 rounds over the next month.

“We came to UC Davis nearly every day for a month to receive her radiation therapy,” said Rachael. “Finishing this treatment was a major milestone!”

Following radiation treatments, Rachael discussed with the oncologists the need for chemotherapy, to treat the cancer that had likely spread but was not yet visible on diagnostic imaging.

“Kitty Perry was extremely patient and cooperative throughout her four rounds of chemotherapy,” Rachael said. “She retained her spirit during the entire process and today is doing well and getting back into her old antics and enjoying a normal kitty life.”

Rachel qualified for financial assistance 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.

“Kitty Perry and I are so grateful to the team at UC Davis for saving her life, and to the Petco Foundation for providing the financial assistance to get her this far,” Rachael said. “We would not have been able to combat her cancer from so many sides without this assistance.”

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