The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine is one of three national participants in the Vaccination Against Canine Cancer Study. Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs (accounting for approximately 30 percent of all deaths), and this will be the largest clinical trial conducted to date for canine cancer.
Riley, a 14-year-old Irish terrier, was referred to the UC Davis veterinary hospital for a dental examination in December 2015. Upon examination by the Dentistry and Oral Surgery Service, a pea-sized black mass was discovered on the roof of his mouth. Veterinarians suspected the mass to be an oral melanoma tumor—a cancer that could be fatal within 3-6 months if not treated aggressively—and submitted a tissue sample for biopsy.
Barclay, a 5-year-old lab Labrador retriever, has loads of personality and is happiest when he is retrieving something for you, whether it’s a ball, a toy, or a random stick that he finds. He is particularly known for his dog hugs in which he puts his paws on your shoulders and lays his head gently down on your chest – unexpected gentleness from such a big dog. And, like most Labs, he can sometimes be naughty and get into food if you turn your back for a second. On occasion he has eaten strange things like a cantaloupe, skin and all, and even a bag of dried lentil beans.
Dakota, a 9-year-old male German shepherd, was diagnosed with a mass on his kidney and was taken to see the oncology specialists at the UC Davis veterinary hospital.
Cancer can be a devastating diagnosis for any pet owner. But now, thanks to new advanced imaging equipment known as the Mini Explorer II, UC Davis veterinarians can diagnose and treat disease earlier, with greater precision.
Dinx, a 10-year-old female cat, was brought to the UC Davis veterinary hospital for evaluation of a low grade soft tissue sarcoma mass on her ear that grew back after surgical removal a year prior. Most likely, another surgery would be required to remove the mass.
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.
“We were devastated to learn our beloved Chihuahua Pixie, had leukemia," said Pixie's owner. "Things did not look good, but with the help of the doctors at the UC Davis veterinary hospital, we decided on chemotherapy treatment."
