A Golden retriever named Tucker is in remission from cancer after undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, and focused radiation at the Animal Cancer Care and Research Center, according to Virginia Tech News.
The discovery of a mast cell tumor cost Tucker his left ear, which was removed by surgery at a Salem veterinary clinic. Following that first operation and a later return of the illness, he embarked on a lengthy therapeutic journey at the cancer center that has left him presently free of any cancer indicators.
“My goal is to give him a happy life,” said McCann, who lives in Salem and works in the aircraft maintenance field. “No suffering, and nothing crazy. I just want to give him the best life he can have.”
The journey has been supported by Petco Love, an organization committed to assisting treatments for pets fighting cancer and raising awareness about early detection. Through an alliance with Blue Buffalo, Petco Love provides annual financial awards to the Animal Cancer Care and Research Center to fully or partially pay for care when pet owners struggle to afford oncology services.
At the beginning, a flaky spot on Tucker’s left ear appeared completely innocent, even after a red bump formed on it. That symptom prompted McCann to take Tucker to DeRolf Animal Hospital in Salem, where a biopsy revealed a mast cell tumor, a common form of skin cancer in dogs that requires precise surgical margins and staging.
“The cancer center is very good about giving you a realistic estimate of what the treatment’s going to cost,” McCann told Virginia Tech News.
“The cost wasn’t really a factor at that point, I’m going to do what I can as long as he’s happy. Dr. Manning told me I can submit a request for financial assistance. I emailed the form, and Petco Love gave me $3,000 toward his treatment. That was a huge help with the costs.”
Following the initial surgery, Tucker experienced a recurrence that necessitated a pivot in his therapeutic regimen.
- Financial Assistance in Veterinary Care: Dedicated grants from organizations like Petco Love help bridge the financial gap for pet owners facing high-cost oncology treatments.
| Treatment Modality | Clinical Purpose | Application in Tucker’s Case |
|---|---|---|
| Surgical Excision | Primary removal of the tumor mass | Removal of Tucker’s left ear at a Salem veterinary clinic |
| Chemotherapy | Systemic eradication of circulating malignant cells | Administered at the Animal Cancer Care and Research Center |
| Focused Radiation | Localized destruction of residual or recurrent cancer tissue | Administered in five weekly doses following tumor recurrence |
