Grant to Treat Oncology Patients Saves Dog’s Leg
Bella, a 4-year-old female pit bull terrier mix, was diagnosed with an infiltrative lipoma in her right shoulder area in early 2025. Owners Paul and Kristy Lewis took her to two surgeons to discuss removal of the lipoma, a benign tumor of fatty tissue. Infiltrative lipomas can invade into local structures including the surrounding muscles. On Bella, the tumor was infiltrating the muscle down to the humerus bone and was continuing to grow. This made complete surgical excision nearly impossible.
Both surgeons suggested limb amputation.
Hoping for an alternative, the Lewises turned to the UC Davis veterinary hospital, where soft tissue surgeons agreed that definitive resection of the tumor would require limb amputation. However, they could perform a marginal debulking procedure with follow-up radiation to treat any remaining tumor tissue.
“We were thrilled to hear this, but we didn’t know how we could afford it,” said Kristy. “But then they told us about the Petco Love/Blue Buffalo grant. We were so relieved and happy when we qualified for the grant, which would allow Bella to have the radiation to save her leg.”
The Lewises 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 seen by the Oncology Service. The project is designed to support pet parents with limited resources or pet parents whose pets provide a service to others.
Bella completed her surgery and radiation treatments toward the end of the summer. A recheck examination in the fall showed positive results. Bella’s veterinary team is pleased with her progress and will continue to monitor her.
“She’s doing so well,” said Kristy. “She runs, jumps and plays just like she did before we discovered the growth. We are so grateful to UC Davis, Petco, and Blue Buffalo.”
Author: Rob Warren
Source: https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/
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