Meet Lulu: an adorable seven year-old bulldog who gives out kisses aplenty and whose love of food is unrivaled. She is much beloved by her owners, Cheryl and Matthew, who consider her the heart and soul of their family. 

That’s why they were concerned when one day, Matthew discovered a mass on Lulu’s forearm while cuddling her on the couch. After an initial biopsy didn’t determine its nature, they were referred to VCA veterinarian Dr. Catie McDonald, board-certified radiation oncologist.

The biopsy concluded as a high grade fibrosarcoma with a 50% chance of tumor regrowth post-surgery. Fibrosarcoma’s are malignant (cancerous) tumors that develop in the connective tissue in the body.

Dr. McDonald used a combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy for the best possible outcome. 

Lulu was given 19 local radiation therapy treatments. Radiation therapy consists of high energy x-rays that are directed where the tumor was leading to cell death. 

Every time Lulu woke up from treatment, there was a cooked sausage waiting for her, which Cheryl had made and brought to the hospital—to make Lulu feel at home. 

All the treatment and tender loving care paid off! Given her post-treatment and recovery timeline, Dr. McDonald believes that the cancer is unlikely to return in her lifetime. Cheryl and Matthew couldn’t be happier to have their Lulu back at home with them, and are really thankful for VCA’s expertise and state-of-the-art treatment and diagnosis. 

But most of all, they were happy with the level of empathy and care they received throughout. Lulu was also thrilled to be back at her favorite spot on the couch, snugly sandwiched between her owners, exactly where she wanted to be.

Lulu was treated at VCA Northwest Veterinary Specialists hospital which is one of 35 VCA Pet CancerCare Centers. Pet CancerCare Centers bring together advanced treatment, unparalleled expertise and state-of-the-art technology to achieve the optimal outcome for your pet. In partnership with you and your primary care veterinarian, our aim is to offer you the best options
to fit your goals and the most effective treatment plan choices to ensure your pet’s best quality of life. To learn more, please visit vcapetcancercare.com

 
“The care of Lulu and the care for us, you just couldn't ask for more.”