Gryphon - Canine Cancer Survivor

Gryphon was diagnosed with an oral plasma cell tumor (plasmacytoma) at 11 ½-years-old. The tumor appeared suddenly and grew rapidly in a two-week time span, soon affecting his ability to retrieve and eat without discomfort. Quality of life became a serious concern but Gryphon's Oncologist, Dr. Robyn Elmslie, felt that he was an excellent candidate for treatment, due to his vigor and enthusiasm for life. After a round of chemotherapy, Gryphon underwent surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible to prepare him for radiation therapy. Once healed from surgery, he underwent 18 radiation treatments over a 3 ½ week period. Even though his mouth was being treated with radiation, he never stopped eating and experienced only moderate discomfort at the very end. His tumor responded very well to the treatment and he was soon in remission. Three months after his diagnosis he completed a 6-mile hike in the Indian Peaks Wilderness and went on that summer to become an official DockDog. He spent the next two years of his life traveling the country to compete in DockDogs, spending time with his family doing the things he loved, and touching many people with his story. He became a "pen pal" and friend to a 10-year-old girl who was going through cancer treatment herself, and an ambassador for canine cancer research and awareness. His legacy of hope, love, courage and living in the moment continues to make an impact and serves as a reminder that older dogs can survive cancer and thrive while doing it.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• YAPS
• canine
• dog
• cancer
• oncology
• ACVIM
• dogs

[TemBri3]

Love the doggy pillow with the so-called Cone of Shame on it. Maybe it needs to renamed the Cone of Healing :) RIP Gryphon

[sally21515]

Great video of Gritty, Heather!