Featured Patients
Dave and Eddylee Scott,
Heather Davis ('09 DVM) and "Cassie"
In the summer of 2008, while fishing near Juneau, Alaska, Dave and Eddylee
Scott found a lump on the top of their 7-year old Golden Retriever’s head. They
made a quick call back home to their veterinarian, Dr. Lance Campbell (’99 DVM),
who advised them to take "Cassie" to a clinic in Juneau and have the lump
removed. The Southeast Alaska Animal Medical Center removed the tumor—a benign
multilobular tumor of the bone—but within 3 weeks the tumor returned.
On the advice of Dr. Campbell, they traveled to Washington State University’s
Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Pullman, Wash. An MRI showed the tumor was
growing from Cassie’s skull and pressing on her brain. Dr. Jeffrey Bryan, a
board certified veterinary oncologist, organized a treatment plan for Cassie in
conjunction with the neurology service and radiation oncology. After seven hours
of surgery, and a course of radiation therapy that included 20 daily sessions,
Cassie spent 10 months enjoying life with Dave and Eddylee as they boated and
played golf. Her follow-up required only periodic exams.
The following June, an MRI revealed regrowth of the mass. With all standard
options exhausted, Cassie required a creative plan for further treatment.
Following three more doses of radiation, she received a radioactive drug
(radiopharmaceutical) to deliver a strong dose of radiation directly to the
tumor through her bloodstream in August 2009. She was the first dog in
Washington to ever receive this type of drug. Cassie began a Palladia (toceranib
phosphate) regimen, a new cancer drug therapy, and pamidronate, an osteoporosis
treatment, in September 2009. These new therapies combined to keep her
symptom-free and enjoying life.
"Cassie is a great dog owned by a fantastic couple," said Dr. Bryan. "Our hope
here was that we can provide palliative care and maintain her quality of life."
In 2010, Cassie finally lost her nearly 2-year battle with cancer.
"Our goal all along was to keep her happy and comfortable," said Dr. Jeffrey
Bryan, WSU veterinary oncologist. "She broke new ground that will benefit future
dogs in Washington, wagging her tail the whole time."
To read
more about Cassie visit our Pet Memorial website.
