Stray Dog with Massive Tumor Finds Home After Surgery

A deserving canine is experiencing renewed vitality thanks to a team of veterinarians at Texas A&M University. Last year, a  Labrador retriever, 9 year -old dog Jake, was found wandering with a massive tumor on the side of its neck. The size of the tumor was bigger than its head.

 A local rescue group called Long Way Home Adoptables took Jake in, who found him a foster family. Texas A&M’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences was recommended to the foster family when they sought veterinary advice about the tumor. 

The vets at Texas A&M knew there were risks involved with surgically removing the sizeable mass after classifying it as an adenocarcinoma, a malignant tumor from the salivary gland. 

Salivary gland cancer is uncommon, especially with the advanced progression observed in Jake’s case. Dr. Vanna Dickerson, an assistant professor at VMBS, explained that saliva had accumulated due to the obstructed salivary ducts caused by the large tumor.

The veterinary specialists at Texas A&M concluded that surgery was the most suitable approach to address the tumor. Generous donors, who came across Jake’s story on social media, contributed funds that partially covered the cost of the surgery. During the operation, the veterinarians removed as much of the tumor as possible, although its proximity to Jake’s trachea and esophagus prevented complete removal. Nonetheless, the procedure significantly improved Jake’s quality of life and extended his lifespan.

Dr. Dickerson clarified that the goal of the surgery was to enhance Jake’s well-being, given the tumor’s size and location near critical structures. After surgery, Jake underwent chemotherapy to minimize the risk of cancer recurrence. Following Jake’s recovery, the staff at Long Way Home began seeking a permanent home for Jake. Its story had garnered substantial attention, including from State Farm, which sent him a care package, according to April Plemons, Long Way Home’s executive director, as reported by ABC’s WFAA station.

Among the numerous inquiries received by Long Way Home, one promising lead emerged from Josie Brown, a veterinary practice manager with the necessary expertise and resources to provide Jake with future medical care. Brown welcomed Jake into her home with open arms. Regrettably, Labrador’s tumor has started to grow once again. Brown now regularly drains fluid from the tumor to prevent it from becoming too large. Her primary focus is to provide Jake with comfort and affection after everything it has endured. At last, Brown expressed her delight to Texas A&M Today, stating that Jake is an exceptional, content companion who appears pain-free.