The 2012 Animal Survivor stories are coming to the 2012 ACVIM Forum this May.

This year we have 5 survivor stories.

1. Angel a Carolina Yellow Dog (aka American Dingo) who survived Lymphoma and was treated with Chemotherapy. She is now in complete remission leading a normal, healthy life.

2.  Bailey is a Mastiff therapy dog who had bone cancer and had her front left leg amputated. She is now in remission and back to visiting those in need to share her love.

3.    Camille, a female short hair cat who was trapped due to Hurricane Katrina, suffered Hepatic Lipidosis from starvation. She is now living in a loving home leading a good life.

4.    Many of the New Orleans Police Department Horses developed a mysterious cough and suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They and are now back on the job watching over the streets of New Orleans.

5.   Penny a vivacious and loving Labrador who suffered a gastric ulcer and septic peritonitis is now back to the active life she had before she fell ill.

Their stories will be coming soon so stay tuned!

Meet Roxie!

She has been thriving despite her diagnosis of Megaesophagus by using a vertical-feeding chair. While this low-cost chair is tremendously effective, all too few veterinarians know about it.

The ACVIM Foundation is now featuring posters which tell the amazing story of Roxie’s battle with the disease in the hopes of raising awareness of this simple solution. Help spread the word by purchasing a poster today to display in your practice!　

Make sure to check out the feature on Gryphon over on the Seattle Kennel Club website!

Photo Courtesy of Rudy's Owner, Linda Boffa

Rudy was a happy-go-lucky, energetic Yellow Labrador. He had an amazing zest for life, whether it was going for a ride in the car or fetching his favorite toy. Unlike most Labradors, he did not like water, even tip-toeing through dewy grass so he would not get his feet wet.

Rudy was diagnosed with prostate cancer on May 20, 2010, despite being neutered at the age of six months. The usual prognosis for this type of cancer is one month, but with the help of an ACVIM Board-certified Specialist, he was able to have three quality months of living; Rudy passed away September 2, 2010.

The Paws for Hope Rudy Memorial Collection from Esquivel & Fees has been created to assist in funding cancer research for all of our beloved pets. A portion of the proceeds from your purchase in this collection will be donated to The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Foundation to continue the fight against cancer.

Thank you for joining in the effort to find a cure!

Watch the entire 2011 ACVIM Animal Survivor Media Event below!

2011 ACVIM Forum – Animal Survivor from 1321 Studios Videography on Vimeo.

Strudel may live over 1,700 miles from Denver, but her story of survival is too good not to share.

Strudel is one of the dogs involved in the Shelter Canine Mammary Tumor Program at the University of Pennsylvania.  The purpose of the program  is to provide care to shelter dogs with mammary tumors that are homeless and without access to the care they need to survive.

Mammary tumors in dogs and breast cancer in women have many similarities, both in terms of risk factors and biology. By providing care to these dogs veterinarians – - such as Dr. Karin Sorenmo, an ACVIM Board-certified Oncologist – - can also help advance the knowledge of breast cancer biology by studying the early molecular alterations associated with tumor development and progression. Such research can improve our understanding of breast cancer in general, and thus benefit both dogs and humans.

Hear all of Strudel’s amazing story below:

Three months after Gryphon was diagnosed with an oral plasma cell tumor (plasmacytoma) he completed a six-mile hike in the Indian Peaks Wilderness.  That summer, he became an official DockDog and spent the next two years of his life traveling the country to compete in events, spending time with his family doing the things he loved, and touching so many people with his story.

Through a program called YAPS (Youth and Animal Survivors), Gryphon became a “pen pal” and friend to a 10-year-old girl who was also going through cancer treatment.  He was also an ambassador for canine cancer research and awareness through his involvement with Chase Away K9 Cancer.   Gryphon’s 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.

A big thank you to Gryphon’s Oncologist, Dr. Robyn Elmslie,  at Veterinary Cancer Specialists, and to Gryphon’s loving and dedicated owners for sharing his story.  Hear more below:

Bomber is an athletic Labrador retriever who loves to hike, mountain bike, and paddle board with his owner. He is also a great “road tripping” dog.

It takes a lot to slow Bomber down.  When he was 2 years old, he was hit by a car (or rather he hit the car), requiring a pacemaker to be placed to fix his heart’s rhythm.

After receiving specialized veterinary care, Bomber is able to do everything he did before – - and more.

Bomber’s success was truly a collaboration of people who have a passion for what they do and for a very special dog. Bomber’s pacemaker was donated by St. Jude Medical, Inc. and was placed by ACVIM Board-certified Specialists at Rocky Mountain Veterinary Cardiology of Alpenglow Veterinary Specialty & Emergency.

Bomber was adopted from the Aspen Animal Shelter, where he had previously competed in and won the K9 Uphill. When the shelter heard Bomber was having complications after being hit by the car, they jumped right in and offered to help Bomber and his owner in any way they could – - including financially. The financial support helped Bomber receive premier care.

Hear Bomber’s entire story below: