Why so many dogs are named Lucky

by Didi Culp
(Maryland)

Stella's (spitz mix) companion Parker (Golden Retreiver) was diagnosed with thyroid carcinoma.

This happy go lucky middle aged dog's life was over. Just like that. Because I had not heard of thyroid cancer in dogs before I took the time to carefully examine Stella's throat while I was putting a new coat on her. Sure enough, a little garbanzo bean under her skin on one side but not on the other was there. I told my husband, a vet, and he checked just to allay any fears. What are the chances that Parker and Stella would have the same rare disease. I could tell by the look on his face that coincidence or not, we were going to have to find out.

Luckily we live close to a veterinary specialty hospital. Dr. Saylor removed Stella's tumor with the necessary cautions about the seriousness and unresponsiveness of this canine cancer to treatment. HOWEVER, the tumor was well defined and one year of chemotherapy (pills at home) and the tumor did not recur.

This is rarely the case because the cancer is 1. uncommon 2. usually discovered later 3. unresponsive to treatment. We knew about it, found it early and chemo was successful.