Jude is our eight-year-old Golden Retriever who has been a beloved member of our family since he was just eight weeks old. Earlier this year, we noticed a sudden change in a benign hygroma on his leg, prompting us to seek a second opinion from a new veterinarian. After scheduling surgery to remove the hygroma and repair his joint, our vet discovered an aggressive mass during the procedure. Only 85% of the mass could be removed due to its location around major arteries and bones. The mass was sent for testing, and we learned it was a grade II mast cell tumor.

On August 19th, Jude underwent a mid-femoral hind limb amputation to achieve clear margins, and his lymph node was also removed for staging. We are currently waiting for those results, which will determine the next steps in his treatment. Jude’s journey has already involved multiple surgeries, and we had to take out a loan to cover the cost of his amputation. Depending on the staging results, Jude may need chemotherapy, specialized medication, frequent oncology consults, and regular lab work. If the cancer has spread, we will focus on palliative care to keep him comfortable and happy for as long as possible.

We are raising funds to help cover the costs of Jude’s surgery, ongoing treatments, and any additional care he may need. Every contribution will go directly toward giving Jude the best chance at recovery and ensuring he continues to be a joyful part of our family. Thank you for supporting Jude and helping us through this challenging time.