Help Kojak beat Melanoma Cancer!
Kojak is one of those one in a million dogs. Extremely gentle, a kind soul, and leaves a lasting impression on everyone he meets.
In January/February 2021, Kojak had a toe removed due to a melanoma of the toe. Biopsy showed no signs of metastasis. In July 2021, follow up X-rays showed no metastasis.
On September 9th, 2021, Kojak was diagnosed with a uveal/ocular melanoma which affected his vision and caused extreme discomfort. The melanoma also spread through his body, which resulted in marble sized lumps throughout his body. That lead to a enucleation (eye removal) and removal of 2 lumps on September 22, 2021 for biopsy. The results came back as malignant melanoma cancer. It is difficult to determine if it originated from the digital melanoma.
Kojak met with the Oncologist today (Oct 4, 2021) and was given 2-3 months left.
Canine Melanoma is aggressive, and treatment options are slim with success rates of 50% or less. Chemotherapy was an option but the quality of his life will deteriorate.
The second option is the Canine Melanoma Vaccine (Oncept). The success rate is less than Chemotherapy, but has no side effects other than a sore injection site. Most dogs whose vaccine treatments are successful live an additional 1-2 years. However, with melanoma being so aggressive, those who opt for the vaccine don’t have enough time for the vaccine to work.
The oncologist says that Kojak is a good candidate for the Melanoma vaccine. The vaccine is Kojak’s only fighting chance to beat this!
All dog lovers have certain things in common.. 1)To give our dog’s the best life &
2) To care for them when they need us the most. We would like to give Kojak its best fighting chance against this melanoma!
This campaign is created to help Kojak and his family pay for the cost of the surgeries and vaccines (4 over the span of 2 months to start, followed by a booster shot every 6 months). We know it has been a very difficult year and a half for so many and any amount you’re able to contribute is very much appreciated.
If you have any questions, please reach your out to Kojak’s mom (IG: @kojaktherottie)