Sapphire's Bucket List: Cancer Research

About a month ago, we received devastating news. Sapphire (Sapphie) has been diagnosed with an extremely aggressive form of Cancer: Subcutaneous Hemangiosarcoma. After a surgery, biopsy, x-ray, and an ultrasound, we are grateful that this was detected earlier and it has not metastasized yet.

 

Hemangiosarcoma is a cancer of the blood vessels and can occur anywhere in the body. It accounts for approximately 5% of cancers in canines. While it is most commonly found in the spleen, liver, and heart, it can occur anywhere in the body.

Sapphire’s was in her subcutaneous (underneath the skin) tissue of her chest. Hemangiosarcoma is a highly aggressive biologic behavior with a high metastatic rate and has potential to spread anywhere in the body.

 

There are three types of Hemangiosarcomas:

1) Dermal – found on the skin

2) Subcutaneous – found under the skin

3) Visceral – found on organs (spleen, heart, liver)

 

This cancer is common in larger and older dogs between the age of 9-12 years old. It is very uncommon, and pretty rare for a dog Sapphie’s age (1 year old) to be diagnosed with cancer. There is also very little information and research on Subcutaneous Hemangiosarcoma in dogs, and the two studies that have been published have very different results, with one having a median survival time of about 6 months and the other 3 years.

 

The plan for Sapphie would be to do surgery to remove any cancer cells that might be remaining and obtain wider margins. This will then be followed by 5 rounds of chemotherapy. This will then be followed by getting imaging done every 2-3 months to monitor her disease progression.

 

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT SAPPHIE:

 

Anyone who has met our Sapphie girl, knows that she has the most unique personality. She immediately puts a smile on anyone’s face. She is so silly, funny, and weird and that is what makes her, her! She is a social butterfly and loves all people. We have heard multiple times from staff that she has gotten dogs who are quiet and anti-social to come out of their shell with her playful nature. Every time she goes to day-care, she is the dog that has every dog chasing her. She is the dog that will have the groomer begging that she come in just so she can spend time with Sapphie. She is the dog that cuddles with you when she sees anyone crying or sad. She is the kind of dog that will make you laugh constantly. She has everyone falling in love with not just her beautiful face, but her fun-loving and playful personality.

 

She has become our world. She has been on so many adventures with us from RV trips to numerous flights to visit family and friends.

 

She still has so much to explore! One thing we do know is that Sapphie has already made such a positive impact on those around her. Instead of money going towards her treatment, Sapphie would really love if we could help those families and dogs in the future going through a similar situation. She would love to raise money towards The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation (Oncology: Hemangiosarcoma Research Program).

 

The mission of the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, Inc. (CHF) is to advance the health of all dogs and their owners by funding scientific research and supporting the dissemination of health information to prevent, treat and cure canine disease. You can read more information: here

 

Sapphie has a huge bucket list, but the top of her list is inspiring and helping other dogs and families. She wants to thank everyone for their contribution to this cause that means so much to her and her family. She also wants to let you know that she doesn't want you to be sad - she's a fighter and so are you!