Dot is my almost 11 year old lab mix. On Christmas Eve, I discovered what I thought was an infection in Dot’s mouth. I took her to the vet first thing, December 26th. The vet immediately told me it was tumor, not an infection. The tumor was removed that day and sent off for testing. On January 13th, after several tests, Dot was diagnosed with malignant oral melanoma. On January 22nd, Dot had surgery to remove the cancer and part of her jaw & lymph node. She also received 4 rounds of the Oncept Melanoma Vaccine and will need boosters and X-rays every 6 months for the rest of her life.

This has been super costly and honestly, it’s something we cannot afford so I am asking for help paying down Dot’s vet bills.

Here’s a breakdown of the costs:

$1,484 - 12/26/25 Initial vet visit, tumor removal and testing

$600 - 01/02/26 Additional testing on the tumor

$863 - 01/06/26 Oncology consult, X-rays 

$2,777 - 01/15/26 CT scan & melanoma vaccine

$5,945 - 01/22/26 Surgery to remove the tumor and partial mandibulectomy  

$930 (covered by grant) - 01/29/26 2nd round of the vaccine

$930 - 02/12/26 3rd round of the vaccine

$930 (covered by donor) - 02/27/26 4th round of the vaccine 

+ check ups/scans not scheduled yet 

Dot is my baby and I will do anything to try and get her well. I’ve had her since she was a puppy and she has been there through everything with me. I truly appreciate any support and any advice given during this time.