Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine

SCOPES Summer 2013

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Boac k b bringing P icking up Bo for the first time the day before a charity auction she was chairing back in 2005, Kristin Selvala had meant to keep the yellow lab pup for just one night. He was supposed to be the top prize, but the Selvala family quickly fell in love. Finding another puppy to auction at the last minute, they adopted Bo for good. He grew into a happy adult who loved to eat and run. When a little black lab brother joined the house they became fast friends. "Bo and his brother played so much you'd think they'd never run out of energy," said Selvala. "But two years later Bo started seeming tired. He lost his appetite. One day he was so ill he crept under the bushes by the house and stayed there all day. It was so sad to see him in that condition. When our vet did an ultrasound and saw his abdomen had swollen, he said to get to a specialist quickly." | SERVICE The Selvalas brought Bo to Cornell University Veterinary Specialists (CUVS), Cornell's emergency and specialty care satellite hospital in Stamford, Conn. Tests revealed devastating news: Bo had hepatic (liver) lymphoma, a blood cancer from which few dogs recover. "We were on a very tight budget, but the thought of losing him was overwhelming to us," said Selvala. "We were willing to do whatever it took to save him." Close to death, Bo began chemotherapy treatment under the care of CUVS oncologist Dr. Gerry Post. "Bo was incredibly sick," said Dr. Post. "Cancer throughout his liver and spleen was putting pressure on his stomach and making him too nauseous to eat. The prognosis for his type of lymphoma is very poor when treated with standard chemotherapy. So we decided to try a different method." Years ago Dr. Post had published research showing that different types of lymphoma respond differently to treatments. Using a new treatment protocol that Dr. Post's research had shown to be more effective for Bo's type, CUVS staff helped Bo beat lymphoma and turn his health around. Through the combined effort of critical care, internal medicine, and oncology, Bo regained his appetite and got back on his feet. After a year of treatment, the cancer regressed. Now Bo has lived more than a year cancer-free, with fully renewed appetite, energy, and love of play. "Our family saw Bo come back to life," said Selvala. "The CUVS staff members are truly amazing. They're like an extended family for him. Bo never once hesitated to run through the door and say hello. It's a fantastic place; I recommend CUVS to all my friends who need emergency or specialty care. They supported him and me holistically; they're so kind and loving, and I truly believe that made a big difference in bringing Bo back."

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