Muggsy’s fight against cancer.

We are fundraising to help Muggsy beat his recently discovered oral malignant melanoma. I took Muggsy to the vet due to an enlarged lymph node. We were extremely fortunate that the emergency vet on shift during our visit happens to have an interest in oncology and quickly identified the source of the malignancy in a mass on the roof of his mouth, which impacts the lymph node. Fortunately, while a CT scan revealed that his mass has grown into the nearby bone, and we know the metastatic disease made it to his lymph node, there is no evidence of it having spread to any other organs. His bloodwork looks great, and both his heart and lungs are in great shape! What we know already is that he will start with weekly radiation therapy for four weeks and from there, the doctors will decide if further RT is indicated, and whether or not chemo or the melanoma vaccine are recommended. It has been a tough month for our pack. I can’t begin to explain how badly we are hurting since this discovery. Now that we have a sense of direction with his treatment, we could use some help. This was obviously unforeseen and is neither a cheap nor easy journey, but Muggsy is the center of our universe and I cannot leave any stone unturned in pursuing options to help him. Muggsy is as scooby as ever and Rous remains steadfast by his side.

The cost up to this point in diagnosing and beginning to develop a treatment plan is $6,899 ($3,717 for diagnostics and $3,182 for the initial stage of radiation therapy). His medication for pain management is nearly $400 per month, and we don’t yet know what other costs will come with the extended treatment plan. We appreciate all of the support and love people are showing Muggsy during this difficult time.