December's Featured Patient:

We first met "Pepper" Willis in October 2000. His mom had taken him to see his vet because his face was swollen. The doctor found that many of Pepper's lymph nodes were enlarged. Biopsies were taken and Pepper was diagnosed with lymphosarcoma, a cancer of the lymph tissue. Pepper came to see Dr. Burk for an evaluation, and chemotherapy was started.

Pepper responded to treatment within one week! His swollen lymph nodes had shrunk by more than 50%. Pepper felt good and continued to improve. He came once a week (for about a 30 minute visit) for a month and a half, then less frequently. He was very brave if blood was drawn or an EKG was run to monitor his response to treatment. Sometimes Pepper received injectable chemotherapy, while other times his mom got a pill which she could hide in his food or favorite treat! Occasionally he received a medication which made him a little ill but he quickly recovered.

Pepper completed his therapy on December 9 of this year, and felt so good he posed for this photo! He is a 14-year old pampered pet who likes to vacation with his family. Dr. Burk and I will miss seeing Pepper but we are happy that he is in remission and doing so well!

Lisa Burk, BS, LVT

11/02 "Summer" Van Osdale