Page 6 - ACT Paws and Hooves - Spring 2025
P. 6
COVER
STORY
Gyasi defies How your support has helped
cancer patients like Gyasi and Aria
the odds
Cancer treatment for pets and humans is Thanks to donations from our wonderful supporters
similar, however, with our pets, the focus the RVC Oncology Service has a bespoke
In April 2020, Siobhan and Kai noticed something chemotherapy treatment room (CTR).
was wrong with their beloved cat, Gyasi, when he is often on ensuring the best quality of life This new facility ensures the best possible
began losing interest in food and withdrawing from rather than eliminating the disease. experience for our patients and their families,
his usual activities. After becoming violently sick, With chemotherapy, for example, whose welfare remains our top priority.
Gyasi was referred to the RVC, where he was lower doses are used, which minimalises
diagnosed with carcinomatosis, a rare and side effects yet still has a positive impact A quiet space: The calm environment
aggressive form of cancer. on their disease – giving pets and their ensures pets feel comfortable and relaxed
during their treatment.
owners precious months or years of
Gyasi underwent abdominal surgery to remove cystic Gyasi with owners Kai Reduced infection risks: Chemotherapy
growths, and he also required blood transfusions. and Siobhan excellent quality life together. patients often have weakened immune systems.
Although the surgery was successful, further tests This space lowers the risk of exposure to other
revealed remaining cancer cells. areas of the hospital.
The prognosis was grim, with Gyasi given only weeks Helping more animals: With the extra space,
to live. After discussing treatment options with the RVC, Aria’s gift of time For Vivek, who is a vet, the RVC Oncology Service the oncology team can treat more pets
Siobhan and Kai decided that chemotherapy might give was a lifeline. Their guidance and expertise gave with cancer.
their “Egyptian King” a fighting chance. him reassurance and hope. Thanks to Aria's Improved welfare: Separate treatment rooms
Aria's owner, Vivek, first noticed something treatment, she celebrated another Christmas and for dogs and cats enhances the wellbeing of
Gyasi defied the odds thanks to expert care at the RVC. saw her 12th birthday before she died.
He underwent several rounds of chemotherapy, with was wrong when she started vomiting and losing our patients.
breaks in between, and his condition remained stable. weight. She was referred to the RVC for Helping owners: The quiet room allows pets to
investigation, where she had an ultrasound,
Today, Gyasi is still enjoying life, playing, and interacting CT scan and endoscopy. These tests revealed Vivek added: rest comfortably while awaiting pickup, offering
with his family as usual. clients greater flexibility and peace of mind.
gastric adenocarcinoma, a deadly stomach cancer
with a poor prognosis. Aria was the light in
Siobhan shared: By funding facilities like the CTR,
my life and I miss her every day.
Aria had a partial gastrectomy to remove as much our supporters are giving pets like
His quality of life has always been of the cancerous tumour as possible, and she Without her treatments, I would
our top priority and seeing him thrive recovered well returning to eating and enjoying her have lost her a year ago. Gyasi and Aria the chance to live
despite his illness means everything food soon afterwards. She then had chemotherapy She constantly amazed me longer, healthier and happier lives.
to minimise the chances of the cancer spreading.
to us. He continues to take his chemo "Aria tolerated her chemotherapy treatments with her resilience and strength If you would like to support
sessions in his stride. We’re enjoying a exceptionally well. Her quality of life was as good as to fight the cancer. This extra year our Oncology Service,
considerable amount of extra time with if she did not have cancer, and people at the park is the best goodbye gift you can donate online at
would be amazed to hear she was almost 12 years old,
Gyasi, and this is priceless. let alone on chemotherapy. She would run, play, bark, she could have given me. RVCact.com/oncology
eat and act like her normal self,'’ Vivek, Aria's owner
told us.
Gyasi with RVC Oncology Dr Francesco Rogato, Staff Clinician in
Veterinary Nurse, Rachel Aria Veterinary Oncology, shared:
Every donation helps us to have
the best facilities and treatments
available, enabling us to deliver gold
standard care to every patient.
Thank you for making this possible.
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