Pet Cancer Survivor – Ricky’s Story

As part of Pet Cancer Awareness Month, Veterinary Pet Insurance is highlighting some of our policyholders’ pets that were diagnosed with, treated for, and survived pet cancer. Every year in the United States, millions of pets are diagnosed with cancer, yet many pet owners are unaware of the prevalence and cost of the disease. Our next story comes from VPI policyholder Lucy Paleczna of Merrick, N.Y., whose miniature poodle, Ricky was diagnosed with cancer last November.

Mr. Ricky was just three months old when we brought him home. On his first veterinarian visit, despite giving Ricky a clean bill of health, our veterinarian recommended getting health insurance. “It’s good to have, just in case,” he said. His top choice was VPI Pet Insurance, so that’s what we purchased. Mr. Ricky has a happy-go-lucky, “I’m the boss” type of attitude, but unfortunately he has been plagued with multiple health issues throughout his entire life: every possible allergy, digestive system problems, a broken tooth that had to be surgically removed, two torn ACLs (another two surgeries),  patellar luxation (more surgery), hip dysplasia and advanced arthritis. As if all this wasn’t enough, last December Ricky found himself in fight for his life.

In November 2011, while I was brushing him, I noticed a pea-size lump behind his right ear. After examination, the veterinarian didn’t seem alarmed but recommended that we keep a close eye on it. A few weeks later, the lump was still there so he performed a needle biopsy. Three days later we got the results: malignant cells were present and we had to remove the tumor. Once again Mr. Ricky underwent surgery, the tumor was removed and was sent to pathology for analysis. Within a week we received the report with diagnosis – Liposarcoma, a soft tissue cancer. At that moment my heart stopped, I thought, “How could this happen to him? He went through so much his entire life, and now this?” All I could do is cry.

There is no chemotherapy or radiation for this type of cancer, the only treatment is to remove a wide margin of surrounding tissue and hope for the best, but first an ultrasound of his chest was needed to determine if any of the lymph nodes were enlarged, which would mean that the cancer was spreading. That exam seemed to take forever; it was the longest 45 minutes of my life, knowing that the results would determine if Ricky had a chance for survival. As it turned out it, it was his luckiest day ever. There was no lymph node involvement and he was cleared for yet another surgery.

Needless to say, Ricky was in great pain and very uncomfortable. The recovery was very long and difficult but he is a resilient dog, and just like many times before, he pulled through. The final pathology was very encouraging and the cancer is presently suppressed.

Everything happened very fast. Within three weeks Ricky was tested, diagnosed and underwent two surgeries. It was a very stressful time for all of us but thankfully VPI helped defray some of the expenses, which were substantial. I knew from my previous experiences with VPI that everything would be managed by their compassionate associates. As expected, our reimbursements were promptly received a couple of weeks later along with a follow up call from VPI checking on Ricky’s progress and recovery.

One year later, Ricky is cancer free and enjoying his senior days ( 11 years old now ), and still bossing everybody around, especially Pink Cookie, the 3-year-old pit bull mix that we adopted last year. Yes, she has her very own health insurance policy with VPI, just in case!

Lucy Paleczna VPI Policyholder Since 2002