Koga, a handsome fluffy Pembroke Welsh Corgi, was diagnosed with lymphoma in August after an emergency veterinary visit for sudden labored breathing and distress. Swelling and a build up of fluid were squeezing his lungs, making breathing difficult. The fluid was drained, but the vet also discovered that Koga had enlarged lymph nodes. A biopsy confirmed the devastating diagnosis: lymphoma.



Koga was referred to an oncologist who recommended the CHOP protocol, a chemotherapy treatment for canine lymphoma consisting of four drugs: Cyclophosphamide, Hydroxydaunorubicin, Oncovin and Prednisone. This combination is often called the "gold standard" for lymphoma because it is highly effective, with many dogs achieving remission. The weekly treatments last for about 20 weeks and, unfortunately, are quite costly. The total for the entire protocol will come to between $13,000 and $14,000.



Koga’s owner, Victoria Steen, has been using a number of options to help cover the costs. An earlier fundraiser by Free Animal Doctor (FAD) raised $2,150 which paid for about 3 of the initial chemo treatments. Victoria has paid for the balance of the 6 treatments he has already undergone but her Care Credit is now maxed out. Victoria works as an assembler making pacemaker components, and her husband runs a small food truck. But despite their steady work, the mounting veterinary bills are becoming overwhelming. 



Victoria came to Bandit’s K9Care when she learned that in addition to the lymphoma treatments, Koga would need surgery to remove a broken canine tooth. The organization was able to cover the costs of the dental surgery thanks to donated funds from the Midwest Corgi Picnic. But Koga is still in need of 10 more rounds of chemo plus some testing each month to see how the treatment is affecting Koga’s vitals (so far he has been doing well with few side effects). Since the FAD fundraiser is no longer going, Bandit’s agreed to put up a new one to help with the remainder of his treatments.

Victoria lost her special Corgi boy Shippo 6 years ago to a degenerative disease (DM) and has never fully healed from that loss. Then in 2022 she injured her back, and shortly thereafter she lost her best friend. Koga was there for her every day, through recovery and physical therapy. Now she is doing everything she can to return that love and support as he battles cancer. Your support can help him win that fight. 



Owner: Victoria Steen

Veterinary Hospital: BluePearl Veterinary, Arden Hills MI