Cobyn's Second Chance in Life: He Needs Our Help to Get His Oral Melanoma Treatment

by Pam Sholl

Cobyn had a very rough start in life. He was an owner turn-in last year at a shelter. He skin was raw and he had hardly any fur as a result of untreated demodectic mange and secondary infections.

A rescue group pulled him out just in time.


Cobyn needed treatment and he was also severely underweight. 

He was only treated for a few months before the rescue couldn't afford his care anymore. He was left, going back to the condition he was found in.

Some angels were checking on him and decided they needed to find another rescue to help. They contacted Westside German Shepherd Rescue and we got him to our vet. He was there for quite a while being treated and some of the angels would come and visit him and get him out.

The day came that he was stable enough to go to a foster.

The founder of Westside sent me his photo and that was all I could take. Of course I'd foster the little guy. That was in February.


Since then he got over the mange, terrible ear infections, bacterial infections, and he's at a good weight now. His hair hasn't grown back all the way. He's got lots more then he had when I got him but his underside is hairless. As the vet put it, from years of no treatment his skin made an extra protection to protection & because if that no hair may ever grow back in certain places. So we call him "Fuzzy Wuzzy".


Then we found a bump on his lip.

The vet didn't like it so she biopsied. It was diagnosed as malignant oral melanoma.

Oral melanoma accounts for about 30-40% of all oral tumors in dogs. They are highly invasive and have a high probability of metastasizing to the head, neck, bone tissue, lymph nodes, liver, lungs and kidneys.

So here we are. I've worked so hard with him in hopes he'd go to a loving home to find out he may never get there.


Instead, this may be his last stop. 

If that happens, he will be cared for until he decides it's time.

To date, Cobyn has been receiving care through a specialist, including multiple labwork, biopsies and a stain to ensure an accurate diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment.  He has been referred to one of the best oncologists who will make every effort to save his life.


Cobyn needs our help to make it happen.

Cancer treatment is expensive, but we think Cobyn is worth every penny. He is a survivor with a proven will to live.



Cobyn's update July 15, 2015

We have raised the money sweet Cobyn needed to see the veterinary oncologist, thank you all who helped. Unfortunately, his cancer has spread into the lymph nodes and his fate is sealed. They will be working on his bucket list now.

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Westside German Shepherd Rescue of Los Angeles is a non profit 501(c)3, no kill rescue committed to saving all types of German Shepherd Dogs from high kill shelters and adopting them to loving, qualified homes.

Comments

  1. Poor Cobyn! He's been through so much already, bless you for taking on his care. I just made a donation via YouCare. It's not much, but I guess every little bit helps (-: Sending thoughts and prayers for Cobyn's healing
    Love & Biscuits,
    Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them

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