She started treatment with corticosteroids to help her feel better and was then referred to the AniCura Animal Oncology and Imaging Center for further tests and treatment.
Blood and urine tests were normal. A CT scan showed a large tumor in the thyroid area. It was affecting the larynx, trachea, and nearby tissues, and had also spread to the lungs.
Even though the disease was advanced, the doctors believed it could still be treated. Arya started a medication called toceranib (Palladia®) to try to shrink the tumor and possibly make surgery an option.
After one month, a new CT scan showed that the main tumor had not grown, and the lung lesions had slightly improved. However, surgery was no longer possible, so radiation therapy (IMRT technique) was recommended.
This type of radiation is very precise and targets the tumor while protecting healthy tissues. Arya received 12 treatments over three weeks and handled them very well.
Less than a month later, Arya was already doing better. She was breathing more easily, and the tumor was slightly smaller. The treatment with Palladia® was restarted three times a week, and she did not show any important side effects.
Over the next 13 months, follow-up CT scans showed that the tumor became up to 50% smaller, while the lung lesions stayed stable. Arya continued the treatment without problems.
Fifteen months after starting therapy, Arya is still doing well. She only has occasional coughing and had two episodes of pneumonia related to her previous surgery, but overall she has a good quality of life.
She is still active, enjoys running, and loves spending time outdoors, even in the mountains or snow.
Her owners are very happy to have had more time with her and to share many special moments together.