Tuba's Battle with a Brain Tumor: A Story of Expert Care and Family Love
Tuba, a 7-year-old Boxer with an unstoppable spirit, had always been full of life. But when her family noticed she was tilting her head and struggling with coordination, they knew something was wrong. Seeking answers, they turned to our expert team at DoveLewis Neurology, where advanced imaging with our 3T MRI revealed a cerebellar tumor, a mass pressing against the part of her brain responsible for movement and coordination. The diagnosis was heartbreaking, but Tuba’s story wasn’t over. Not if her family and our neurologists had anything to say about it.
A Rare and Complex Surgery
Very few veterinary hospitals have the expertise to perform the complex neurosurgery Tuba needed. Thankfully, she was in the best hands at DoveLewis. Our board-certified neurosurgeons, Dr. Beth Pastina and Dr. Sophie Petersen, led the procedure, performing a suboccipital craniectomy to carefully remove the tumor while preserving critical neurovascular structures.
The surgery was a success, but Tuba’s strength truly shined in her recovery. In just hours, she was already standing, moving with only mild balance issues, and charming everyone at DoveLewis with her signature sweetness. By her second day post-surgery, she was walking out of DoveLewis with her family to continue her recovery at home.
But Tuba’s journey isn't over yet. Her family is committed to giving her the best chance at a long, happy life. As part of this, they decided to have a portion of her tumor sent to the University of Minnesota, where researchers are developing a personalized cancer vaccine designed to help her immune system recognize and fight tumor cells.
Two weeks post-surgery, Tuba is thriving. Her neurological exam showed no issues with coordination, her incision is healing beautifully, and she’s eager to get back to her usual routine. While results from her biopsy and the next steps for her vaccine are still pending, one thing is clear: Tuba is a fighter, and she has an entire team rooting for her.
The Power of Expertise and Dedication
Tuba’s journey is one of resilience, love, and expert care. With the unwavering support of her family and the advanced neurology team at DoveLewis, she’s been given the chance to keep making memories with the people who adore her. She’s already overcome so much, and with every milestone, she reminds us all why we never stop fighting for the pets who mean the world to us.
