Avets

April was an incredibly difficult month for the Bender family.
Ceasar, an 11-year-old pit bull, was diagnosed with large cell lymphoma at the beginning of April. Just two weeks later, his 8-year-old sister, Dutchess, received a diagnosis of gastrointestinal lymphoma.
Two devastating diagnoses. Two devoted family members. And one family determined to do everything they could for both.
The Benders chose to pursue treatment for both dogs, bringing Ceasar and Dutchess to our oncology department for their weekly chemotherapy appointments. They faced each treatment together, side by side.
Sadly, Dutchess' lymphoma carried a poor prognosis. She fought hard for four weeks before passing away, leaving behind a family who wished for more time with her. ❤️
Meanwhile, Ceasar continued his fight. After completing all 16 treatments of his CHOP chemotherapy protocol, we are happy to share that Ceasar is officially in remission—and, five months later, he is still doing wonderfully! 🎉
Throughout their journey, Dr. Calo, Jess, and Nikki had the privilege of caring for Ceasar and Dutchess while supporting the Bender family through both the most difficult moments and the happiest celebrations. The oncology team was truly honored to be part of their story—to share in the heartbreak of saying goodbye to Dutchess and the joy of celebrating this milestone in Ceasar’s remission.
Today, the Benders are feeling bittersweet, as Ceasar is enjoying his new role as a big brother to his new little sister, Phoenix. While Dutchess will always be missed, her story will remain an important part of the Bender family's journey.
The love this family showed for both of their dogs throughout such an exceptionally difficult time is a beautiful reminder of just how much our pets mean to us. 💙
Keep living your best life, Ceasar! Here's to many more happy days ahead. 🎉

A Tale of Two Frenchies: Dr. Sandler and the Avets Neurology technicians recently had a busy week when two matching French Bulldogs presented within a few days of each other for similar signs. Hoagie, an adorable and quirky larger grey French Bulldog, suddenly became paralyzed in his hind limbs at home. Just about 1 week later, this story repeated itself when Sophie Sue La Rue, a sweet and very petite grey French Bulldog, was also suddenly unable to stand or walk in her hind limbs. Both Hoagie's owners and Sophie Sue La Rue's owner immediately rushed them into the Avets Emergency Service for evaluation, at which time both Frenchies were transferred to the Neurology Service for further care. Dr. Sandler and her team were able to perform an MRI on Hoagie and then later in the week on Sophie Sue La Rue, diagnosing each with large ruptured intervertebral discs in the mid-back that were severely compressing the spinal cord. Hoagie and Sophie Sue La Rue were each taken to emergency surgery, where a hemilaminectomy was performed to remove the herniated disc material in an effort to give them a chance at recovery.

However, the similarities between Hoagie and Sophie Sue La Rue didn't stop with just their adorable grey coloring, perfect personalities, and matching disc herniations. Both Hoagie and Sophie Sue La Rue decided to be neurology superstars, and were able to stand and walk on their own the morning after surgery! With their rapid recoveries, the rest of their short stays in the hospital were a breeze and they seemed to enjoy their "vacation" accommodations at Avets. Hoagie was a particular fan of the constant pets, hand fed ham baby food, and watching Winnie the Pooh on his iPad, while Sophie Sue La Rue enjoyed long belly rubs, being carried around wrapped like a baby, and watching Clifford the Big Red Dog on her iPad.

We are happy to report that both Hoagie and Sophie Sue La Rue continued to thrive under the devoted care and attention from their owners as they continued to recover at home. Both Frenchies recently came back to visit Dr. Sandler for their 4 week post-operative rechecks, and are looking stronger than ever! Hoagie was barely able to contain his excitement and show off all his new skills with his back legs, while Sophie Sue La Rue was content to receive even more belly rubs from her friends in Neurology. We wish them the best in their continued recovery, and will certainly miss this pair of perfect Frenchies here at Avets!

Pets are curious, and sometimes that curiosity leads them to things they should never eat.

If your dog gets into something unexpected, try to:
•Remove access to the item if it is safe to do so
•Keep the packaging or ingredient list if available
•Note what was eaten and how much

Contact your veterinarian or emergency hospital for
guidance Some toxins and foreign objects can cause serious problems,
even if your pet seems fine at first.
When in doubt, it's always better to ask.

Kaori is a sweet 12 year old cat who accidentally took a fall off of a tall staircase and was unable to use her hind limbs immediately after her tumble. She was brought to Avets for evaluation and was seen by our neurologist Dr. Sandler. Kaori was found to be paralyzed in her hind limbs, so a CT was performed. The CT revealed a spinal fracture and luxation of the 7th and 8th thoracic vertebra located in her upper back. Unfortunately since Kaori could not feel her feet, the prognosis for her recovering the ability to walk was unlikely even if surgery was pursued. Given that Kaori was comfortable and otherwise very happy, it was elected to manage her medically at home. Dr. Sandler and the neurology team created a custom spinal splint for Kaori to help stabilize her fracture so that it can more effectively heal on its own with no long term pain. Kaori was discharged to the care of her dedicated and loving parents after her stay at Avets.

Kaori has not let any of this keep her down however, and has become a fan favorite at Avets when she comes in for her weekly splint bandage changes! Kaori has been her normal sweet personality, happily making biscuits and getting scratches during her splint bandage changes each week. Sometimes she even sneaks in a nap in the arms of her favorite technician Beth K. during her visit! Kaori is also now a professional model wearing the newest fashions in splint art from the neurology team, with themes ranging from under the sea, bugs and wildflowers, and Lisa Frank leopard print. Kaori will be graduating from her splint next week, and we are thrilled with the progress she is making at home. With how motivated she is to move already, we are confident she is going to have a wonderful and happy life even with her change in mobility. We are lucky to be a part of Kaori's care, and can't wait to see her back for her next recheck and mandatory snuggles in a few weeks!

Today we are celebrating the cats who fill our homes with curiosity, comfort, and plenty of personality. Give your favorite feline some extra love, a special treat, and a
little more playtime today. They deserve it!

These are some of our employee cats!

Happy International Cat Day! 🐾

Happy 10th Birthday! Spikeena is a bearded dragon who just celebrated her 10th birthday and is a patient of our avian & exotics department. Our exotics department is available for appointments for routine wellness and sick appointments Monday through Thursday as well as offering emergency hours for those who need more immediate care. Please call us for more information or to get your pet scheduled.

Tessa is an 11-year-old pit bull who is as petite as she is adorable, weighing just 36 pounds and sweet as can be.

In February 2026, Tessa was brought to Avets Neurology department after her family noticed a decrease in her energy and mobility. An MRI performed by Dr. Sandler and her team revealed a mass on her 10th thoracic vertebra that was causing marked compression of the spinal cord, which was most consistent with osteosarcoma.

Because of the tumor's location, surgery was not a safe treatment option. Instead, the team recommended a combination of stereotactic radiation therapy and chemotherapy to help manage her disease. Tessa was immediately started on oral pregabalin and prednisone to improve her comfort and mobility, and a referral was made to PetCure Oncology in Pittsburgh for stereotactic radiation therapy.

After experiencing significant improvement on her medications and completing three radiation treatments, Tessa returned to Avets to continue her care with Dr. Calo and his Oncology team. In March, she began a chemotherapy protocol with carboplatin, receiving one intravenous treatment every three weeks for a total of six treatments. Throughout her treatments, Tessa's family went above and beyond for her, traveling a considerable distance for each appointment without hesitation. For them, every mile was worth it to ensure she received the best possible care - a true reflection of the devotion they have for their girl.

In July, Tessa proudly completed her chemotherapy protocol and has never felt better!
From diagnosis to her final treatment, Tessa was surrounded by a team committed to her care and a family who never stopped showing up for her. We are honored to have been part of her story and are so proud of everything this sweet girl has accomplished.

Congratulations, Tessa!

National Pet Fire Safety Day

Would your family know what to do if a fire occurred in your home?

Today is a great reminder to make sure your pets are Included in your emergency readiness plan.

Planning ahead can help keep every member of your family (two-legged and four-legged) safer during an emergency.

AVETS is here 24/7 for your pets emergency needs!

Avets recently hosted an evening of Neurology Continuing Education at Baja Bar & Grill at the Fox Chapel Yacht Club!

Our neurologist Dr. Sandler was joined by Avets Specialists for an interactive Q & A session, creating a great opportunity for learning, collaboration, and connection with the veterinary community. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the event a success!

Whether you're spending the day on a boat, at the lake, or by the pool, water activities can be a great way to enjoy the season together. Taking a few extra precautions can help keep your pet safe while having fun in and around the water.

Have a favorite water activity you enjoy with your pet? Tell us in the comments!