Obi is a medical mystery! We started off with a lump on his paw in May, which was thought to be a foreign body like a grass seed. This was explored and removed and tested, with the results inconclusive.

Unfortunately, a few weeks after Obi’s stitches were removed, the lump was back and this time much angrier and faster growing, spreading up and underneath his toes. Obi had to be referred to a specialist vets for this as the previous surgery and biopsy didn’t find anything.

The new lump was removed and sent for more testing, which sadly confirmed this was a malignant tumour. This was unexpected and very unusual for such a young and healthy boy! The results showed this was something called a hermangiosarcoma, and it‘s not common to be on skin and not ever seen (or reported) on paws on fluffy dogs before as usually caused by sun exposure. Obi had to be referred to another specialist for an appointment with the oncology team and for some scans.

We were very happy to hear that the cancer does not seem to have spread to organs, and is likely isolated in his paw. This means that hopefully surgery can remove the tumour, with maybe chemotherapy needed depending on further results.

The new specialists have said it is also really strange and Obi’s a bit of a mystery, as the cancer tumour feels very strange and caused different results and is growing so so fast. He’s definitely one of a kind!

Whilst we have great insurance, due to needing so many specialists involved, the annual limit is running out even though we only just renewed. We can’t increase the limit or move insurer as this is a pre-exisiting condition which will not be covered. We are desperately trying EVERYTHING to raise the funds needed for Obi’s surgery.

Obi needs either toes removed, or his whole leg if they cannot remove just toes safely, and then maybe also some chemotherapy as well. The insurance annual limit is £5,000 which should be more than enough for a normal healthy young small boy, but with all these specialist visits is not enough for Obi. The visits so far have cost nearly £3,000, with a surgery quote for £3,500 - £4,500 depending on whether it is partial paw or full leg, and more costs for chemotherapy on top of that and more surgery and therapy or rehab costs may be needed as well.

If you would like to make a small contribution to help us raise the funds and remove this cancer for Obi this would be greatly appreciated.