When Amy and Ken Aldridge returned home to Libertyville, Ill., following a trip in September 2024, they picked up their 12-year-old Springer Spaniel, Katie, from boarding and noticed a small bump on her leg. What started as a routine veterinary check-up quickly turned into a race to save a cherished family member.
Katie’s local veterinarian diagnosed the bump as a mast cell tumor. Amy was reassured to learn that 85% of these tumors are non-aggressive, and it was removed the following day with the vet feeling confident about the margins. However, two weeks later, the biopsy results were devastating: Katie’s tumor was an aggressive form of cancer and irregularities in her spleen suggested metastasis. If the tumor metastasized and remained untreated, the vet estimated that Katie had only one to two months to live.
Determined to explore every possible option, Amy began researching advanced care facilities. After consulting with her veterinarian and considering the reputation of multiple regional university veterinary hospitals, the Aldridges decided to seek treatment at UW Veterinary Care (UWVC).
At UWVC, Katie underwent a thorough evaluation, including an ultrasound and aspirations of suspicious areas. Christen Montesanto (Medical Oncology), who oversaw Katie’s first visit, provided initial findings that brought a glimmer of hope: there were no clear signs of cancer spread. Based on the aggressive nature of the mast cell tumor, the care team recommended a preventive six-course chemotherapy regimen.
From the beginning, Ken – a 1972 graduate of UW-Madison – and Amy felt reassured by the expertise and care at UWVC. Amy was especially comforted by the in-house lab’s quick results and the advanced diagnostic equipment, which provided clearer imaging than their local clinic. During this emotional time, Amy also found moments of peace on the UW-Madison campus.
“I would sit out on the patio in front of the Memorial Union, and it was just so calming,” says Amy. “Taking a walk by the lake and being in nature while Katie received her treatments made a huge difference. I truly appreciated it. The whole experience was wonderful, and I felt the care and concern of everyone involved. It allowed us to do the best for Katie while also taking care of ourselves emotionally and making sound decisions for our family.”
The Aldridges arranged for four of the six chemotherapy sessions to be done at UWVC, with the remaining sessions completed locally while maintaining coordination with the UW team. Katie, who typically experienced anxiety during vet visits, found a sense of calm at UWVC. Amy noticed that during her appointments in Madison, Katie visibly shook less. The team at UWVC also made the experience special for Katie. At her final chemotherapy session, staff celebrated her progress with a signed kerchief and a ceremonial bell ringing.
Today, Katie is thriving. She’s back to bird hunting with Ken, exploring forest trails, and enjoying life as an active member of the family. With plans to have Katie return to UWVC every three months for follow-up visits, Amy is deeply thankful for the time they’ve gained together.
“She’s been my sidekick for 12 years, and I wasn’t ready to let her go,” Amy says. “Every day we have with her now feels like a gift, and I’m so grateful to make more memories together.”
by Simran Khanuja