[PART 1] Kes Versus The Monster: A story of Feline Vaccine Associated Sarcoma

Part 2 after her amputation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_uz3b... Part 3 about her recovery is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jt8hYw... UPDATE 2016: Kes had to be sent to rainbow bridge on February 25th, 2016. She developed a new tumor on her ribs near her spine in January. Xrays revealed masses in her lungs as well. After discovery she had 3 more weeks of life and then quickly escalated in 4 days from able to walk to dragging herself around. She seemed in pain, not doing much but not sleeping either. Her spine was probably getting pinched by the tumor on her ribs. We never did a biopsy as we weren't going to subject her to any other surgery. We loved her extra with tasty treats, lots of brushing and snuggles. We were by her side as she passed. In March 2009 a lump about 2 cm in diameter was discovered on Kes' left hind leg. In late March she was taken to the vet for routine shots and the vet suggested she get a biopsy. In April 2009 she went in for her biopsy which included a 2 inch long incision. By this time Kes' lump had grown from 2 cm in diameter to 5 cm. On April 24th the results of the biopsy came in: stage two fibro sarcoma most likely caused by a vaccination. The solution: amputation of the leg. The vet feels that enough of the healthy tissue can be amputated to prevent the possibility of any remaining cancer developing into a new tumor. Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_uz3b... VAS stands for Feline Vaccine Associated Sarcoma. Some also call this disease Injection Site Sarcoma or "Vaccine Site Sarcoma". VAS is any of a number of cancers, most commonly Fibrosarcoma, which are believed to be triggered by vaccinations and occasionally other kinds of injections. VAS is primarily an issue for domestic cats, though it has been identified in ferrets and tigers, and recent research indicates that it may also occur in dogs. VAS Awareness non-profit site: http://www.vas-awareness.org/ VAS support amputee care site: http://home.comcast.net/~shortionline... VAS support group @ Yahoo: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Fe... Soundtrack is Hoppipolla by Sigur Ros from the album Takk.