Steffi was a love of my life.
My kids named her after Steffi Graf, the tennis player. We had her since she was a puppy. She was a large all black long-haired German shepherd and a gentle giant. We went through clicker training together and soon she would take the leash out of my hand to say I don’t need this leash, I’m smart enough to kno
Steffi was a love of my life.
My kids named her after Steffi Graf, the tennis player. We had her since she was a puppy. She was a large all black long-haired German shepherd and a gentle giant. We went through clicker training together and soon she would take the leash out of my hand to say I don’t need this leash, I’m smart enough to know what to do. If you’ve had GSD, you know they visual check in repeatedly with you to make sure you're doing everything correctly.
Going on age 12, I noticed she was having trouble getting up on the bed and was slower moving. I never suspected a brain tumor or meningioma. We went to Michigan State University Veterinary Hospital to have a CT taken of her nose. The scan was of her snout and inadvertently caught the front of her brain as well. They did discover a small mass in the front of her brain. They thought it could be a benign tumor or something she was born with. Steffi started walking in circles at home and sometimes just stood still staring at walls. Additional CT scans showed the tumor was growing. Due to her condition, doctors said it was too late try stereotactic radiation treatment. She went to emergency surgery to remove the tumor but never woke up again. I was devastated and vowed her passing would not be in vain.
We are asking you to share your pet’s life story, medical records and treatment plans to honor their life and provide the knowledge to advance the medical treatment of other animals. We want to hear about their life with you.
We are using your pet’s CT/ MRI information to create a 3D printed model database of specific animal medical conditions and treatment plans for veterinarians, vet students and pet owners to help you avoid what we and Steffi went through.
Veterinarians and vet students can evaluate their current treatment plans vs past treatment plans fr
We are using your pet’s CT/ MRI information to create a 3D printed model database of specific animal medical conditions and treatment plans for veterinarians, vet students and pet owners to help you avoid what we and Steffi went through.
Veterinarians and vet students can evaluate their current treatment plans vs past treatment plans from other pets to determine the best prognosis for your pet.
Each 3D model carries your pets name and brief quote from their owner. (See examples)
An example is a brain meningioma/tumor in a shepherd. Treatment plans could be surgical or radiation. We create 3D models of the regression/progression of the tumor based on the period of treatment plans. Physical models are much better as teaching aids then looking at gray & white medical images.
Generally, calling your vet’s office and asking for copies of your medical DICOM data (CT, X-rays, MRI) on a CD or other means will work. They can forward data directly to us. We do not need jpg’s but DICOM data. Please include any treatment plans.
We can help contact your veterinarian if needed.
Send your stories and data to:
Dexter age 12 meeting Mac the puppy before stereotactic radiation treatment at NC State. This was for nasal carcinoma.
DICOM from Dexter prior to treatment.
Green is carcinoma cancer, orange are his turbinates.