The Oncology Service by Ethos Veterinary Health
Springfield, Virginia
Campaigns at this clinic
Starlight
Starlight's Routine Spay Turned Into a Medical Emergency
Westminster, MD • Maryland Animal Rescue Foundation (MARF)
Starlight came into rescue searching for the second chance she deserved. She arrived from Prince George's County with behavioral challenges that had made it difficult for her to find stability. But beneath those struggles was a loving, affectionate dog who simply needed patience, understanding, and the opportunity to thrive. From the moment she arrived, Starlight showed everyone around her just how special she is. With a wagging tail, a gentle heart, and an eagerness to connect, she quickly won over the people caring for her. Through training, rehabilitation, and consistency, she began making progress toward the future she had always deserved. Then everything changed. What was expected to be a routine spay procedure quickly turned into a medical emergency. Shortly after surgery, Starlight's condition began to decline rapidly. She was rushed for emergency veterinary care and hospitalized at the Regional Veterinary Referral Center in Springfield, Va. During diagnostic testing, veterinarians discovered a splenic mass containing fluid, along with free fluid in her abdomen. These findings are extremely concerning and require immediate hospitalization, advanced diagnostics, intensive monitoring, and potentially additional procedures to determine the cause and give Starlight the best possible chance of recovery. Adding to the heartbreak, veterinarians recently determined that Starlight is not the younger dog she was originally believed to be. Instead, she is estimated to be approximately 7 to 8 years old. Yet despite everything she is facing, Starlight continues to fight. She still seeks affection. She still wants to be close to people. She still greets those caring for her with the same loving spirit that has carried her through every challenge so far. As a rescue, no one wants financial limitations to determine whether an animal receives lifesaving medical care. But emergency hospitalization, diagnostics, specialist care, and ongoing treatment are expected to cost up to $7,000, creating a significant burden for a rescue already committed to helping animals in need. Your donation will help cover the cost of Starlight's emergency hospitalization, advanced diagnostics, monitoring, treatment, and any additional procedures needed to give her the best chance at recovery. Starlight came to rescue looking for a second chance. Today, she is fighting for the chance to keep living. Please help give this sweet girl the care, comfort, and medical support she urgently needs. Thank you for standing with Starlight and helping her continue her fight. 7/17/26 Update: Starlight Experienced Complications Starlight has experienced additional medical complications and continues to need specialized veterinary care. She is scheduled to see an internal medicine specialist on July 17 for further evaluation to help determine the best path forward. Thank you for continuing to keep Starlight in your thoughts. Your support is helping ensure she receives the diagnostics and medical care she needs during this difficult time. Another update will be shared as more information becomes available following her evaluation.
Simba
Simba is a 2 month old American Longhair in Alexandria , VA, who needs $1,200 for Leg Surgery.
Alexandria, VA
found Simba when he was very young and all by himself, without a mother or siblings around. I took him in and have been caring for him for about a month now. Since then, he has been living indoors with me in a safe and nurturing environment. He has his own space with food, water, toys, and a comfortable sleeping area. I make sure he gets regular playtime, social interaction, and plenty of affectio Simba was recently injured while playing—he slipped from the couch and landed in a way that caused a fracture in his back leg, close to the hip area. He was examined at regional veterinary clinic, where it was confirmed that he will need surgery in order for the leg to properly heal. Unfortunately, the cost of the procedure is more than I am able to afford at this time, so I am seeking help to ens Simba is a very playful and loving kitten who has a personality that shines through in everything he does. He gets along with everyone he meets and has such a friendly, curious nature. He’s also a very smart boy—he learns quickly and keeps us smiling with his clever little ways. One of his favorite things is playing with his fish toys, which he carries around proudly and chases with so much excite Simba’s surgery is something he truly needs in order to live a normal, happy life. Without it, his ability to walk, run, and grow like a healthy kitten should will be limited. This surgery will give him the chance to heal properly and enjoy his playful, active nature again.
Rocky
Rocky is a 5 year old Beagle in Alexandria , VA, who needs $4,200 for Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) CCL Repair.
Alexandria, VA
We adopted Rocky when he was just 5 months old. He has a front and back yard to run around in. He lives with my family and I. He also has a dog park and planets of toys for himself. Unfortunately Rocky has torn his ACL(CCL) on his left hind leg. The vet also has stated that he most likely torn his meniscus as well. He need surgery to fix is knee. He has become lame(can out any weight on it). Rocky is not like other beagles. He isn’t yelling or howling all the time…What he does do is love to run around and jump places. He has unlimited energy. He brings my family and I so much joy and love. He is also there to greet with a smile and ateetion. He is my best friend and it hurts me to see him disabled. Not able to walk or run. I am on a fixed income and cannot afford the $4200 need for his CCL surgery. It would mean everything to have him healthy again. He seems so sad that he can’t run or walk. There is nothing I wouldn’t do to see him jumping nd running again. I love him. My family loves him.
Frenchie
Frenchie is a 9 year old Poodle in Falls Church, VA, who needs $1,800 for Tumor Excision & Jaw Removal.
Falls Church, VA
We "rescued" Frenchie just before she turned a year old from my mom who took Frenchie when my sister didn't want her anymore and she was my husband and I's first dog together. She's made such an impact on others in our neighborhood and gets recognized a lot on our daily walks! Frenchie has been diagnosed with oral malignant melanoma and while we did a Waggle campaign to raise $3500, the surgeon has informed us the final cost is $5300. We had a consultation with the Regional Veterinary Referral and are going to be scheduling her surgery soon. We're hoping this 2nd campaign will get us the remaining funds to cover her treatment When we did the first Waggle campaign, I expected to raise just a few hundred dollars but when we saw how many people were helping us reach our goal, I was speechless. Hearing people tell us how much they loved Frenchie and cared about us as a family meant the world. Knowing how much Frenchie is loved by others makes us more determined to help her. We raised $3500 so far but after the surgery consult, they told us it will cost closer to $5300. With the cost to remove her tumor, biopsies, medication, and personal loans, this new amount could require us to use our savings/honeymoon money. Any little bit will help us
Frenchie
Frenchie needs $3500 for Tumor and Jaw Excision.
Falls Church, VA
My sister had bought Frenchie from a breeder and after only a couple of months, her husband demanded she get rid of her because she wasn't a "manly" dog. My mom luckily took Frenchie in and when I moved to VA, she told me I could take Frenchie with me. We drove across the county together and started a new life together. She's loved by residents in my complex and loves coming to work with me. Frenchie was recently diagnosed with oral malignant melanoma and while we did have the tumor removed before it could spread, her doctor recommends an extensive surgery that will require removing part of her jaw bone. It will help reduce tumor regrowth and potentially give her more time with us. We are looking for help to cover the cost of her surgery so we don't loose her so soon. Frenchie has been with me since she was a puppy and she's the first dog that has been "mine." She loves everyone she meets and just wants to snuggle with you on the couch. So many people have been heartbroken to hear about her diagnosis and it's shown me just how much of an impact she makes on others. Financially we have been struggling due to the cost of the tumor removal and biopsy as well as other unexpected expenses like car repairs, our rent increasing and needing mental health services. If we are even able to get a small portion, we would be beyond grateful!
Griffey
Griffey is a 7 year old French Bulldog in Washington, DC, who needs $2,000 for Radiation.
Washington, DC
We got Griffey as a puppy. He was the smallest of his litter and the last one to be picked. Since then he has been the most wonderful companion and part of the family. With his funny personality and cuddly tendencies. Having him brings our family so much joy and I didn’t think could love something this much. Griffey has been diagnosed with a rare brain cancer called Choroid Plexus Carcinoma. He is currently on chemotherapy treatment. After visiting the second oncologist today, we were made aware that the radiation treatment is expected to be $15,000, plus the CT scan, for an additional $3,000. With all the ER visits, procedures, and surgeries, we have dried up all our funds. He' loving and affectionate companion who has been my rock during life’s most challenging moments. His sweet and friendly nature makes him a joy to be around and always ready for cuddles and bringing laughter with his playful personality. This past year, after the devastating loss of my mother, Griffey became more than just a pet; he was my source of emotional support, offering unconditional love. I had to pay $8,000 for his emergency surgery to remove a foreign toy from his stomach and $4500 for his MRI. This has put me in a negative balance along with a loan from care credit
Oreo
Oreo is a 12-year-old Domestic Shorthair Cat in Woodbridge, VA, who needs $2,000 for Chemotherapy.
woodbridge, VA
My husband and I adopted Oreo in Spring of 2011 from an animal shelter in Fairfax, VA. We knew that we wanted a mature cat because we felt everyone adopts the kittens and not so much the older cats. While there, we came accross Oreo, who at the time was a kitten. He was fiesty and playful which we were immediately drawn too. So we decided to go home with two cats that day. Oreo is the big brother to Colbie, a 9 year old labrador mix, and Guenhwyvar, a 7 year old bobtail cat. He gets along with everyone! I honestly feel as though Oreo can be a therapy cat because he has a very empathetic and loving nature. Two words that is used most to describe Oreo is "lovey" and "CRAZY!" Oreo's favorite toy is his cone of shame. He puts it on and it gives him super zoomie powers. I consider it one of his party tricks because he usually disappears when we have company and then bolts into the room wearing the cone. What makes it funnier is we never know where he stashes the cone once he's done playing with it. About 3 weeks ago, we noticed that his left pupil was very dilated compared to the right. After numerous tests to rule out the usual causes by our veterinarian, we were referred to a neurologist who conducted an MRI and diagnoised lymphoma. Since the diagnosis, Oreo has appeared to lose vision in both eyes. He maintains his spirit by trying to relearn the layout of our home, room by room. Oreo's diagnosis and treatment comes as a complete shock to us as he is only 12 years old and was in good health. Oreo is like my emotional and mental support pet. He has helped me survive some very difficult times in my life and I would do anything to make him healthy again
Rue
Rue is a 1-year-old Short Haired in Stafford, VA, who needs $1,980 for MRI/Spinal Tap.
Stafford, VA
I took in Rue off the streets less than two months ago. She is 6 months old. Just a week ago, she started experiencing cluster seizures. It is extremely hard to watch her in these conditions, especially since I don’t know if she’s in pain. She has been to the ER and a neurology specialist 5 times in these past 7 days. She was just admitted again with an 105 fever and they believe she went blind. Rue is extremely sweet and loves getting her back rubbed. She is very vocal and hasn’t meowed much since she has been having these episodes. She greets me at the door and loves getting her food at meal time. She hasn’t had an appetite since her last seizure. It has been a big concern and hard to see her not like her normal, sweet self. I had money saved for emergencies and paid over $3000 in vet fees this past week. They still do not know what is wrong. To have Rue back to her normal self, that would be such a wonderful day. It would mean that my efforts were worth it and than she wouldn’t be in pain. Rue has been put on three different medications to try and stop her seizures. She has been in between VCA Woodbridge and Springfield Regional Veterinary Emergency/Neurology. She was just admitted again, because she had not been eating, drinking, or using the bathroom. She has a fever and has gone blind. We do not know if it is permanent. Rue is extremely special to me, because she loves to come and sit on my chest if I am sitting down. She purrs when someone is petting her or when you walk through the door. She has not purred since the seizures have started. I believe that she provides pet therapy for me and relaxes me. I hope to hear her beautiful meow and purrs again soon.
Xen
Xen is a 12-year-old Pit Bull mix in Keedysville , MD, who needs $4,000 for radiation therapy for brain tumor.
Keedysville, MD
Xen has been with me since she was four months old, adopted from neighbors who didn’t want her. I was young when I got her, and she has been with me through homelessness, moving cross country, working long hours, every trip (except one!) I’ve ever taken. We now have settled in rural Western Maryland, in the mountains, and close to all of her favorite trails and swimming holes. Xen is not a fan of other furry animals but loves people especially her people. She always has to be on top of us, and always has to be under the covers. We go hiking about every other day! In her prime, we did 10-15 miles on every trip. Since she’s slowed down, she will still go a few miles, and she loves it. We work for ourselves in a rural area. Diagnosis (MRI, CT scan, neuro/oncology consults, meds) in the past few months has cost us thousands in a short period of time. With treatment, she could get a few more years. Without it, she only has months. Xen was diagnosed with a brain tumor - a pituitary macroadenoma. It is pretty large and has caused some personality and physical changes. She isn’t so kissy anymore. She circles and paces. It has affected her vision so that her pupils don’t dilate as they should, and she will walk into things and has issues will depth perception. She started to whine whenever she needs something or is confused. Xen is the best! She is very communicative and deceptively smart. She’s more of a grumbler than a whiner, so if she’s grumbling you know she wants something. She loves water and loves to swim. Whenever we go hiking, she will try to pull us to the water. In the summer, she will lie in any body of water to cool off like a baby hippo. She is a very mouthy dog, who loves to give kisses.
Andy
Andy is a 12-year-old Corgi in Arlington, VA, who needs $3,000 for treatment of a brain tumor.
Arlington, VA
Andy is my amazingly charming and happy little 12-year-old Corgi, who I've had since he was a tiny pup and I was just graduating college. Andy has been my right-hand man and the most absolutely loving mama's boy. We've grown up together and have been inseparable over these past twelve years, along with his adopted beagle brother, Dobby. Andy is a massively intricate part of our family and we've been doing our absolute best to make sure he's been in good health after recently losing our loving Dobby, to prostate cancer last year. Dobby and Andy were two peas in a pod and we were heartbroken to learn that Dobby's prostate cancer had reached a point of no return. When Andy was diagnosed with a brain meningioma in December 2019 after suffering a seizure, we proactively made the decision to go through with stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) to try and increase his quality of life.
Simba
Simba is an 8-year-old Border Collie in Lorton, VA, who needs $2,000 for emergency surgery and treatment of pneumonia.
Lorton, VA
Hello. We are a family of three: I’m Eunsol, my husband is Egan and my fur baby is Simba. Simba is an 8 year old Border Collie who thinks he’s still a puppy with very high energy. On 10/3, my baby Simba and I were playing fetch when he got a stick lodged in his throat. My husband and I took him to the vet and after a few hours, he was able to come back home. However, a more dire situation came up. He wasn’t acting like himself and after taking him to the ER we found out a piece of the stick is still lodged in his throat. To make things worse, he developed pneumonia with a fever of 105 degrees. Doctors suspect that when the stick got caught in his throat, it caused a mild hemorrhage and saliva went through his trachea which resulted in fluid in his lungs. This developed into pneumonia. He will have to have surgery to remove the stick, but Simba will need to spend more time to recover from the pneumonia first before they can operate. Now it’s Day 3 at the ER and his temperature has gone down to 103 degrees and he is relatively stable. So far he’s had a couple of X-rays and one CT scan taken. He is still hooked up to antibiotics, IV, and oxygen.
Tucker
Tucker is an 11-year-old Labrador Retriever mix in Woodbridge, VA, who needs $600 for treatment for bone cancer.
Woodbridge, VA
Tucker is an 11 year old lab mix that loves to run, swim, and play fetch. I've had him since he was a new pup, and he has traveled all over the East Coast with me. Tucker gets along with every dog he's ever met, but really loves his human friends most:) He's a great travel buddy and always knows how to comfort his owner when they are having a stressful week. The loyalty of a dog is unmatched and I am now returning the favor.
Tucker
Tucker is an 11-year-old Labrador Retriever in Woodbridge, VA, who needs $1,150 for chemotherapy and blood work.
Woodbridge, VA
Tucker is an 11 year old lab mix that loves to run, swim, and play fetch. I've had him since he was a new pup, and he has traveled all over the East Coast with me. Tucker gets along with every dog he's ever met, but really loves his human friends most:) He's a great travel buddy and always knows how to comfort his owner when they are having a stressful week. The loyalty of a dog is unmatched and I am now returning the favor.