From Serving His Community to Fighting Cancer: K9 Dax’s Lymphoma Journey
General
How a routine veterinary procedure led to an unexpected cancer diagnosis for an Olathe Fire Department explosive detection K9.
Meet K9 Dax, a 9-year-old Border Collie who serves as an explosive detection canine with the Olathe Fire Department Bomb Squad. While Dax is accustomed to protecting his community, he is now facing a different kind of challenge: a battle with lymphoma.
In recognition of National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day, we’re sharing Dax’s story to highlight the importance of early detection, routine veterinary examinations, and specialized cancer care for our canine companions.
An Unexpected Discovery During a Routine Procedure
On October 1, 2026, Dax arrived at Overland Park Veterinary Emergency & Specialty (OPVES) for a routine neuter with attending surgeon Dr. Connor Pyne and surgery resident Dr. Pate.
At the time, Dax appeared to be doing well, with no significant health concerns reported by his handler. However, during his examination, Dr. Pyne identified an enlarged lymph node beneath the left side of Dax’s jaw.
Recognizing that an enlarged lymph node can indicate an underlying medical condition, Dr. Pyne performed a fine-needle aspirate to collect cells for further evaluation.
The initial results raised concern for an emerging lymphoma, a type of cancer affecting lymphocytes, which are white blood cells involved in the immune system.
What began as a routine surgical appointment had unexpectedly become the first step in Dax’s cancer journey.
Finding Answers Through Collaborative Specialty Care
Following the initial findings, Dax was referred to our Internal Medicine service for additional diagnostic testing with Dr. Alexandra Portanova.
On October 5, Dr. Portanova evaluated Dax and performed additional testing to better understand the abnormal lymph node.
Two specialized diagnostic tests, flow cytometry and PARR (PCR for Antigen Receptor Rearrangements), were used to evaluate the lymphocyte populations and determine whether lymphoma was present.
The results confirmed lymphoma, with testing identifying features of both B-cell and T-cell populations.
Dax was subsequently referred to our board-certified veterinary oncologist, Dr. Katilee Jacobs, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), for further evaluation and treatment planning.
Dr. Jacobs diagnosed Dax with multicentric lymphoma, a form of lymphoma that typically affects multiple lymph nodes and can involve other parts of the body.
Despite his diagnosis, Dax continued to feel well at home, maintaining his normal energy, appetite, and behavior.
A New Mission: Fighting Lymphoma
After reviewing Dax’s diagnosis and available treatment options, Dr. Jacobs developed a chemotherapy plan focused on managing his cancer while maintaining his quality of life.
On October 29, Dax officially began treatment with the CHOP chemotherapy protocol, a multi-agent treatment approach commonly used to manage canine lymphoma.
The CHOP protocol combines several chemotherapy medications administered over approximately 20 weeks. By using different medications, the protocol targets lymphoma cells through multiple mechanisms, helping improve the likelihood of achieving remission.
Before beginning treatment, Dax underwent bloodwork to evaluate his overall health and ensure he could safely receive chemotherapy. His results were favorable, allowing him to receive his first treatment with vincristine.
Throughout his treatment, Dax will continue to receive regular monitoring, bloodwork, and evaluations from our Oncology team.
Although lymphoma is generally not considered curable in dogs, chemotherapy can help many patients achieve remission, maintain a good quality of life, and enjoy more meaningful time with their families.
For Dax, the goal is simple: more good days doing the things he loves.
Understanding Canine Lymphoma: What Pet Owners Should Know
Lymphoma is one of the more commonly diagnosed cancers in dogs. It develops from lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell found throughout the body, including the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and other tissues.
One of the challenges of detecting lymphoma is that dogs may appear completely healthy during the early stages of the disease.
In fact, Dax was feeling well when his enlarged lymph node was first discovered.
Common signs of canine lymphoma may include:
Enlarged lymph nodes, particularly beneath the jaw, in front of the shoulders, or behind the knees
Unexplained weight loss
Decreased appetite
Lethargy or reduced energy
Increased thirst or urination
Vomiting or diarrhea
Changes in behavior or overall activity level
Not every dog with lymphoma will display these symptoms, and enlarged lymph nodes do not always indicate cancer. However, any persistent or unexplained changes should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Early recognition and appropriate diagnostic testing can help identify lymphoma and allow families to explore treatment options sooner.
Specialized Cancer Care at Overland Park Veterinary Emergency & Specialty
Dax’s journey is a powerful reminder of the value of collaborative veterinary medicine.
From Dr. Pyne’s initial discovery during a routine surgical examination to Dr. Portanova’s diagnostic evaluation and Dr. Jacobs’ ongoing oncology care, multiple specialty teams worked together to provide Dax with answers and a treatment plan.
Today, Dax continues his cancer journey under the care of Dr. Jacobs and our Oncology team.
As an explosive detection canine with the Olathe Fire Department Bomb Squad, Dax has dedicated his career to helping protect his community. Now, as he faces his own health challenges, our team is honored to play a role in caring for a K9 who has spent so much of his life serving others.
This National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day, we’re proud to recognize Dax, his service to our community, and the importance of early cancer detection in the pets who mean so much to us.
Veterinary Oncology at OPVES
Our Oncology service, led by board-certified veterinary oncologist Dr. Katilee Jacobs, provides advanced diagnostics, individualized treatment plans, and compassionate care for dogs and cats facing cancer.
To learn more about our Oncology service or schedule a consultation, contact Overland Park Veterinary Emergency & Specialty.