This article first appeared in the Spring 2026 issue of Synergy magazine

Luna is back to work as a certified therapy dog—bringing her calm nature to healthcare centers, schools, airports, and other places—after neurosurgery to remove a difficult-to-access brain tumor. The 9-year-old Maltese was the first patient enrolled in a clinical trial investigating fluorescence-guided surgery to remove canine brain tumors.

After multiple seizures, Luna had been diagnosed with a brain tumor following an MRI with a neurologist in Southern California. She was referred to the Neurosurgery Specialty Service at UC Davis, where owner Aimee Austin met Dr. Adrien Dupanloup.

Luna’s tumor was embedded in the brain, beneath where surgeries are typically performed. The neurosurgeons reached it through a tiny incision in her cheek bone. Using a newly acquired microscope—which allows for outstanding magnification—and fluorescence technology, the tumor margins were isolated from the surrounding brain tissue, allowing for it to be thoroughly removed.

Originally suspected to be a canine meningioma—the most common brain tumor in dogs—analysis revealed it to be a choroid plexus papilloma. By participating in the clinical trial, Luna’s results will help neurologists understand the properties and behavior of this type of brain tumor and shape surgical protocols.

“It fills my heart with joy to know that the surgery and research on her tumor may help other animals in the future,” said Austin. “I always say now that she helps people when she’s well, and she potentially helped other animals when she was sick.”

Luna has not had any seizures since the surgery, and a follow-up MRI at six months showed no regrowth of the tumor.

“By expanding access to veterinary neurosurgical care and participation in clinical trials, we can improve the lives of dogs with brain tumors and create new treatment options,” said Dupanloup. “Luna’s case highlights one of the many ways that UC Davis veterinary teams support dogs and their families through close collaborations with referring neurologists who share our commitment to translational research.”

By participating in the clinical trial, Luna’s results will help neurologists understand the properties and behavior of this type of brain tumor and shape surgical protocols. 

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