Across the Atlantic and through the Mediterranean Sea lives the Michigan State University Veterinary Medical Center's farthest traveling patient. Rocco is a Labrador mix from Israel with a unique problem: thyroid carcinoma, or thyroid cancer, with no one for miles to help treat it.

After he noticed enlargement in Rocco's neck, Rocco's owner took him to see their local veterinarian. The veterinarian confirmed the cancer. Unfortunately, Rocco's owner wasn't able to get him treatment anywhere in Europe. His owner, who was himself a newly graduated veterinarian, was determined to save Rocco's life.

Enter Dr. Paulo Vilar Saavedra from the Oncology Service at the Veterinary Medical Center, where state-of-the-art cancer treatment is their specialty. Rocco's owner reached out to Dr. Vilar when he was unable to find treatment for Rocco anywhere close by. Dr. Vilar confirmed that MSU would be able to assess and potentially treat Rocco, so Rocco and his owner made the journey from Israel to Michigan.

Dr. Vilar examined Rocco by reviewing his chest radiographs and a technetium scan, which measures the size of the thyroid and how well it is functioning. The tests confirmed that Rocco had thyroid cancer, and also revealed lung cancer.

Dr. Vilar treated Rocco's thyroid cancer by injecting him under the skin with Iodine 131. This treatment is both less invasive and more targeted for the patient. The Iodine 131 is a radioactive substance that is absorbed by the cancer cells in the thyroid. Once absorbed, it breaks apart and releases energy. This energy destroys the cancer cells' DNA and begins the process of cell death. MSU is one of the only veterinary medical facilities in the United States that is able to provide Iodine 131 to dogs. This is another reason Rocco's owner chose MSU. Michigan aviation laws would allow Rocco to fly with radioactive levels, while some other states will not allow it.

After receiving treatment, Rocco was placed in isolation for 14 days until his radioactivity levels were at a safe point. If not for this treatment, it is unlikely Rocco would have lived much longer. But Rocco is currently enjoying life in Israel more than six months after treatment.