Episode: Disappearing Act
Emergency Vets: Dr. Doug Santen and Dr. Robert Taylor
Animal: Samson

Samson should be the picture of perfect strength, but this Rottweiler has already lost 35 of his normal 105 pounds. The steady weight loss leads owners Dean and Margaret Hawver to Alameda East. Ultrasound identifies a tumor in the 5-year-old's abdomen, but Dr. Doug Santen offers hope that the mass may be treatable. The Hawvers opt to give softhearted Samson every chance. "This dog smells flowers," says Dean. "He sticks his nose in tulips as he walks down the street."

The only way to determine the aggressiveness of the tumor is to open up Samson in the OR. But what surgeon Robert Taylor finds isn't good; Samson's tumor is as big as his head and has consumed his left kidney. Dr. Taylor removes the tumor, but also finds that the cancer has spread. Unfortunately, Dr. Santen must deliver even more bad news. Biopsy results reveal a diagnosis of malignant histiocytosis, an aggressive cancer that doesn't respond well to treatment.

Samson returns home with the Hawvers' commitment to take advantage of every remaining day they have together. "You've only got so long," sighs Dean. "So today is the day. Seize the day."