Radar the weather dog has health scare

HOUSTON – Houston's favorite dog, Radar, visited the KPRC Local 2 studios Wednesday evening with some important news. We wanted to let our viewers know that Radar had a health scare.

Radar looks and acts like any happy dog. He loves to run and play. But if you look closely at his paw, he has a growth on his toe.

Dr. Andrew Novosad with Sugar Land Veterinary Specialists will exam him. Our Senior Executive Producer Rick McFarland joined Radar to comfort him during the appointment. Before the full work up, the doctor already suspects cancer.

"Based on where it's located I would guess it's malignant, and I think we should make sure it's nowhere else," said Dr. Novosad.

The two-hour exam begins. It starts with some X-rays, then moves to an ultrasound. Finally they take some lab samples and a biopsy. Cancer is actually quite common in dogs Radar's age.

"We typically see it in a sort of a middle age to older population," the doctor said.

The vet tells us the best thing you can do for your dog is to inspect your dog for growths, like you would examine your skin for potential skin cancer.

"This is where I think taking your dog to a veterinarian, even a groomer... I can't tell you how many times I've had groomers that pick up on lumps and bumps," Dr. Novosad said.

Radar's prognosis is that he'll need to get that toe removed and he'll need anti-cancer medicine. But according to his doctor the course of treatment could add a couple years to his life.

"He's got enough people pulling for him," he said.

We heard back from Radar's doctors Wednesday and the cancer has not spread past his toe.

Leave your well-wishes for Radar in the chat window below.

30258814

A History of Radar

In 2004, a small mixed-breed mutt arrived at Local 2 to become a fixture of the KPRC weather team. Viewers named him Radar.

For three years, Radar entertained viewers of all ages through public appearances, events and nightly dog walking forecasts.

The shy little puppy that came onto the TV scene quickly became a huggable, lovable fur ball that loved the spotlight and taking pictures.

During his tenure at Local 2, Radar's news segments were not just about the weather. Often his airtime would draw attention to pet issues, like checkups and adoption events. Having a dog in the building often led to stories about other animals making a difference in the community.

During Radar's first Christmas in Houston, Local 2 offered a limited-edition stuffed dog in the image of the quickly becoming famous weather dog.

In 2007, Radar left his on-air life behind to live the good life. He was adopted by a long-time KPRC staffer who had offered a home away from home on nights and weekends when Radar was not working or making appearances. He made an appearance at a local dog show in February, but for the most part, he lives a dog's life of playing in the yard, enjoying a treat or two and trips to the dog park.

In 2011, Radar returned to KPRC Local 2 for a quick run through the newsroom and a few pictures with old friends. During the 10 p.m. newscast, he reunited with his former news teammates to say hi and let his fans at home get a chance to see him.