Robert Irwin’s dog Stella has been diagnosed with cancer, with the Wildlife Warrior revealing it’s “been stressful” to be away from home.

Robert Irwin has shared a heartbreaking update from Australia Zoo while he’s in the US for Dancing With The Stars. Photo: Instagram/terriirwincrikey

Robert Irwin has revealed his beloved dog Stella has been diagnosed with cancer and undergone surgery. The 21-year-old gave the “tough” update about his “little best mate” from the US, where he is competing on Dancing With The Stars.

The 21-year-old said the distance had made it particularly difficult, with Stella remaining in Australia.

“I wanted to give an unfortunate update on my sweet little pup, Stella,” Robert wrote alongside a black and white picture of the pair.

“A mass was discovered that ended up being cancerous. We still don’t know the full extent of the cancer. I have faith she’ll be in the clear.”

 

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A post shared by Robert Irwin (@robertirwinphotography)

Robert regularly shares moments with Stella on his social media, however Stella also has 137,000 of her own followers on Instagram.

Robert and Bindi have been posting with the dog since they were children themselves.

The pug has even become close with Bindi’s daughter, Grace.

Robert described Stella as an “important part of our little fam”, with Bindi noting she was a “strong and beautiful little soul”.

They, too, are away from Stella, with Bindi’s family of three also moving to the US to support Robert through his DWTS campaign.

“It’s been stressful to say the least being away from home and away from her while she goes through this,” Robert wrote.

“She is doing ok post-surgery so far, she’s my little bestie and one tough cookie,” he said.

 

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A post shared by Stella (@stellairwinthepug)

The Dancing With The Stars cast rallied around Robert.

“Robert, I’m praying for your sweet Stella to make a full recovery,” actress and current co-star Danielle Fishel said.

Whitney Leavitt, from Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, said she was “so sorry”.

“Praying she makes a full recovery,” Leavitt said.