Canine cancer survivor Scout will appear as the star of a US$5.5 million (NZ$8.5m) ad during Super Bowl.

A star is set to emerge from this year's US Super Bowl - Scout the dog.

The 7-year-old golden retriever suddenly collapsed one day last year, and tests revealed a tumour at the base of his heart.

Told his dog had only a month to live, Scout's owner, David MacNeil, turned to the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, which provided a programme of aggressive cancer treatment.

The plan led to a miraculous recovery, and now Scout, back having overcome his health issues, is set to have a huge audience.

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The canine will appear as the star of a US$5.5 million (NZ$8.5m) ad during the famous sporting event. It's how MacNeil, who is the chief executive of WeatherTech, wants to thank his dog's saviours.

Scout wasn't MacNeil's first dog to be diagnosed with cancer. He told the Chicago Tribune he had enough of cancer taking his animals away from him.

When he found out about Scout's diagnosis he decided to fight for him.

During treatment from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, Scout's tumour shrank by 78 per cent, and then another 50 per cent.

In light of this, MacNeil decided to highlight the work being done at the university through his company's Super Bowl slot.

WeatherTech/YouTube A year ago Scout was diagnosed with cancer, now his human bought a multi-million dollar ad to thank his saviours.

The ad, titled Lucky Dog, showed his journey of overcoming his cancer - from having a one per cent survival rate to undergoing radiation therapy. The advertisement encouraged people to donate to the Wisconsin school.

MacNeil hoped the cost of the ad would be paid back in the form of donations to the veterinary department.

He told the Chicago Tribune: "We as humans need to be the dogs' best friends and help dogs survive cancer."

"When animal cancer is cured there's a highly likely chance those same techniques and protocols will also filter up to human cancer treatment."

Scout still regularly received radiation treatment, which MacNeil said cost around US$20,000 (NZ$30,943).

"I'm investing heavily in Scout's future," he told the US publication.