Successful Lymphoma Cancer Treatment...
Cancer can be a scary and overwhelming diagnosis for any dog owner. However, a combination of early detection, successful treatments and an optimistic spirit have given a new lease on life to an Iowa dog and his family.
Chip is a laborador mix who was rescued by the Kelly and Lois Reed family seven years ago. Chip had been brought into Pipestone Veterinary Services in Ottumwa where their son Montana worked, and was adopted by the Reeds. From riding with Kelly Reed in his truck every day to being a great family dog with Montana and siblings Dakotah and Cheyenne, Chip quickly became an important part of the Reed family.
In September, the Reeds noticed a lump under Chip's jaw and that he had not "been himself" lately. They brought him to the clinic for grooming and to be checked.
Dr. Leah Thies examined Chip and found additional lumps under his chin and on his back legs. She ordered bloodwork that came back positive for lymphoma cancer. X-rays were also done to confirm that there were no large masses or abdominal issues, which showed that the cancer was in early stages. Most of the time, Pipestone veterinarians refer cancer diagnoses to specialists for treatment, but that wasn't an option for Chip's owners. The Reeds worked with Dr. Lori Hickie to determine treatment options for Chip.
"Of all the cancers in dogs, lymphoma is treated most commonly and has the best rate of success," said Dr. Lori. "In addition, we caught Chip's case early before it had spread."
Making decisions about treatment after a cancer diagnosis can be difficult, said Dr. Lori. A number of factors come into play, including the type of cancer, the age and health of the pet, as well as financial considerations for the family and whether the owner is willing to commit the pet to multiple rounds of therapy.
"It comes down to the owner's personal decision and what is right for their family financially and for the individual situation of the dog. We help them by providing as much information as we can," she said.
"For us, there was no question we had to do what we could to help Chip," said Lois Reed. "He is a great family dog and wanted to give him another chance."
Chip began a chemotherapy protocol called CHOP in October. It was a 26 week program that included multiple drugs, administered weekly for the first four weeks, then spaced out over every two/three weeks for the rest of the treatment.
"A lot of owners are worried about the impact of having to put their pet through treatments every week," she said. "We try to make every visit positive for the patient. We take our time and give them positive rewards such as praise and treats. We try to pick a day to do treatments on a day that is not hectic and busy. After a couple of treatments, it becomes a routine for them."
Both Dr. Lori and the Reeds agreed that Chip responded to the treatments very well.
"When you talk about chemotherapy treatments in humans, the first thing most people think of is the side effects," said Dr. Lori. "We don't see those same level of side effects as much in dogs undergoing treatments."
She noted that Chip responded especially well through treatments, noting that there was only one week of the 26 where he showed decreased appetite. "I think Chip is the only dog who has ever gained weight during cancer treatments," said Lois. "He is a very playful dog and never lost his spunk throughout all the treatments."
Most importantly, Chip's symptoms went away. After the second week, his lymph nodes were no longer swollen and after treatments, Chip's cancer is officially in remission. "Chip and his owners were troopers through the entire process, and we're very pleased with how things are working out," said Dr. Lori. "It has been rewarding to watch Chip progress from the diagnosis through treatments."
Dr. Lori encourages all pet owners to watch their pets for changes in behavior and personality, including decreased appetites or changes in activity levels. In addition, swelling under the chin and behind back knees are hallmarks of the lymphoma that Chip was diagnosed with.
Each case is different, but early diagnosis typically provides the pet and owners with more options.
Cancer can be a scary and overwhelming diagnosis for any dog owner. However, a combination of early detection, successful treatments and an optimistic spirit have given a new lease on life to an Iowa dog and his family.
Chip is a laborador mix who was rescued by the Kelly and Lois Reed family seven years ago. Chip had been brought into Pipestone Veterinary Services in Ottumwa where their son Montana worked, and was adopted by the Reeds. From riding with Kelly Reed in his truck every day to being a great family dog with Montana and siblings Dakotah and Cheyenne, Chip quickly became an important part of the Reed family.
In September, the Reeds noticed a lump under Chip's jaw and that he had not "been himself" lately. They brought him to the clinic for grooming and to be checked.
Dr. Leah Thies examined Chip and found additional lumps under his chin and on his back legs. She ordered bloodwork that came back positive for lymphoma cancer. X-rays were also done to confirm that there were no large masses or abdominal issues, which showed that the cancer was in early stages. Most of the time, Pipestone veterinarians refer cancer diagnoses to specialists for treatment, but that wasn't an option for Chip's owners. The Reeds worked with Dr. Lori Hickie to determine treatment options for Chip.
"Of all the cancers in dogs, lymphoma is treated most commonly and has the best rate of success," said Dr. Lori. "In addition, we caught Chip's case early before it had spread."
Making decisions about treatment after a cancer diagnosis can be difficult, said Dr. Lori. A number of factors come into play, including the type of cancer, the age and health of the pet, as well as financial considerations for the family and whether the owner is willing to commit the pet to multiple rounds of therapy.
"It comes down to the owner's personal decision and what is right for their family financially and for the individual situation of the dog. We help them by providing as much information as we can," she said.
"For us, there was no question we had to do what we could to help Chip," said Lois Reed. "He is a great family dog and wanted to give him another chance."
Chip began a chemotherapy protocol called CHOP in October. It was a 26 week program that included multiple drugs, administered weekly for the first four weeks, then spaced out over every two/three weeks for the rest of the treatment.
"A lot of owners are worried about the impact of having to put their pet through treatments every week," she said. "We try to make every visit positive for the patient. We take our time and give them positive rewards such as praise and treats. We try to pick a day to do treatments on a day that is not hectic and busy. After a couple of treatments, it becomes a routine for them."
Both Dr. Lori and the Reeds agreed that Chip responded to the treatments very well.
"When you talk about chemotherapy treatments in humans, the first thing most people think of is the side effects," said Dr. Lori. "We don't see those same level of side effects as much in dogs undergoing treatments."
She noted that Chip responded especially well through treatments, noting that there was only one week of the 26 where he showed decreased appetite. "I think Chip is the only dog who has ever gained weight during cancer treatments," said Lois. "He is a very playful dog and never lost his spunk throughout all the treatments."
Most importantly, Chip's symptoms went away. After the second week, his lymph nodes were no longer swollen and after treatments, Chip's cancer is officially in remission. "Chip and his owners were troopers through the entire process, and we're very pleased with how things are working out," said Dr. Lori. "It has been rewarding to watch Chip progress from the diagnosis through treatments."
Dr. Lori encourages all pet owners to watch their pets for changes in behavior and personality, including decreased appetites or changes in activity levels. In addition, swelling under the chin and behind back knees are hallmarks of the lymphoma that Chip was diagnosed with.
Each case is different, but early diagnosis typically provides the pet and owners with more options.
