Golden Doodle Lucy’s Fight Against T-cell Lymphoma
When Lucy, a five-year-old golden doodle, was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma, her owners Stéphanie Gauvin and Tim MacIsaac were determined to do whatever it takes to save her, even if it meant seeking treatment in another country.
Exploring Unconventional Treatments
Upon learning that standard treatments like chemotherapy would only give Lucy a life expectancy of six months to a year, the couple began researching alternative options. Their quest led them to a veterinary clinic in Bellingham, Wash., that offers a groundbreaking procedure involving stem cell transplants and immunotherapy for dogs.
- The total cost of the procedure could amount to around $100,000 Cdn
- The couple’s pet insurance would cover most of the expenses
- The remaining costs would be covered through fundraising efforts and personal savings
However, the success of the procedure hinges on finding a stem cell match for Lucy, which has proven to be a challenging task.
Search for a Stem Cell Match
Gauvin and MacIsaac have been reaching out on social media, contacting the breeder, and tracing Lucy’s family lineage in hopes of finding a suitable donor. Their efforts have garnered support from the community, with a Halifax-area veterinarian even considering forming a partnership with the clinic in Washington to offer the procedure more widely in the Maritimes.
Dr. Melissa Burgoyne, a veterinarian at Cobequid Animal Hospital in Lower Sackville, expressed her astonishment at the availability of such advanced treatments for dogs. She believes that as more veterinary specialists come to the Atlantic provinces, innovative treatments like stem cell transplants will become more common.
Hope for a Cure
The Washington veterinarian performing the procedure stated that bone marrow or stem cell transplantation has a higher success rate at achieving complete remission compared to other treatments and, in some cases, may even result in a cure. Burgoyne is optimistic about Lucy’s prognosis and hopes for a successful outcome.
Community Support and Advocacy
Gauvin and MacIsaac have been actively seeking potential stem cell donors for Lucy by sending test kits to veterinarians working with families who believe their dogs may be a match. They have received an overwhelming response from people in multiple provinces and the U.S., emphasizing the strong bond between humans and their pets.
Testimonials of Success
Lorna Welde, whose dog Galaxie underwent the same stem cell transplant procedure in 2018, shared how the treatment saved her dog’s life and allowed him to return to normalcy. She now advocates for other families facing similar situations, providing guidance on pet insurance, fundraising, and available grants to cover treatment costs.
Welde’s experience underscores the importance of spreading awareness about the effectiveness and safety of stem cell transplants for dogs with lymphoma, offering hope to pet owners facing difficult decisions.
Conclusion
Lucy’s journey highlights the unwavering bond between humans and their pets, showcasing the lengths people are willing to go to save their beloved companions. With advancements in veterinary medicine, innovative treatments like stem cell transplants are offering new hope for pets battling serious illnesses.
FAQ
What is the success rate of stem cell transplants for dogs with lymphoma?
According to the Washington veterinarian performing the procedure, stem cell transplants have a higher success rate at achieving complete remission compared to other treatments and may even result in a cure in some cases.
How can pet owners find potential stem cell donors for their dogs?
Pet owners can reach out to veterinarians, breeders, and online communities to seek potential stem cell donors for their dogs. Test kits can be sent to veterinarians to conduct blood tests on potential donor dogs to determine compatibility.