Mason’s Diagnosis & Treatment
SEATTLE — Back in July of 2005 our dog Mason was diagnosed with Stage Vb Lymphoma. He is doing much better now and seems to be responding to his chemotherapy. It’s been an emotional ride and one I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
Here is some of the technical information regarding his diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnostic Evaluation
Mason was referred to Veterinary Specialty Center on 7/16/05 for anorexia, lethargy and fever of 2 weeks duration. On physical exam he was weak and febrile at 103.8. He did have some peripheral lymphadenopathy as well as palpable splenomegaly. Mason also had conscious proprioceptive deficits on his rear limbs. Lymph node aspirates were obtained and were suspicious of lymphoma. An abdominal ultrasound showed a large spleen with irregular architecture. Aspirates were taken of the spleen and liver and submitted for cytology. He was started on IV fluids and prednisone while awaiting the results of the cytology.
Cytology results: All results compatible with lymphoma
CBC: PCV 30%, Platelets 84,000 (normal is 200,000), Neutrophils
7920/ul, unclassified cells 990/ul – these cells appear to be blastic
in origin.
PCV on 7/19/05: 22%/TP 4.8 (normal is 30%)
Diagnosis: Stage Vb Lymphoma, anemia, paraparesis
Diagnosis Notes
Mason has been diagnosed with Stage Vb lymphoma. This stage (and
substage) of lymphoma is the most severe and carries the worst
prognosis. Median survival (50% do better and 50% do worse) of dogs
with Stage V lymphoma that receive this type of chemotherapy is 6 – 9
months. We are hopeful that Mason will respond to the chemotherapy
and do better than this number but we cannot say for sure that he
will.
Mason is on the “Lymphosarcoma Madison Short Protocol”, a six month
schedule of chemo as follows:
Week 1: Vincristine (0.5mg/m2 IV), L-asparaginase (400IU/kg SQ),
Prednisone (2mg/kg PO daily)
Week 2: Cyclophosphamide (250mg/m2 IV or PO), Prednisone (1.5mg/kg daily)
Week 3: Vincristine (0.7mg/m2 IV), Prednisone (1.0mg/kg daily)
Week 4: Doxorubicin (20mg/m2 IV), Prednisone (0.5mg/kg)
Week 6: Vincristine (0.7mg/m2)
Week 7: Cyclophosphamide (250mg/m2 IV or PO), Prednisone (0.5mg/kg day of tx)
Week 8: Vincristine (0.7mg/m2 IV)
Week 9: Doxorubicin (30mg/m2 IV)
Week 11: Vincristine (0.7mg/m2 IV)
Week 13: Cyclophosphamide (250mg/m2 IV or PO), Prednisone (0.5mg/kg day of tx)
Week 15: Vincristine (0.7mg/m2 IV)
Week 17: Lomustine (60mg/m2 PO)
Week 19: Vincristine (0.7mg/m2 IV)
Week 21: Cyclophosphamide (250mg/m2 IV or PO), Prednisone (0.5mg/kg day of tx)
Week 23: Vincristine (0.7mg/m2 IV)
Week 25: Doxoruicin (20mg/m2 IV)