Home
< Case Studies Home >
go back || next >>
Notes
Cat: GC, PR Winterfrost Andromeda ("Andi")
spayed female, ebony-ticked tabby Oriental Shorthair
Type of Lymphoma:
Mediastinal lymphoma
FeLV Status:
neg
|
|
|
|
Andi's Case Study
|
next story >> |
Other Diseases/Conditions:
None (unless goofiness is a disease)
Story: Andi was diagnosed with mediastinal lymphosarcoma quickly after the onset of dyspnea (difficulty breathing) at 3 1/2 years old in November 2003. A modified version of the Wisconsin-Madison protocol using Elspar (L-aspiraginase), Oncovin (vincristine), Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide), Adriamycin (doxorubicin), methotrexate, and prednisolone was started about 5 days after her diagnosis at our regular vet. Treatments were weekly for two four-week cycles, then bi-weekly for two five-week cycles, and then tri-weekly for the remainder of the course of treatment.
After the first four treatments, she was in complete remission, though symptoms went away after the first two treatments. She sucessfully completed 18 months of chemo treatments without incident. Side effects were minimal. Minor things we noted were whisker loss, a change in coat texture (softer) and color (darker w/decreased pattern), and slow-growing fur after she was shaved for IVs.  The only semi-worrysome side effect was a minor loss of appetite during the 2-4 days following treatments. It seemed to be the most noticeable after she had Elspar and when treatments were weekly. She did lose about 2 pounds in the first 10 weeks of chemo (down to 4lb, 4oz), but she remained bright, active, and healthy even at her lowest weight. She gained the two "lost" pounds back by the end of the first bi-weekly cycle, and now easily maintains her body weight on a normal diet. Within a couple months of completing chemotherapy, her whiskers had regrown and her coat was back to its original texture and color.
Outcome: Andi is a happy, silly 5-year old girl. She is alive and well in August 2005. She's been in remission since December 2003.
- By Kelly Andi's Mom - |
|
next story >> |
|
|
Photos
Chemo Protocol Used A modified version of the Wisconsin-Madison protocol using Elspar, Oncovin, Cytoxan, Adriamycin, methotrexate, and prednisone was started about 5 days after her diagnosis at our regular vet. You can find more about these chemo drugs in the document below listed in alphabetical order [under Chemo Drugs] Chemo & Protocols [pdf].
Holistic Remedies Used
| |
