McKinley's Story

Blue Heeler, 11 years old

In May 2007, McKinley developed a dry cough, followed by lethargy, decreased appetite, and weight loss. X-rays and ultrasound of his chest cavity revealed a large mass in the front of his chest. A subsequent biopsy of the mass revealed it was mediastinal lymphoma, a particularly aggressive form of lymphoma. McKinley presented to Dr. Tobin with hypercalcemia (increased calcium levels in his blood), dehydration, severe lethargy and weakness. Dr. Tobin suggested starting McKinley on IV fluids and initiating chemotherapy immediately.

Lymphoma is a form of cancer that can be controlled in many dogs with chemotherapy. The average dog with lymphoma that is

managed with chemotherapy survives approximately one year, with 20% of the dogs surviving to two years. While on chemotherapy, most dogs have an excellent quality of life.

McKinley’s prognosis was poorer than average due to the severity of his clinical illness; in addition, his elevated blood calcium and the form of lymphoma he had were poor prognostic indicators. McKinley had a rapid response to chemotherapy. Within days of his first treatment, he was eating well and was more energetic. Follow-up chest x-rays performed one month after McKinley started chemotherapy showed his mediastinal mass had decreased in size by 75%. Although McKinley was responding very well to chemotherapy (he appeared to be normal!), his long-term prognosis remained poor. After consultation with Dr. Julianna Cyman at the Portland Veterinary Oncology Center, the decision was made to treat McKinley with both chemotherapy and radiation to try to prolong his long term survival. This combination approach has not been well studied in dogs.

Over the next six months, McKinley was managed with chemotherapy (Wisconsin protocol). He also received five radiation treatments directed at the front of his chest cavity. Throughout his treatment course, McKinley has not shown any significant side-effects. He continues his normal activities, including romping at the beach!

After completing his initial chemotherapy protocol in December, McKinley’s owners decided to continue him on every-other-week chemotherapy for three additional cycles. His family reports that McKinley appears to enjoy coming to CVRC for his treatments – he greets the client care coordinators in front before trotting on back for his treatment! We look forward to Mac’s visits. At this time, McKinley has had his mediastinal lymphoma in remission for one year. We hope his remission will continue!


	McKinley's Story Blue Heeler, 11 years old In May 2007, McKinley developed a dry cough, followed by lethargy, decreased appetite, and weight loss. X-rays and ultrasound of his chest cavity revealed a large mass in the front of his chest. A subsequent biopsy of the mass revealed it was mediastinal lymphoma, a particularly aggressive form of lymphoma. McKinley presented to Dr. Tobin with hypercalcemia (increased calcium levels in his blood), dehydration, severe lethargy and weakness. Dr. Tobin suggested starting McKinley on IV fluids and initiating chemotherapy immediately. Lymphoma is a form of cancer that can be controlled in many dogs with chemotherapy. The average dog with lymphoma that is managed with chemotherapy survives approximately one year, with 20% of the dogs surviving to two years. While on chemotherapy, most dogs have an excellent quality of life. McKinley’s prognosis was poorer than average due to the severity of his clinical illness; in addition, his elevated blood calcium and the form of lymphoma he had were poor prognostic indicators. McKinley had a rapid response to chemotherapy. Within days of his first treatment, he was eating well and was more energetic. Follow-up chest x-rays performed one month after McKinley started chemotherapy showed his mediastinal mass had decreased in size by 75%. Although McKinley was responding very well to chemotherapy (he appeared to be normal!), his long-term prognosis remained poor. After consultation with Dr. Julianna Cyman at the Portland Veterinary Oncology Center, the decision was made to treat McKinley with both chemotherapy and radiation to try to prolong his long term survival. This combination approach has not been well studied in dogs. Over the next six months, McKinley was managed with chemotherapy (Wisconsin protocol). He also received five radiation treatments directed at the front of his chest cavity. Throughout his treatment course, McKinley has not shown any significant side-effects. He continues his normal activities, including romping at the beach! After completing his initial chemotherapy protocol in December, McKinley’s owners decided to continue him on every-other-week chemotherapy for three additional cycles. His family reports that McKinley appears to enjoy coming to CVRC for his treatments – he greets the client care coordinators in front before trotting on back for his treatment! We look forward to Mac’s visits. At this time, McKinley has had his mediastinal lymphoma in remission for one year. We hope his remission will continue!

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