+ Bundy’s Brave Journey – B-Cell Lymphoma
Extranodal B-cell lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates outside of the lymph nodes, often affecting organs such as the spleen, liver, and in some cases, the spinal cord. When this lymphoma compresses the lumbar spinal cord, it can lead to significant neurological symptoms, including partial or complete paralysis in the hind limbs.
At BVSC, we treated Bundy, a seven and a half year old Maremma sheep dog with the unusual diagnosis of extranodal B-cell lymphoma that caused compression of the lumbar spinal cord and resulted in pelvic limb paralysis. Bundy suddenly lost function in his back legs. The surgical team at VSS decompressed the spinal cord with a procedure called a laminectomy but were unable to remove all the tumour. Then, utilizing the advanced treatment technique of Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) using our TrueBeam linear accelerator, the team at BVSC were able to effectively target the remaining tumour. VMAT allowed us to minimise radiation exposure to the sensitive and essential spinal cord while targeting the cancer inaccessible at surgery.
VMAT is a highly precise form of radiation therapy that delivers radiation beams in a continuous arc, optimising the dose to the tumour and significantly enhancing treatment outcomes. Lymphoma is particularly sensitive to radiation, and VMAT allowed us to provide a targeted and effective solution for Bundy. The response to treatment was remarkable. Six months after treatment this forty plus kilogram gentle giant is back to normal function with no side effects from his radiation and is in complete remission.
Bundy undergoing radiation therapy treatment (VMAT)
Bundy at BVSC with nurse Maddie
Extranodal B-cell lymphoma’s sensitivity to radiation therapy makes it a highly treatable cancer, and modern radiation techniques like VMAT can offer significant benefits in controlling tumour growth and improving quality of life for affected pets while avoiding radiation injury to normal tissues. Bundy also completed a CHOP chemotherapy protocol with the medical oncologists to address any cancer cells in the rest of his body since lymphoma can be a systemic disease. The addition of chemotherapy is to give him the best shot to enjoy his life with his loving family for as long as possible.
+ Bundy’s Mum wanted to share this note she wrote just before Bundy’s treatment finished
“My experience has been distressing, challenging and scary, as Bundy is my heart pet (shhhh, pls don’t tell my 2 other dogs, 2 cats & 3 chickens – they’ll be heartbroken that they are not my heart pets). When rushing Bundy to AES when he became paralysed, I truly did not expect a lymphoma diagnosis. Initially, we thought that it was IVDD and, with our pet insurance excluding this disease, we were facing the difficult decision of diagnosis & treatment costs vs. the unthinkable. Cost aside, we pushed ahead with a CT scan to find that he had a mass impacting his spinal cord. This was bittersweet news, as it meant that our pet insurance would cover treatment, but we were probably dealing with a more serious illness. On confirmation that it was lymphoma I became a zealot in learning everything I could about case studies, treatments and prognoses.
I knew we were in for the fight of our lives, but Bundy was only 7.5 yrs old. He deserved everything that we could do for him, especially given his history. He came to us when he was 4.5yrs old, from an unknown past, including abuse and neglect. He was broken in every sense of the word, weighing less than 30kg and feared everything (he now weighs approx. 44kg). On seeing his Council Pound photos my heart broke for him. I reached out and offered to foster him for a local Maremma Rescue group. He was my first foster dog and of course, my first foster fail. My wish for him is to know what it is like to be loved unconditionally by humans, so that he is confident to show his quirky and fun Maremma side. We are getting there, but he needs more time to enjoy life, which is why I didn’t give up on him re his Lymphoma diagnosis.
My approach to supporting him through his Lymphoma chemotherapy journey has been:
- Changed his diet to complete and balanced home cooked meals – he now eats better than us!
- Incorporated alternative therapies, such as Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs
- A full course of long form Radiation (VMAT), as we were fortunate that Bundy’s Lymphoma appeared to be localised in his spinal region, making radiation possible (thanks to Rod and the team at BVSC)
The journey has been rocky and, at times, I felt like we were fighting a losing battle. Every single week I’ve questioned whether I’ve done the right thing in putting Bundy through this treatment. Unfortunately, Bundy has not handled Chemo very well, with lots of side effects and hospital stays when he was too sick for me to manage at home. It has not been easy and has required lots of patience, googling and talking with each of the vet & care specialists supporting Bundy, enabling us to fine tune his treatment plan. Now that we are almost finished his treatment, I can’t wait for Bundy to start enjoying life again.
Throughout the last month, there have been glimpses of a new Bundy, where he is bouncy, happy and cheeky. He is even showing interest in wanting to play with us and our other dogs. This is a miracle, as this was never Bundy’s nature prior to his diagnosis. I have hope that Bundy will make a full recovery and I’m optimistic that he will be in our lives for much longer than statistics say. After all, he is a unique dog, with a rare diagnosis – who’s to say that he can’t be the odds and shine bright for a few years to come.”
