Allie and Dakota

You can find Allie and Dakota at the Tranquility Veterinary Clinic every Wednesday morning. Although they’re obviously not biologically related, they do have a lot in common. Both Allie and Dakota are battling lymph node cancer, also called lymphoma.

Lymphoma is one of the most common types of cancer affecting dogs. Typically the first sign an owner will notice is “lumps” (enlarged lymph nodes) in the neck, under the front legs or behind the knees. Some dogs will also have some difficulty breathing or swallowing and sometimes have a decreased appetite. Unfortunately, dogs with lymphoma typically live only 1-3 months after diagnosis with no treatment. Like Allie and Dakota, dogs receiving chemotherapy for lymphoma will often have a great quality of life and live an average of 6 months to 2 years or longer.

Allie is the happiest beagle around! Her tail is constantly wagging and she always brings a smile to everyone’s face. Although she is only 3.5 years old, Dr. Hewitt diagnosed Allie with lymphoma in April 2009. She remained in remission until March 2010, when her lymphoma relapsed. Allie is currently almost half way through her second course of chemotherapy and is doing great and continues to remain in remission. Allie is a wonderful patient and is certainly a favorite of all the staff at Tranquility Veterinary Clinic. Every week Allie runs into the exam room and immediately demands a belly rub and attention from everyone that walks by! Dr. Hewitt, the staff and Allie’s owner are thrilled with her progress and hope for many more happy, tail-wagging years ahead!

Dakota is full of life when he walks through the door every Wednesday morning at Tranquility Veterinary Clinic. He eagerly greets everyone he sees and is constantly on the move. Dakota is a 6.5 years old Labrador retriever that was diagnosed with lymphoma in February of 2010. There are three different chemotherapy drugs that are used to treat his lymphoma. He is currently more that half way through his 20 week protocol and doing great. There have been very little complications with his treatment and he enjoys an excellent quality of life at home with his family. His cancer is currently in complete remission. Every week Dr. Christensen and the staff at Tranquility Veterinary Clinic look forward to seeing Dakota. All the staff wished him luck with the rest of his treatment.