Atlantic Animal Hospital is pleased to introduce our Companion Animal of the Month of May... Sammy Walters. He owns Lynette, Nick, and Daniel Walters. Sammy is a Chihuahua mix that was found wandering around Holly Hill at seven weeks old. He approached Lynette and knew that she was the human for him. Nine years later, Sammy has a very special relationship with his humans and canine siblings. His sister, Sally, is an eight year-old Terrier mix and his new little brother, Reggie, is a ten month-old Schnauzer mix. Lynette describes Sammy as loving, headstrong, and very smart. When she calls out for one of her sons, Sammy will chime in and howl until she is answered. His favorite activities include sitting on the front porch watching people pass by, and taking long walks in the evening with Lynette.
In January of 2008, Sammy began sneezing and experiencing nosebleeds. After doing blood tests, x-rays, a culture of his nasal passages, and a CT scan, it was determined that Sammy had developed a tumor in his nasal sinus cavity. A biopsy of the tissue showed it to be nasal adenocarcinoma. Radiation treatments were administered by a veterinary oncologist (cancer specialist). Nasal tumors often respond well to radiation therapy as this offers the best prognosis and longest survival times when compared to other cancer treatments.
Radiation therapy for companion animals is the same as used for humans. A CT scan or MRI is performed to determine the exact location of the tumor. Remaining motionless during this treatment is crucial, so the companion animal is anesthetized to ensure that he does not move. Then, a beam of radiation is focused directly on the tumor and destroys the cancer cells. Radiation can affect both normal, healthy cells and cancer cells but is designed to have maximum effect on the tumor and minimal impact on the healthy tissue; however, it does have side effects that are both short term and long term. Acute, short term effects can be hair loss at the site and a skin irritation very similar to a sunburn. Long term effects can be dry-eye, tissue damage, or neurological problems.
Sammy did develop dry-eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). This is treated with an ointment called Optimmune (Cyclosporine) to help increase his own tear production, and supplemental artificial tears. Keeping Sammy's eye properly lubricated plays an important role in warding off any possible infections or eye ulcers. In addition to the nasal adenocarcinoma, Sammy also developed a sebaceous carcinoma-- a cancer of the oil glands in the skin-- on his left ear flap. Radiation could not be repeated so this carcinoma is being managed with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with anti-cancer properties called Piroxicam.
Although the radiation did initially put Sammy's cancer into remission, he relapsed in December 2008. The oncologist estimated that he only had until January, but Sammy is very strong. Four months later, he is still enjoying playing "pit boss" at the Laundromat and watching the dryers spin around and around. Lynette says that Sammy has been a gift to her and her sons. He brings a smile to everyone's face and his courage inspires us all.
--Written by Jennifer Liggett (Client Advocate)
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