When five-year-old golden doodle, Lucy, was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma, her owners, Stéphanie Gauvin and Tim MacIsaac, were devastated. The prognosis was grim — standard treatments like chemotherapy would give Lucy a life expectancy of only six months to a year. Determined to save their beloved pet, the couple began researching alternative options, which led them to a rare and groundbreaking procedure: a stem cell transplant combined with immunotherapy.
Lucy’s owners soon discovered a veterinary clinic in Bellingham, Washington, that offers this innovative treatment for dogs. However, the procedure, which could cost up to $100,000 CAD, wasn’t financially feasible without the help of insurance and fundraising. Fortunately, Lucy’s pet insurance would cover most of the cost, but the couple still needed to find a stem cell donor that matched Lucy’s genetic profile.
“We’re reaching out on social media and contacting breeders to try and find a match for Lucy,” explained Gauvin. “It’s been a lot of work, but we’re not giving up. Every lead helps.”
The couple is working tirelessly to track down potential donor dogs, particularly from breeds like golden retrievers, poodles, and golden doodles that have ties to Willow Lane Farms in Ontario and Idaho Jewels Poodles in the U.S. Since launching their search, they’ve sent 18 blood test kits to veterinarians across multiple provinces and the U.S. to find a match. So far, the response has been overwhelming.
“People really want to help dogs,” said MacIsaac. “It’s amazing how many are reaching out to assist us in Lucy’s fight.”
Lucy is currently undergoing chemotherapy at the Cobequid Animal Hospital in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, where veterinarian Dr. Melissa Burgoyne is preparing her for the stem cell procedure. Dr. Burgoyne is also hopeful that this groundbreaking treatment, which has shown high success rates in human medicine, can be extended to pets in Canada.
“This is the future of veterinary medicine,” said Dr. Burgoyne. “In the U.S., this technology has been advancing rapidly, and it’s exciting to think about bringing it here to help more animals.”
The procedure itself, which has been successful in treating T-cell lymphoma in other dogs, offers a higher chance of remission than traditional therapies. In some cases, it may even result in a complete cure.
As Lucy’s journey continues, Gauvin and MacIsaac have turned to social media to document their experience and raise funds for the procedure. Their campaign has gained traction across Canada and the U.S., with many offering financial support or sharing their stories.
“Lucy is part of our family, and we’ll do whatever it takes to help her,” said Gauvin. “We’re so grateful to everyone who has reached out to support us.”
The procedure itself is a game-changer for many families dealing with similar diagnoses. In 2018, Lorna Welde’s dog, Galaxie, underwent the same stem cell transplant procedure at the Bellingham clinic. She attests to its effectiveness in saving her dog’s life and is now advocating for others in need of similar treatment options.
“This treatment is safe, effective, and can really change the life of a dog suffering from lymphoma,” said Welde. “I want families to know that this option is available and that it can make a huge difference.”
Source: Swifteradio.com
