Grace is a spayed female, age 10. She has a history of health problems - EPI, SIBO, some sebaceous cysts (surgical removal of one about 7 years ago), slow healing time. She has been very stable for the last 6 years or so. She eats a raw diet and is minimally vaccinated (not always the case).

Today we took her to the vet for two issues: a wound on her nose that she keeps itching on the carpet and opening back up and a hot spot on her foot.

During the exam, the vet felt a mass around her spleen and we opted to have it x-rayed. He also quickly did an ultrasound.

The mass is near the back of her spleen, approximately 8 cm according to the ultrasound.

He is recommending we remove the spleen. This was not her normal vet and we will get her in to see him ASAP for a second opinion.

This is very, very scary...I know enough about spleen tumors and cancer to be terrified for her. She is still very spunky and active...no symptoms whatsoever of anything going on like this.

I'd love anyone to share info. I'm so confused as to what would be best for her. We are awaiting bloodwork results tomorrow.

Here is the x-ray (took a pic with my cellphone, so not so great.)

http://i761.photobucket.com/albums/xx251/Dominic-Excel/DE35B566-C223-4ACA-BFB0-419F04C8FF5C-138-00000005A0239B98_zps103fc7ea.jpg

I'm so sorry.

This is the best overview I have seen:
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_splenic_masses.html

Thank you, Connie. I am just so blindsided... I will read that over.

Basically, and I will ask Dr. Betty to correct me if I'm wrong, removing the spleen is almost always the immediate protocol (because benign or not, if you scroll down to "Why are they bad," and "Benign or malignant," and "If you don't remove," you will see how dangerous the mass is).


PTS because of age or poor candidacy, age, metastasis (nose?), etc. ---- may still be something that the vet suggests considering after removal. I don't know this; I'm strictly guessing, and I'm not a health professional. I just know how dangerous a splenic mass is, and how fortunate (if that word can be used) it is that the vet found it.

All JMO, and not a professional opinion in any way.

What to do here depends upon the dog. Important in my view is how the dog handles "procedures" , and if the dog is a "young 10 yr old" or and "old 10 yr old" who suffers from other ongoing problems.
YOU are the one who decides here, a terrible burden.

Ask if the nose and foot could possibly be related before considering any surgical option.
I am very sorry that you have had this finding.

Melissa I am sorry you are having to deal with this, I really feel for you.
FWIW, I would have the spleen removed, if it were my dog.
Hang in there, and please let us know how Grace is.

I would say that Grace falls into the "young 10 year old" category, with a history of health problems primarily in her youth.

Her bloodwork was perfect...no indication of anything wrong. We have a second opinion appointment tomorrow at 4:15 and are preparing that we will likely have her spleen out early next week. Grace is doing great...no signs of anything wrong...happy and spicy as usual.

Great news on the bloodwork, it sounds like a very good start, going forward.
I will be thinking of you guys, good luck with appointment tomorrow.
Keep us updated!!

I have all fingers crossed, and will be waiting for updates!

XO/XO

Melissa, I have no advice or experience with something like this but I can certainly feel your fear, concern and worry.

And I also know that whatever the results are, she has the best possible person making decisions on her behalf.

I too hope for nothing but the best for your precious girl.