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Thread: spleen mass

  1. #11
    House Broken SoSiouxme's Avatar
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    My first lab, Satchel, had a mass on his spleen when he was 11 years old. I opted to have the surgery as the vet told me that eventually it would rupture and he would bleed out. The vet explained that it likely would not be painful for Satchel, as he would just get extremely fatigued as his blood would be pumping into a void and he would just collapse. But the vet told me that if I saw it, it would likely be very traumatic for me. I understood that the vet could not biopsy the mass without surgery and that it could be (but was unlikely to be) benign. The plan was to perform the splenectomy and remove the spleen (and the mass) and to biopsy it. The vet was going to look for other masses or signs of cancer. If the vet got into the surgery and it was obviously cancer and obviously little hope going forward, he would be put down on the table. The vet said that if they removed the mass and it was cancer, I could expect 3-6 months, but they would be relatively good quality months and I could monitor his decline and make decisions without worrying that the mass could rupture and he could bleed out at any time. I was willing (and fortunately had the means) to do the surgery as how he died was almost as important to me as how he lived. I did not want my dog dying in front of me as I stood by helpless.

    I got lucky. Satchel's mass was benign. The surgery was curative and I got two more years out of my beautiful boy. The mass weighed 8 lbs and he was a much happier dog with that mass out of his gut.

    I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you. I know where you are and it's not a nice place. You will make the best decision for your furry friend. And we'll support you.

    Cheers,

    Sioux

  2. The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to SoSiouxme For This Useful Post:

    annkie (02-09-2017), Berna (12-26-2016), SunDance (12-25-2016)

  3. #12
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    I am so appreciative of this post, your kind thoughts, and for sharing this story about your beautiful lab. I feel I must do something for him- and what you have said about how they live being equally as important as how they die is extremely true. I feel I must do anything/ everything I can to help him and make him comfortable.
    Having to stand by helpless or worse not be there in his final moments would absolutely ruin me. I hope the oncologist will provide some insight and maybe a bit of hope. My boy, Zach, is such a precious boy- full of light and love and has given me years of encouragement and positivity. He deserves everything I can do that will maintain his quality of life and give him the best chance

  4. #13
    Senior Dog Berna's Avatar
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    No experience, just wanted to send good thoughts for your boy and hugs to you.
    Cookie Black Snowflake
    July 12th, 2006. - May 25th, 2023.

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  5. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by lid207 View Post
    I am so appreciative of this post, your kind thoughts, and for sharing this story about your beautiful lab. I feel I must do something for him- and what you have said about how they live being equally as important as how they die is extremely true. I feel I must do anything/ everything I can to help him and make him comfortable.
    Having to stand by helpless or worse not be there in his final moments would absolutely ruin me. I hope the oncologist will provide some insight and maybe a bit of hope. My boy, Zach, is such a precious boy- full of light and love and has given me years of encouragement and positivity. He deserves everything I can do that will maintain his quality of life and give him the best chance
    You have Lab Board mojo on your side...we're here with you.

  6. #15
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    Thank you all❤️

  7. #16
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    im at the vet with my Zach. He had an episode this morning. We have him his sedative for his scheduled biopsy. But shortly after he tried to get up and he collapsed. We are at the vet faced with the dreaded hemangiosarcoma word and the decision of whether or not to take out his spleen. The vet didn't notice any free fluid in his abdomen his gums were just slightly pale which warranted the concern about bleeding. But now we are faced with the decision. The vet feels it's hemangiosarcoma because he has two mets on the liver. But we cannot find what caused this episode. I am lost at what to do. My brother and I feel if it comes to it we should take his spleen out- the benefits outweigh the risk

  8. #17
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    Good thoughts are with you and Zach for the best possible outcome.

  9. #18
    Senior Dog smartrock's Avatar
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    I'm so sorry you are facing this today. I hope the vet can help you sort out the best course of action. My thoughts are with you all, especially Zach.

  10. #19
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    They aren't reccomending any sort of surgery. We have to leave him at the vet for today until 5. We will see if he perks up by then. But if not I will need to say goodbye to my big beautiful boy.

  11. #20
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    He was fine yesterday I don't understand

 



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