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Thread: spleen mass

  1. #1
    Puppy
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    spleen mass

    my boy has just turned 11 years old.
    about two months ago he went for his routine 6 month check up. all tests came back fine except his white blood cell count was elevated. the vet suggested starting him on leukeran (chlorambucil)- to help get his levels back down and prednisone to help with any sort of nausea that he might experience from the leukeran. thank god, his numbers were going back down and headed in the right direction.

    after having getting results from his last blood test some of his liver enzymes seemed off. the vet performed an ultrasound. the results showed a mass on his spleen and two suspicious looking growths- one on his liver and one on his lung. (the masses were not biopsied but stats show likely not in his favor) the vet presented us with our options and as a family we are trying to decide what is the best for our boy. we are planning to take him to an oncologist to see if we can devise a specialized treatment plan to help our boy. i think perhaps the only positive is that we know about the mass on the spleen ahead of time and can address any sort of symptoms he may have- we know what to look for.

    he is 11 and we do not want him to experience any pain. we want to make sure he maintains his quality of life. he is happy and playful. he has an excellent appetite and is constantly barking up a storm (like usual).

    ive done a lot of research and reading online. and while i know i will never know as much as a vet im looking for just some practical advice/ experiences from all of you. he is the absolute light of our lives and we want him to be comfortable but we also want to do whatever we can within our power to help him (again within what is fair for him, we will not be selfish).

    a lot of reading shows that prognosis is bleak- but i have heard some miracle/success stories.
    any kind thoughts or past experiences would be welcomed.

  2. #2
    Senior Dog labsnewfy's Avatar
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    I am so sorry to hear this about your boy.

    My Coleman had a mass coming off his spleen - the doctors wanted us to do chemo which would give him maybe 6 months to a year depending. It would have meant driving him 2 hours one way for is initial treatment a couple times a week. We opted not to do chemo - kept our boy home with us and managed his pain level. We had Coleman for seven more months he passed 4 months before his 11th birthday.

    All I can say is keep do what you are doing it is all about the quality of life.
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  3. #3
    Best Friend Retriever Java's Avatar
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    I'm also sorry to hear this news about your boy.

    Quote Originally Posted by labsnewfy View Post
    ...All I can say is keep do what you are doing it is all about the quality of life.
    I echo this.

  4. #4
    Real Retriever amyb's Avatar
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    I am so sorry...
    DOGS ROCK!!!

  5. #5
    Senior Dog
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    Welcome to the board...I wish you were here for a more positive reason.

    I have no medical advice to give but I'm sending tons of good thoughts your way. For me, also, quality of life is paramount...if we can spare our furred family members unnecessary pain and fear, that's what we do.

    from this stranger. This sort of thing is never easy to deal with but this time of year makes it even harder, I think.

  6. #6
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    I am so sorry to hear about your boy.

    I understand that a mass on the spleen can be malignant or benign...but either way, if the mass ruptures, the dog can bleed out.

    Has your Vet suggested surgery to remove the spleen?

  7. #7
    Senior Dog POPTOP's Avatar
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    Hello and Welcome. Sure wish it were for a better reason. So sorry for your boy and you. Sending lots of lab board mojo - it's very powerful stuff.
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  8. #8
    Puppy
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    Thank you all for your positive thoughts and well wishes. This time of year certainly makes it much more difficult. Our vet mentioned surgery but he is an older guy so it puts him at greater risk I suppose for not pulling through the surgery. I'm hoping the oncologist will shed some light. I am not sure about prognosis or success rate of surgery if it's done while he is stable and prior to (God forbid) a bleed.

    I am so thankful I have found this community of Labrador lovers.

  9. #9
    Senior Dog janedoe's Avatar
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    I just went through something like this with our Argos when he was 12 1/2. This is so hard. All of my good thoughts.

  10. #10
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    Thank you all. It is difficult to remain positive but he is happy and loving.

 



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