Rainbow Bridge is calling

[No415]

My first time posting and I'm in absolute bits. Ended up at the emergency vet last night as our dog didn't seem quite right. Ultrasound revealed a mass on his spleen and internal bleeding. He's under observation until our regular vet opens on Friday but it doesn't look good. He's 12 so we really need to weigh up our options. This little guy is my everything....
Anybody dealt with spleen issues? How do you know when it's time?

I'm so very sorry OP. I have no advice on spleen issues but can tell you that our lovely, kind vet helped us know when it was time. We already knew in our hearts really because we knew our beloved dog so well (as I'm sure you do your darling boy), but the vet gently reassured us we'd absolutely made the right decision which was very comforting.

Thanks BohoGarden. I think deep down I know it's time, it's just so hard, especially when it's sudden, but I'll fight for him as long as needs it.

Hi OP, this happened to our 14 year old dog. Once diagnosed we were advised to pts as soon as possible as there is a risk that the mass can rupture and cause a distressing situation for both our dog and us. We had a vet come out to put her to sleep that afternoon, very peacefully.
I'm sorry that’s probably not what you want to hear and hopefully the situation is not as dire for you but I thought I should share a worst case scenario x

Well, if you want to fight for him and have the ability to pay the bills and your dog has a mass on the spleen you go ahead with surgery, have the spleen removed before he bleeds out internally. A lot of splenic masses are haemangiomas...as in benign. Some are haemangiosarcomas as in malignant/ cancerous. This cant be determined until after lab results of tissue of the abnormality. If it is malignant then the prognosis will be poor. ( ideally a chest x ray before surgery too) if its benign he will be as good as new if he survives the anaesthesia. If he is already bleeding internally you dont have lots of time to decide.
Either surgery now or euthanasia now.

Peronally if my dog was 12 i'd do the surgery. Then deal with results afterwards. But everyone is different and all dogs, ownera and situations are different. No judgement as we are all individuals with our owne opinions and all are valid! Sending love and good luck

Ah OP, I am so sorry.

What I'd do would depend on his general health, his breed and life expectancy. If he was a breed expected to make 16 or even older, I'd go for surgery, if he was a breed already at the "top end", I would let him go peacefully

Thank you all for your comments. He seems to be doing a little better today, they gave him some medicine to combat the bleeding until we can get him to the vet tomorrow. The emergency vet said he would need surgery but they don't stock blood so didn't feel comfortable doing it in case there were any complications.
Thankfully we have great pet insurance, it'll cover 80% of the costs after our small deductible.

Other than this, he's in perfect health which is why this has been a complete shock. He's a mixed breed, rescue, but he's primarily whippet so he's still got a few years life expectancy. We'll just have to see what the vet says tomorrow and stay positive.

I@No415i dont own a dog but i jave done in the past im gutted for you

Wishing you and your beloved dog well op. Hoping he can get the surgery tomorrow and that sorts the issue. Everything tightly crossed here for him.

I am so sorry this is happening, but you will know when it’s time. Age is just a number and for some of mine at 12 yrs old, I’d have gone balls out to save them, because they weren’t “old” and were otherwise fit and well. For others, they were “old” and I wouldn’t put them through it. He is your beloved boy, you know him best. You’ll know.

Thank you for all the kind words! He had surgery to remove his spleen yesterday which was a success! He's currently curled up next to me poking me with his cone of shame! Spleen has been sent for biopsy, should know the results in a week. Vet did a thorough exam and said he looked great otherwise.

Aw I'm glad the op went okay - fingers crossed you get good news :)

Amazing news op!

Glad he got through surgery OK. Everything crossed that it's benign and that you'll have lots more time with him.