Spleen Removal

Toffoc

My step daughter's dog has been quite poorly this week and deteriorated further today. She took him to the Vet and following various tests it transpires he has a large tumor on his spleen. He has been booked for a splenectomy tomorrow and has been kept overnight in the clinic and is on a drip.
I've tried to do some reasearch regarding this but there seems to be conflicting information as to how successful this operation is likely to be.
Any information from someone who has been in a similar position would be much appreciated.

musogirl295

Hi,

I have some experience with this. I had a 13 year old labrador who we discovered had a football sized tumor on his spleen. When the vet gave us our options he said that at his age the chance of surviving the operation was slim, so I guess this would depend on the size of the tumor and the age and general health of the dog.

Our boy had the op and surprised everybody with how well he was doing. We brought him home a couple of days later and while he was obviously still very poorly he seemed much happier. Unfortunately the second night he was back he had what we think was a heart attack in our garden and died. We assume that it was the stress of the operation.

Sorry I couldn't tell you a better story but I think there are probably quite a few different factors as to how successful the op would be and I wish you the best for your daughters dog.

elliesmemory1

my 10 year old gsd had this op, she was very poorly. Had the op and came home two days later. sadly had to be rushed back to vets as she collapsed. Nothing the vet could do and she had to be put to sleep.
this is a very big op and a lot dont come through it, however some do make a good recovery. hope yours is one of them.

Toffoc

Thank you for your replies. Unfortunately this is what I'd read when researching this. She's going ahead with this so all I can do is pray that it goes ok.

muckybutt

We lost our first GSD through a spleen tumour, likewise we did a lot of research before we made a decision and because the odds were seriously stacked against her making a full recovery we made the decision to euthanaise her.
6 years and shes still missed

Millie2008_2

We lost our first GSD through a spleen tumour, likewise we did a lot of research before we made a decision and because the odds were seriously stacked against her making a full recovery we made the decision to euthanaise her.

This.

I was under the impression that once the tumour is established in the spleen, it's likely that it has spread elsewhere and I couldn't have put my GSD through the op with this risk in mind, so much as it tore my heart out, I opted for PTS. The other deciding factor for me was her age (10.5)

That said, tactless b*tch of a vet (once I'd had her PTS) turned around and said "we often successfully operate on them though" Thankfully my decision would have remained as it was, but I don't get why she said it then. But it might mean there is some hope for your step daughter's dog

elliesmemory1

I dont think, knowing what i do now that I would put another dog through this op. At the time I was given 10mins to decide to operate or put to sleep. She was a much loved part of the family and I wanted to do the best for her. However, in hindsight it would have been better to let her go.
I still miss her.

mtbbuxton

I'd like to offer a positive experience of spleen removal. My 8 year old whippet had this surgery almost 3 months ago and has made a full recovery from the procedure. Scans revealed multiple tumours on her spleen and as the options were PTS, wait for them to rupture and watch her die, or surgery, we went with the surgery. The 24 hours immediately after surgery were horrendous and despite very strong pain relief, she was extremely unhappy and uncomfortable. However, the rate of recovery in the following 5 days was amazing. Thankfully, the tumours were benign, so we've not has to worry about spread or further complications.
It's a huge operation, BUT it is possible for dogs to survive and have as good a quality of life for many more years.

I hope everything went well today and that he recovers well.

M x

Millie2008_2

Thanks for sharing that mtbbuxton, it's really good to hear a positive experience, I am pleased your whippet did so well

zaksmum

Sadly I also lost my last dog to a spleen tumour. My vet said at the time that they could operate, but at best he'd only have a couple of months more to live - and that was IF he made it through the op.

Hope your dog has a better outlook, OP