Dear Dr. John,
We have two dogs,12 and 14. A few years ago, we were informed by our veterinarian that both had masses on their spleens. We chose not to do surgery due to the costs and possible outcomes given what we were told.
In the last week, our 14-year-old Retriever has had bouts of shortness of breath and weakness almost to the point of collapse. However, he always seems to recover after half a day or an evening of rest. At what point should he be seen given the presenting signs? Do you think we are nearing the end? A.H.
Dear A.H.,
It is peculiar that two dogs in the same home have splenic masses, but I believe it to just be an unfortunate circumstance.
I can often diagnose a dog with a bleed from the spleen based on presenting signs of shortness of breath or heavy panting, weakness or collapse, and pale mucous membranes. These often lead me to perform abdominocentesis, which is drawing fluid from a distended abdomen that is filled with blood. An abdominal radiograph can confirm an enlarged spleen with masses. Masses on the spleen can be either benign or malignant. Retrievers are known to have splenic hemangiosarcomas which are highly malignant tumors.
The description of what you are noticing suggests that there is bleeding associated with one or more masses and that the bleeding stops based on buildup of abdominal blood or laying or the side that would put pressure on the bleed, both of which would cause the bleeding to stop temporarily.
The choice on when to have him seen is entirely up to you but I suspect that you may not want to wait until he cannot even get up anymore and does not rally from one of the episodes.
He may well be nearing the end. If the mass(es) are benign then he may have more time. Should there be a malignancy, especially with possible metastases, most of these dogs do not live long even if owners pursue surgery to buy time since it is not usually more than a few months. Good luck with a tough situation.
Dr. John de Jong is President of the World Veterinary Association. He owns and operates the Boston Mobile Veterinary Clinic and can be reached at 781-899-9994.