Mass on dog’s spleen may be malignant tumor
QAn emergency room vet found a large, round, solid mass on the spleen of our 13-year-old retriever mix dog. The vet recommended that the spleen be removed. The vet also said an ultra- sound biopsy was not a good idea. We were told the possibilities include malignancy, a benign mass or even an infected abscess. Is it worth pursuing the surgery to remove the spleen at this time given her age? We want to do the right thing for her but also don’t want to put her through unnecessary procedures this late in her life.
AGiven what you have described, I would say there is a good likelihood that your dog has a tumor on the spleen called a hemangiosarcoma.
This blood-based tumor is commonly found in older, larger dogs. The symptoms include weakness, shortness of breath and pale gums. Additionally, one often sees a distended abdomen if the mass has ruptured and there is bleeding into the abdomen. It sounds as if your dog’s splenic mass has not yet ruptured or it might have bled slowly and intermittently. While it is entirely possible that the mass is benign, if all else seems good, I would suggest you consider operating to remove the spleen now rather than later.
With what I have presented, know that if the biopsy of the removed spleen comes back positive for what I have described, then she may only have up to three months to live and up to six months with chemotherapy. Hemangiosarcoma is an aggressive form of cancer, and when affecting the spleen, the liver is often involved as well through metastasis. I suspect that the vet recommended against a biopsy because of the risk of bleeding. Ultimately you will need to make a decision based on what you are comfortable with, knowing the possibilities. Perhaps she only has a benign mass, but only surgery and a subsequent biopsy will give you the straight answer.
Good luck!