Memories From The Past: Splenic Tumors

I had the opportunity this past week to travel to my veterinary school alma mater, Auburn University for an evening event. While I was there, I walked down the halls of the old clinic where memories of the past hit me with a bit of nostalgia. I remember a class mate Keith had a medical patient escape from his arms while he was taking its temperature. When I asked Keith what was going on with the patient he was chasing around the ward, he smiled and remarked he was "seeing if the dog was running a fever”. I remember the boxing kangaroo whose gut had shut down (ileus), the Bengal tiger with lung cancer, and the Christmas break I worked in radiology rather than going home (the last before my mother passed away).

That evening, driving back to my motel on S. College Street the song "Memories" from Cats was playing on the rental car's radio station. I reflected on Friday nights 33+ years ago roaming the aisles of the Kroger Grocery store seeking free food samples.  I struggled with the declining health of my Mom at home with terminal cancer versus the point of remaining in school.

In the spring I did "stick it out" and graduate.  It has been a true pleasure to be involved in the lives of so many families and their pets. As I reflected with a client the other day, my professional career has interacted with 3 generations of their dogs

Unfortunately for many, their pet’s demise was too quick, too soon, and often unexpected. One that is too frequent is splenic cancer that ruptures, often due to a tumor called hemangiosarcoma.

What are the signs of splenic tumors?

Often there are none as the spleen, a holding organ for blood cells, can quietly grow a tumor until it starts leaking blood into the abdomen. Then the signs include depression, weakness, pale gums, and occasionally collapse.

What are the most common breeds seen with splenic masses?

Golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, and German Shepherds are the most common breeds although they can appear in any dog and mixed breeds. Other breeds include Portuguese Water Dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Flat Coated Retrievers, Boxers and Skye Terriers. It is felt that cancer is a genetic disease, although not always inherited.

Why are splenic tumors such as hemangiosarcoma so sinister?

Because there is currently no blood test to confirm this tumor is present and growing. Most commonly, dogs with this tumor are presented on emergency with radiographs and abdominal ultrasounds to confirm suspicions.

What is the life expectancy for a dog with hemangiosarcoma of the spleen assuming the cancerous spleen is removed without surgical complications?

Sadly 2 to 3 months on average due to the fact the tumor has originated from another site (skin or bone marrow for example). By the time the tumor is removed, it has spread to the liver or heart base where it will be inoperable.

Post-surgery for splenic cancers, what are some of the treatment guidelines?

Nutritional, cancer diets that are low carb and high fat, chemotherapy, metronomic therapy, and occasionally Chinese medicine are recommended.

What is being done to curb this sad disease?

The Morris animal foundation is performing a lifetime study following the health of 3000 Golden Retrievers to see if a genetic pattern can be identified.

What other tumors have been identified in the spleen of pets?

Hemangiomas, Lymphoma, and Mast Cell tumors are the most common.

The follow up question to my friend’s Golden Retriever dog is that although his father died from Lymphoma at the age of 7 yrs. (his same age) his X-rays and blood work were normal. He was back to his normal, obnoxious loving self, chasing tennis balls in 2 days.

Betsy Sigmon DVM, Diplomate American Board of Veterinary Practitioners

Hospital Director, Creature Comforts Animal Hospital