Post Pet Hospital - Pet of the Month

This is “Chewy” Coles, she is a 15yr old mixed breed.  Her owners presented her to Post Pet Hospital in April for decreased mobility , lethargy and shortness of breath.  Dr. Grosser recommended a geriatric work up which includes bloodwork and radiographs.  We checked an in house packed cell volume due to the color of Chewy’s mucous membranes and it was 28% (normal range is 36-60).  Radiographs showed a large abdominal mass (10cm diameter) and lumbar spine spondylosis.  Dr. Grosser was concerned that her anemia was due to a bleedout caused by the tumor.  A splenectomy was recommended.

            We did Chewy’s surgery the next day after receiving her bloodwork.  We placed an IV catheter and gave IV fluids prior to surgery as well as pain medication and antibiotics.  Chewy’s spleen as well as a mass in her spleen and a draining lymph node were removed and sent to the laboratory for histopathology.  Chewy did well throughout  the surgery and recovered slowly post operatively.  We were pleased that Chewy improved each day and even more pleased when we received her histopath results. Results confirmed a splenic myelolipoma, which is a benign neoplasm usually seen in the spleen or liver.  Splenectomies are most often curative and there was no evidence of malignancy for Chewy. The lymph node that was sent to the lab exhibited moderate congestion secondary to drainage of hemorrhage from the benign splenic mass.  Chewy’s prognosis is GOOD!!