This week’s segment features Pup Pup the 11 year old pittie mix!! 🐾 Pup Pup came to us for lethargy, a distended abdomen, and lack of appetite. Upon examination and imaging we unfortunately found that Pup Pup had a large tumor on his spleen. Splenic tumors in dogs are unfortunately common, especially in older breeds, and they often go unnoticed until they cause serious problems. These tumors can be either benign or malignant, with hemangiosarcoma being one of the most aggressive types. In many cases, the first sign of a splenic tumor is sudden collapse due to internal bleeding. If a splenic mass is discovered during an exam or imaging, surgical removal of the spleen (splenectomy) is typically recommended. Removing the spleen can prevent a life-threatening rupture and buy valuable time, even if the tumor turns out to be cancerous. The benefits of surgery include stopping internal bleeding, reducing discomfort, and giving your dog a chance at extended quality time. On the other hand, leaving a splenic tumor untreated carries serious risks—rupture, internal hemorrhage, and sudden death. Pup Pup underwent a splenectomy and a blood transfusion and recovered well from surgery and had a wonderful quality of life post-op!! 🐾🐕