[GemBem]

Recently (12 days ago) my Ebony a Flat coated retriever collapsed, after the vet not turning up for half an hour we got her into the surgery, the vet seemed to be panicking because he couldn't get the needle in her leg to get fluids into her, after half an hour of trying he offered to put her to sleep, I was in total shock ...his brother turned up and got the line into her straight away she was on fluids for the night and had improved in the morning, he had done blood tests which proved she was severely anemic, and wanted to operate to see what was going on in there, I wasn't happy with this and moved her out of this vets to my previous one whom I should have never left. He has done numerous tests and ex rays which have shown nothing, although the only thing he did find was a swollen area where her teats are...ya know...the mummy tummy bit, but this has gone down now. Yesterday the vet called me to say her bloods were nearly up to normal, platelets were still a bit low but rising. He said there is something showing to do with the spleen in the blood results.... I didn't really take it all in and didn't understand. My baby is still resting in her cage, just finished her anti biotic tablets and waiting for a phone call to see whats going on. If this is a spleen problem what is the outcome if it has to be removed...There is so much to read on the internet, I am well out of my depth.

[Marc]

The spleen is a reservoir of blood that is believed to be used to help fight off infection. In today's more sterile world, this organ is not nearly as necessary as it once was. Humans and mammal pets can do very well without their spleen. The only precaution you need to take is be a little extra careful if your dog gets sick (maybe don't let them out as much) and make sure that any wounds are dressed immediately.

[Marc]

P.S. - I should have clarified, if the spleen has been ruptured or infected and must be removed, it has to be done surgically. I don't want people to think this is something that can go away on its own.

[GemBem]

Hi everyone, sadly Ebony collapsed again yesterday morning, we rushed her into the vets and she was put on a different drip for fluids, apparently the one they put her on the first time diluted the blood so it was harder to see where the bleed was coming from. I got a call about an hour after getting home, the vet said they had found the bleed and my baby had a large tumor at the base of her heart and he was pretty sure she had it in the spleen as-well. We was told there really wasn't anything they could do for her and the kindest thing would be to put her to sleep.
So...me and the boys went over to the vets and we got to spend a little time with her, she was waging her tail and walking about..like as normal, she picked her lead up and looked at us like ..so...were going now. I asked the vet to explain what was going on again so the boys new we were doing this for a very good reason, they both nodded at me...she died in my arms very peacefully. The vet assured me that they would look after her until she was cremated.
We got home and I hung her lead up on her picture that we had done at crufts in 2005, together we won best gamekeeping team and best dressed in the BASC section of crufts....Baby you will always be missed...I love you xxxxxx

[cherylmartin]

I am so sorry for your recent loss. Take comfort in knowing that at The Rainbow Bridge there is no more pain, no more discomfort. My Jasmine was there to open the gates.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Hugs.

[Marc]

I am so sorry. Words can't describe the way we feel when we lose our canine children.

[GemBem]

Thank you everyone for your kind words, I am hurting right now but I know it will get better in time.

Regards

Joanne xxxxx