My 10-year-old Weimaraner has spleen cancer. Need a second opinion?

Question

I have a question about my 10 year old Weimaraner. I took her to my local vet clinic because she was very lethargic, gums and ears were pale. He checked her out and came to the conclusion that she was in false pregnancy. A week later she became so sick I didn't think she would make it through the night, so I took her back. He stuck a needle in her abdomen and found blood. He said it was her spleen and cancer. I am looking for a second opinion as to the cancer. What would you have done instead? Pet's info: Dog | Weimaraner | Female | unspayed | 10 years old | 60 lbs

Lauren Jones VMD · Accepted Answer

I'm sorry to hear that Macey is going through this. Lethargy and pale gums certainly make me suspicious that she may have been bleeding into her abdomen for the past week. The most common causes of bleeding into the abdomen are due to cancer (hemangiosarcoma is most probably on the spleen and/or liver), a hematoma (essentially a bruise that ruptures), clotting disorders, or a benign mass (these are relatively uncommon). The only definitive way to differentiate between these issues is through a surgical biopsy of the affected organ, but abdominal ultrasound can certainly raise or lower suspicions of cancer. Unfortunately, without examining Macey and seeing a pathologist review of the aspirates, I can't offer a conclusive opinion as to whether or not she may have cancer. However, odds are good that cancer is likely since she was bleeding into her abdomen. If you are questioning your vet's conclusions, I would recommend seeking a second opinion from a vet at a practice with capability for abdominal ultrasound to provide more clarity. I hope this helps and I'm sorry that you're going this.

My 10-year-old Weimaraner has spleen cancer. Need a second opinion?

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