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Did missing my dog's yearly vet visit cause her tumor death?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 40 lbs

This might sound odd, but my dog passed away and I need answers. I skipped my yearly with my dog in August. In December, my dog collapsed and I rushed her to the vet. They found a tumor in her spleen. They suggested I put her to sleep due to blood work. They thought it was cancer. Would the vet have caught the tumor in August? Did I kill my dog? Did I make the right choice to euthanize even though they did not biopsy it. She was 11.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 21st, 2019

Hello. It sounds like Daisy had a splenic hemangiosarcoma, a severe type of bleeding tumor. I have been able to palpate these masses in a pet's abdomen & recommended surgery to save their lives. Some dogs do very well, others do not, & bleed to death during surgery. This cancer can also spread to the lungs & liver, & these are considered terminal cases. It is possible that this might have been caught in August, it is just impossible to say if this would have saved her life, but without surgery she was destined to die. I am so sorry for your loss. I try & emphasize to people that the yearly physical is more about making sure a pet is healthy rater than just boostering shots. This is even more important as a pet ages. I am so sorry for your loss. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 21st, 2019

    Hello. As I said earlier, if your veterinarian was able to palpate, or suspect that there was a tumor in August & if there was no metastasis to the lungs or liver at that time, & Daisy survived the surgery, she might still be here today. No one can say with certainty what might have happened if this were caught earlier. I am so sorry that this is so hard for you. We all wish we could turn back time & correct a mistake, but in this case, it may not have made a difference. Cancer has a way of sneaking up on us, & while we might voice when something is "off", pets cannot & this can be very frustrating for veterinarians & pet owners. Again, I am very sorry for your loss, but do not blame yourself. These things sometimes just happen.

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