Truman

                     Survivor of Spleen Cancer

History:  Truman is a 13 and 1/2 year old neutered Pomeranian who presented to AMCLA September 9, 2010 for blood in the urine.  He hadn't eaten the night before, which was very unusual, and was panting excessively.  Truman is a longterm patient who has a chronic cough that is controlled with medication.

Physical Examination:  Truman had moderate tartar on his teeth, a medium-grade systolic  heart murmur and evidence of arthritis.  His abdomen was distended and tense upon palpation.

Diagnostics:  Abdominal radiographs revealed an abdominal mass (round structure in bottom part of abdomen. Bloodwork revealed elevated kidney values and an elevated white blood cell count.

Treatment:  Intravenous fluids, pain medications and antibiotics were administered immediately to stabilize Truman.  Exploratory surgery was then performed and his spleen was found to have a large tumor.  Since dogs can live without their spleen, it was removed.  Truman made a slow but uneventful recovery and was discharged to go home within 48 hours.

Follow-up:  The pathology report stated the tumor was a splenetic mantle cell lymphoma and that removal of the spleen was likely curative.  Truman continues to do well.  His family is so happy he survived spleen cancer surgery and are grateful for every day with him.