From:
s.m.owens@rogers.com
Date: 2005-03-17 00:10:49 UTC
Subject: Enlarged spleen - complicated, need input
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <5451196.1111018249809.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
Hi everyone.
My 4 1/2 year old was taken to the vet this evening because I noticed her spleen has gotten significantly larger over the last 3 months. It started shortly after she tore a ligament in her leg, which ended up healing quickly. My vet rates spleen sizes from 1-3, with 3 being the largest. Tootsie's a 3. She's going in for bloodwork and xrays tomorrow morning, but here's where it get's complicated.
She's asthmatic and it's now taking up enough space where it's impacting her breathing and mobility (ie: no longer even attempts to jump up on anything). I'm extremely concerned about her being under an anesthetic to have the spleen removed because of her asthma, but I also realise the spleen needs to be dealt with. I've asked my vet if a major infection of some kind could cause this, and although he didn't dismiss it entirely, he highly doubts it.
So once the bloodwork results are back, are there any values I should be focusing on that would be indicative of a mass infection? Should I push for a round of heavy duty antibiotics before making a decision on surgery? Her breathing has become a bit laboured over the last week, so it's definitely not something I can "sit" on. Any other suggestions? I'd like to avoid surgery if at all possible. It terrifies me to think about how much higher the risk of complication is from the asthma alone. I will be searching the archives to figure out what the long term effects are of having the spleen removed, but if anyone wants to jump in with their experiences in the meantime - it would be most appreciated!
Thanks in advance.
Suzanne