Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 12/5/2009

Question
Hi there - i am unsure about what just happened - a massive tradegy - my dog had surgery with my vet to remove a splenic tumor - it weighed 12 pounds - the vet only gace a half litre of blood from his own dog saying that giving more blood would have killed the dog - but I am convinced that the dog would have survived if given more blood if the cause of death was a massive anemia - can you comment as I am desparate for some answers

Answer
Beran -

Unfortunately, I cannot be of much help because I am not aware of the physical condition of your dog.  There is always the chance that a dog with a splenic tumor will lose a copious amount of blood during splenic surgery.  You have to consider the age of your dog, the condition of your dog, the kind of splenic tumor, etc.  to determine the surgical risks involved.  

The fact the the tumor weighted twelve pounds tells me that this was serious surgery. Discuss your concerns with your vet  - he/she can give you further info about the surgical risks./

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM