Trixie

Approximately 10 years old
Female Spayed
Labrador/Boxer
Dr. Steve VanOchten
***Contains some graphic images.***
 
Trixie was brought to Bay Animal Hospital on December 23, 2009 with a history of vomiting and a bloated stomach. A x-ray was then taken that revealed a huge abdominal mass. Dr. VanOchten ran blood work which showed several values were not within the normal limits. After reviewing the blood work, it was decided a blood transfusion was needed. Blood was taken from a donor dog (“Chase” Francke). Trixie was started on an IV and prepped for surgery after the blood transfusion was complete.
 
Dr. VanOchten assisted by Dr. Bailor started the surgery not knowing what they were going to find. After opening the abdominal cavity, they noted that the mass appeared huge. The intestines, liver, kidneys, and bladder all appeared normal. The mass was connected to the spleen. They then removed the complete mass and spleen. The mass weighed 11 ½ pounds. This was the largest mass Dr. VanOchten had removed from a dog.
 

Trixie went home Christmas day. Trixie returned a week later for a recheck. Trixie was doing very good. Biopsy results showed the mass was an Extensive Hemorrhage, Fibrin Accumulation, and Necrosis (a benign mass of the spleen with bleeding and dying tissue).

 
The mass just before removal.         

                      

The mass after removal.