28/09/2026
This adorable spaniel is Hazel. She presented to us and saw Vet Mark in a consult, as her owners were concerned that she had been off colour for the last few days and seemed more vacant. She was a little off her food and unsteady on her feet for a moment. Generally, she appeared more lethargic than normal. Mark’s clinical exam revealed no immediately obvious cause for the symptoms seen, so further diagnostic tests were required to narrow down the broad differential diagnosis starting with bloods. The initial blood tests revealed anaemia of unknown origin (low numbers of red blood cells vital for carrying oxygen around the body) and leukopenia (which is lower than normal number of white blood cells that are a vital part of the immune system). A saline agglutination test was then performed which is an indicator as to whether the patient may have Immune mediated haemolytic anaemia, an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the patient’s own red blood cells. This test was negative so this indicated that this was less likely what was happening with Hazel but couldn’t be ruled out. The differential diagnosis at this stage according to Mark included Immune mediated disease, neoplasia, toxicity, iron deficiency, anaemia of chronic disease or an abdominal bleed. After discussions with Hazel’s owners, she was promptly booked in for imaging which included x-rays and ultrasound. Her blood smear was also sent off to the external laboratory for a pathological review. This looks at the individual blood cells on slide via a microscope to identify any abnormalities and to assist in diagnosing haematologic disorders. Hazel then had her ultrasound to look at her internal organs and identify any anomalies within the abdomen and abdominal organs. Mark found that there didn’t seem to be a large amount of bleeding into the abdomen by the absence of free fluid but sadly he did identify what he suspected to be a splenic mass of around 3.5cm. This would give a potential differential diagnosis of splenic or abdominal neoplasia or lymphoma. An exploratory laparotomy (surgical exploration of the abdomen, with the view of removing the spleen, also known as a splenectomy) was then required. Prior to surgery the patient must be assessed on the blood work and sometimes the patient can be too anaemic for surgery. In this case a blood transfusion would be required. At home Hazel lives with another dog called Hetty. Hetty was considered as a potential blood donor for Hazel, should she need it and was blood typed in the practice to see if she was a potential match.
On this occasion Hetty was not required to donate her blood, but it was useful for the team to know that should Hazel require it, Hetty could be called upon. There is always a risk that a tumour could have spread, so survey chest x-rays were performed prior to Hazel being prepared for surgery to see if there were any abnormalities in the lungs and these appeared normal with no apparent spread. The surgeon, Amy proceeded to perform the exploratory laparotomy and removed Hazel’s spleen. This tissue was sent off to the external laboratory for further analysis. Hazel made a good recovery and was further supported with medication and intravenous fluids throughout. She was happy to be reunited with her family the following day when she went home. Life and time are precious, and Hazel’s dedicated owners have given her the best chance. They acted on her symptoms before she was too poorly to undergo surgery. She also avoided the complications of having to have a blood transfusion too and was able return home as quickly as possible. The quick thinking of the veterinary team, the medical work up, made an accurate diagnosis that led to Hazel having the surgery promptly, which gives her the best outcome.
Hazel was a pleasure to look after in the Hospital, and everyone found her to be a sweet, lovely, gentle soul. Sadly, the outcome of any type of tumour is a cause for concern so we wish Hazel a speedy recovery from the surgery so she can get out there and enjoy life as full as she can for the time she has left. It’s a reminder to us all how cherished our fur babies are and to celebrate every day the love and relationship we share with them.
If you have a dog that you think could volunteer to be on our blood donor register and potentially help to save a life, look out for a post on here soon.
