Casey is a mixed-breed spayed female dog owned by Suzanne, who is the Senior Client Service Representative at Bull's Head Pet Hospital. Casey was referred to CUVS from Bull’s Head after Dr. Nolan Zeide diagnosed her with a large abdominal mass, hemo-abdomen and a fever. Casey was admitted to CUVS for observation, supportive care and a further work up under the care of Dr. Rousseau, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC.

An ultrasound at CUVS revealed a large mass potentially originating from the liver, an abnormal spleen and a probable left adrenal mass. Casey underwent abdominal exploratory surgery with Dr. Alon Kramer, DVM, DACVS, during which a large, ruptured splenic mass and a ruptured liver mass were found. A splenectomy, a liver lobectomy and an adrenal biopsy were performed. (Her spleen and part of her liver were removed.) Casey also received a blood transfusion during surgery, a routine part of splenectomies as it combats anemia.

Post surgery, Casey stayed in our ICU for four days for pain relief and continuous monitoring. Attentive post-surgical monitoring is important for splenectomy patients to make sure that there are no complications. Lab results came back showing liposarcoma of the intermediate grade in the spleen, hepatoma in the liver and suspected pheochromocytoma in the adrenal gland.

Once Casey was stable enough for travel, she was sent back to Bull’s Head so her regular veterinarian could continue caring for her. Casey was a lovely patient for us and although we are happy she was discharged from CUVS, we were sad to see her go!