ASK DR. SCHELLING
DEAR DR. SCHELLING,
Recently my husband and I were camping with my 9 year old golden retriever, Buddy, in the mountains. After a short hike, we both noticed that Buddy seemed to be really slowing down and even laid down on the trail which he had never done. He usually runs circles around us! When we offered him water, we both noticed his gums and tongue were really light pink and almost white. We let him rest that evening and, while still tired, he was able to hike out of the woods the next day. We took him to our veterinarian today where Xrays showed he has a really big tumor in his spleen. Our doctor is going to do surgery tomorrow and is concerned about a tumor called hemangiosarcoma. Have you heard of dogs having this type of tumor with very little notice like Buddy?
-Worried about my hiking “Buddy”
Dear Worried,
Most dogs that have hemangiosarcoma are just like Buddy and don’t give their owners any signs of their condition. This tumor grows very quickly and spreads rapidly to other organs before an owner even knows anything is affecting their pet. Buddy’s signs on the hiking trip were probably due to a rupture of the spleen. When this occurs, blood loss causes dogs to show signs of shock (such as pale gums and weakness). Read the full article called Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs to learn more about the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
… … … …Become a fan of Dr. Schelling on Facebook! Get up to date information on dog health, care, behavior and much more!
Have a question? Email us at:
comments@doghealthnewsletter.com
Dear Max,
A dog park recently opened in my neighborhood and I want to start taking my dog. Do you have any dog park tips before we go on our first visit?
–Shelly
… … … …
Dear Shelly,
A trip to the dog park? Oh boy! I love going to the dog park and socializing with my fellow canines but if you go unprepared, neither of you will have fun. Check out this article on minding your p's and q's at the dog park for tips on dog park etiquette.
Max
Have a question for Max? Throw him a bone here:
askmax@doghealthnewsletter.com
Max's Mini-Reviews
FLUFFY FLAPPY : This toy is a full touch and sound experience! The Fluffy Flappy is soft and cuddly while also being squeaky and crunchy. I love playing fetch with this toy and starting a rousing game of tug-o-war. Any dog can enjoy this toy because it comes in sizes small for the little guys and all the way up to XL for us big dogs.
JORVET T-SHAPED UNDERCOAT RAKE : I shed a lot in the summer months and this rake is the only thing that can get all my loose fur from my undercoat and detangle my golden locks. A dog has to look good after all! Not only does it make me look good but it feels good too, there's nothing better than a relaxing grooming session that ends with me looking my best.
Let us know at: comments@doghealthnewsletter.com
DOG FACT
Cerberus, the three-headed dog of Greek mythology, guarded the gates to the underworld.
"If you think dogs can't count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then giving Fido only two of them."
–Phil Pastoret
Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian.
If you require any veterinary related advice, contact your veterinarian promptly. Information in the Dog Health Newsletter and at Doghealth.com is exclusively of a general reference nature. Do not disregard veterinary advice or delay treatment as a result of accessing information at this site. Terms of Use