Case of the Month: Meet Tennessee!

Tennessee, a Blue Heeler mix evaluated through veterinary urgent care

When 7-year-old Tennessee, a neutered Blue Heeler mix, came to our Urgent Care service for vomiting, diarrhea, and a decreased appetite, his physical examination did not reveal anything out of the ordinary.

Because of his symptoms, our veterinary team recommended additional diagnostic testing, including bloodwork and abdominal X-rays.

While Tennessee’s bloodwork was normal, his X-rays revealed an area of concern near his spleen. An abdominal ultrasound provided the answer: Tennessee had a cavitated mass on his spleen that required surgical removal.

His case is an important reminder that serious internal conditions may not always be obvious during a physical examination or appear in routine bloodwork.

How Diagnostic Imaging Helped Find the Problem

Vomiting, diarrhea, and appetite loss can have many possible causes, ranging from a mild digestive problem to an obstruction, organ disease, infection, toxin exposure, or an abdominal mass.

Tennessee appeared normal during his physical examination, but his ongoing symptoms gave our team reason to look further.

Bloodwork provides valuable information about blood cells, hydration, organ values, and other internal processes. However, it cannot show the size, shape, or structure of abdominal organs.

Tennessee’s X-rays revealed a suspicious area near his spleen, which led our team to perform an abdominal ultrasound. Ultrasound creates real-time images of the organs and soft tissues inside the abdomen, allowing veterinarians to examine suspicious areas more closely.

Together, these diagnostic tools allowed our urgent care team to identify the splenic mass and recommend the next level of care.

What Pet Owners Should Know About Splenic Masses

The spleen is an abdominal organ involved in filtering blood, storing blood cells, and supporting the immune system.

A splenic mass is an abnormal growth or area of tissue within the spleen. Some splenic masses are benign, while others are cancerous. Imaging can identify a concerning mass, but the exact diagnosis usually cannot be confirmed until tissue is examined by a veterinary pathologist.

Dogs with splenic masses may initially show vague symptoms, including:

  • Decreased appetite
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Lethargy
  • Weakness
  • Abdominal discomfort

In some cases, a splenic mass can rupture and cause internal bleeding. Sudden weakness, collapse, pale gums, rapid breathing, or a swollen abdomen should be treated as an emergency.

Tennessee Was Referred for Surgery

After identifying the splenic mass, we recommended referral for a splenectomy, which is surgery to remove the spleen.

Thanks to the incredible team at Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care, Tennessee was able to have surgery just two days later.

Although the surgery was successful, the biopsy revealed that the mass was a rare type of splenic cancer called stromal sarcoma.

While this was difficult news, Tennessee is receiving excellent ongoing care from the team at Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care. Most importantly, he is back home enjoying life with the people who love him.

Tennessee enjoying life at home following surgery for a splenic mass

When Vomiting or Diarrhea May Require Urgent Care

A single mild episode of vomiting or diarrhea does not always require urgent veterinary care. However, an evaluation may be recommended when symptoms are persistent, recurring, worsening, or accompanied by appetite loss, lethargy, abdominal discomfort, weakness, or blood in the vomit or stool.

Tennessee’s case shows why additional testing may be recommended even when a pet’s initial examination appears normal.

Cases like his are also an example of the role veterinary urgent care can play in identifying a serious problem and helping families reach the appropriate specialty team before the condition becomes life-threatening.

Veterinary Urgent Care in Southern Maine

Mainely Veterinary Dentistry & Urgent Care provides weekend care for non-life-threatening illnesses, injuries, and dental concerns affecting dogs and cats throughout Southern Maine.

When your pet is experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss, lethargy, or another concern that should not wait for your regular veterinarian to reopen, visit our Urgent Care Services page to learn more.

You can also book an urgent care appointment online.

We are grateful to Tennessee’s family for trusting us with his care and wish him many more happy adventures!