My 9-year-old min pin has lost some appetite and some weight lately, and as
she still barked aloud and jumped about when I came home from work, I
thought it couldn't be anything serious and so didn't take her to the vet
immediately. When I did yesterday, I was shocked to find the big tumour in
her spleen, and felt very guilty for not taking any notice of all the signs.
With a streak of luck, her spleen was successfully removed today, which
means she can live a little longer. How long can a small dog survive
without a spleen? What could I do to extend her life the longest possible?
I feel very bad about my own irresponsible behaviour, and I will try my best
to shower her with love in this last phase of her journey, though I know I
can hardly make it up for her.

On Sun, 31 Jul 2005 05:47:50 +0800, "Mazan"
wrote:

...How long can a small dog survive
without a spleen? What could I do to extend her life the longest possible?...

I can't answer your medical questions, but I want you to realize that
even the very best, most informed and observant pet owners sometimes
feel to spot a symptom. And that's only reasonable; after all,
veterinarians sometimes miss something or see something that isn't
really there.

You can beat yourself up over this unnecessarily; or you can accept the
fact that you did your best. Now, if it happens that you've learned
something that makes your best even better, well I say "Bravo!".
Learning from our mistakes is good for us, but so are new lessons.

I've long come to the realization that we should treat our dogs as
though every day is their last day.

I hope you have many great years ahead with your dog.

When I die, I want to go where dogs go!