Lesions on Spleen

[MauraF]

I send out an annual Xmas card with a pic of my Shih Tzu girls. Upon receipt, a friend called me and demanded to know what was wrong with my 11-year old Joli. I responded 'nothing'. My friend told me that she had pulled out last years photo and that her face was thinner and something was wrong. Although she showed no symptoms or changes in behavior, I scheduled her appointment for a 6-month check up. After an exam, bloodwork and snap test, the holistic vet said that everything was perfect and within normal range. She had lost 1.5 lbs in the past 18 months and was down to 11.5 lbs which is a lot for a 'big-boned' Shih Tzu. Believing in my friend's instincts, I asked what else we could do. The vet responded that very rarely, something is found on a scan which isn't reflected in the bloodwork. Lo and behold; Joli had sludge in her gallbladder and two lesions on her spleen, one in a worrisome position. She was placed on the following supplements twice per day; yunnan baio powder, turkey tail powder, dandelion root and lymph/spleen mammary drops. We did another scan after one month. The gallbladder sludge had greatly diminished, the lesions were the same size but darker in color (increased blood flow to the location). The vet would have been comfortable treating and following this for the next few months but I have decided that we will continue treatment and then remove the spleen within the next six weeks. Timing is tough because we are following him to a new practice and he is just switching now. Joli has always been fed raw and has a strong BEAM. She actually has increased energy and is more playful since she started receiving the supplements. Joli has gained 1.6 lbs. since January 1st. Would it be useful to add I'm-Yunity? Thought and insights from anyone who cares to comment are most welcome.

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Hi Maura-

I'm so sorry to hear about Jolie's internal test abnormalities.

However, I'm glad to hear that she has great BEAM and that you are being so wonderfully proactive with her diagnostic testing.

Looking at the abdominal ultrasound findings in context, I'd first wonder who performed and read the ultrasound results.

A specialist (radiologist or internist) often has a different interpretation than a GP.

It sounds like you might already have a specialist on your team, in which case I'd be curious to see the actual test result for more context. You can upload it in this thread.

The other pieces of context that are significant in this situation are:

1. The clinical information that splenic nodules are most commonly age-related "regenerative" nodules. Especially in smaller breeds who are not predisposed to splenic cancers like hemangiosarcoma (HSA).

As you know, I'm-Yunity is primarily used for dogs with HSA in vet medicine.

Per the webinar with Dr. Basko, CAS Options mushroom blend is often a better for general (and cancer) support.

Lumps and bumps anywhere (internal) or on the skin are awesome early warning signs!

They tell us that further internal treatment is indicated.

2. What have the trends been on her recent blood tests?

A significant decrease in red cell count (HCT or PCV) is a true red flag that one or both of the nodules has been bleeding.

Splenectomy is more highly indicated if there is evidence of internal bleeding.

With everything considered, the short answer to your question is yes.

However CAS options is a better choice for a supplement to use IMHO.

It's also very useful to have proactive (~weekly) Vitality and Balance using homeopathy evaluation and follow-up rechecks over the next 6 weeks.

Internal "fine-tuning" can even shrink and resolve the nodules.

Regardless of what you do, please let us know what's going on.