Lucy, a 6 year old female Pit Bull Terrier, collapsed suddenly after playing outside with her housemate, Rocky. Her owners rushed her to Alpine Animal Clinic for emergency care.
The veterinarian, Dr. Heidi Wampler, diagnosed internal hemorrhaging, indicated by rapid breathing (tachypnea), pale mucus membranes, rapid heart rate (tachycardia), and dropping temperature (hypothermia). Dr. Wampler could feel a mass in Lucy’s mid-abdomen and, correctly it would turn out, surmised Lucy had a cancerous mass of her spleen that had ruptured.
Lucy was hemorrhaging so quickly she had little time to live. For her family, there was little to discuss as Lucy’s family knew she would die without emergency surgery, and they also wanted to give her as much time as possible, although it was clear the mass was most likely cancerous. They immediately decided to proceed with surgery.
Spleen Tumor: Hemangiosarcoma


Her mom, Cyndi, expressed her gratitude for having more time with Lucy, writing:
“I want to say Thank you to Dr.Wampler, all of the Dr.'s, Techs and the whole Staff for literally saving Lucy's Life!! My words can not express my gratefulness and appreciation for all of you! Lucy survived because of each and everyone of you and may God bless each and everyone you too!!!
Thank you, you amazing special people!”
-- Cyndi