Bowie's Splenectomy

Most of you who know me also know my other half Bowie. It all started two weekends ago when he acted out of character with lethargy, stiff legs, and eventually could not stand on his own and even fell twice. After two days, I brought him to Peak Animal Hospital, where they did an ultrasound and found a mass on his spleen. Naturally, I was a wreck, and the vet gave me the ultimatum of a costly surgery or flat-out putting him down the next day. After feeling confused and heartbroken, I wanted a second opinion, and a recommendation from a friend brought us to Fitzgerald Animal Hospital.

The next day we went, and with a more thorough examination, the tumor was confirmed, along with a UTI and a fever. Dr. Flanders of Fitzgerald was extraordinarily thoughtful and well-spoken when discussing our options. Knowing that surgery might be on the table, I wanted to do everything I could to help Bowie.

Bowie is around 10, which made the next couple of days difficult. He needed further testing along with an antibiotic to get his infection under control before the possible surgery. With an anti-inflammatory injection and an antibiotic, Bowie was back to his old self within the next few days, relieving me that I didn't listen to that first vet!

I received a phone call that Thursday saying that Dr. Flanders was able to do the surgery the next day. On October 14th Bowie underwent a splenectomy, which removed the spleen and the attached tumor with flying colors! The vet was very impressed with his ability to bounce back within hours of coming out of his anesthesia, and I am so grateful for my little warrior and how strong he was through the whole process of testing and the surgery. We still await the pathology report, which we will get on October 27th. That will determine Bowie's next steps in this endeavor.

I am forever in debt to the staff of Fitzgerald animal hospital, especially Dr. Flanders and his extensive knowledge and ability to make me and Bowie feel incredibly comfortable and informed through the whole process. Another huge thank you goes out to my community of people that love Bowie almost as much as I do! Checking in on us throughout the process means more than anyone can know.

That said, I'm starting my first ever 'gofundme' to help with some of these bills. I know more follow-up visits are to come, and for how urgently this first process unfolded, I ended up with a hefty bill in a short amount of time. Every little bit helps Bowie and me, and I'd be so grateful to whoever can contribute.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story.