b'2) Veterinary care has advanced, and more pet parents are opting for regular check-ups and diagnostics. 3) Improved imaging techniques like ultrasound allow us to detect tumors that once went unnoticed.Veterinariansoftenrecommendbloodworkduring check-ups, but considering the prevalence of splenic tumors, regular abdominal imaging (like ultrasound) should also be considered, especially in high-risk breeds. Early detection not only improves outcomes but can also preventemergencies,givingfamiliesmoretimeandmore options. In the past, a tumor might have remained undiagnosedNEW CLIENT OFFERuntil it caused an emergency. Today, we are catching them soonerand that is a good thing.TZW\x05UJYX\x05WXY\x05J]FR\x05NX\x05FREE* What Can Pet Parents Do?Did you know that routine veterinary visits may help preventRoutineveterinaryvisitsatleastannually,orsemi- a condition from becoming serious? Early detection also annually for senior petsare key to early detection. As petsleads to proper treatment and management.age,evensubtlechangesinbehavior,energy,orappetite should be taken seriously.SERVICES WE OFFERCase Study: Two Dogs, Two OutcomesUltrasoundIn-house DiagnosticsX-Ray SplenictumorshavebecomesocommonthatsomeDentistrySurgeryWellness ExamsTiter TestingVaccinationsLaser Therapyfamilies tragically experience them more than once. In oneCall us to schedule your appointmentsuch case, two senior dogs, Ike and Brewski, shared a loving home and, eventually, the same treatment plans.727. 317. 2706InSeptember2023,Brewskiwasbroughttoour5800 38th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33710hospital for mid-abdomi- www.PlummerPetHospital.comnal pain and bloating. An*Exam only. A $50 value.ultrasoundrevealedan enlargedspleen,which wassurgicallyremoved. Fortunately,thetumor was benign, and Brewski is now nearly two years cancer-free.Just three months later, hisadoptedbrotherIke suddenly stopped eating. Hewasdiagnosedwith hemoabdomen caused by a ruptured splenic tumor. Ike ODonnellEmergencysurgerywas performed to remove the mass and save his life, but unfortunately, pathology confirmed hemangiosarcoma.Despitesurgery,Ikepassedawayjusta month later due to metastasis. This case highlights both sides of splenic tumors: the lifesaving potential of early detectionand the heartbreaking consequences of aggressive disease.Final ThoughtsSplenictumorsareserious,andneedtobetaken seriously.Withimproveddiagnostics,proactivecare,and vigilant pet parents, we can catch many of these conditions earlyand in many cases, save lives. If your pet is aging, belongs to a high-risk breed, or just is not acting like themselves, talk to your veterinarian about abdominal imaging. It might make all the difference! Uwww.TheNewBarker.com THE NEW BARKER57'