Ebbie... is approximately 8 years old, male/neutered chocolate Labrador who was turned into a Georgia rescue in May of this year with a history of living on a chain and shock collar. He tested negative for heartworms and is current on vaccinations. He was originally presented with a possible Tylenol toxicity (ate several Tylenol's and was feeling lethargic and had some vomiting). During the workup for that it was discovered that Ebbie had an enlarged spleen. Based on the original blood work and Ebbie's improvement over the next several days there was no apparent significant problem due to the Tylenol ingestion. But the enlarged spleen was still a problem. A large spleen especially in older animals is always of concern because of the relatively frequent occurrence of splenic hemangiosarcoma. However, several other problems like hematomas, benign nodular hyperplasia, hemangioma, etc. can cause an enlarged spleen. At that time due to Ebbie's improvement the need for exploratory surgery was not as immediately critical but the enlarged spleen still needed to be addressed ASAP. Even if it had been hemangiosarcoma removal of the spleen will often give a survival time of months to years. If it is one of the other possibilities, than removal is curative.

After Ebbie's relapse that prompted the urgency of this case he started improving and has continued to do so. His spleen is now back to normal size and his is back to his normal self, as healthy as any 8 year old Lab. Ebbie now has a potential forever home. So things are looking a lot better for him. As far as his LLL case goes since the surgery was not needed and thus the funding we approved not used, LLL voted to fund half of the costs incurred in working Ebbie up for his diagnosis as well as following up on his condition.

Labrador Life Line would like to thank you for your support and donations. Without you we would not be able to assist dogs like this.