Spleen tumour - the silent killer

Wednesday 29/06/2016 came home from work my partner says "Rocksy is acting a bit weird, turned her nose up at her favourite treats." In comes Rocksy her usual self, Thursday and Friday she's normal chasing her favourite tennis ball, jumping in the river and the local duck pond. Saturday all seems fine until after her walk, she was very tired and withdrawn. By late Saturday night her breathing was heavier than usual and she hadn't played or scrounged for food.
That night she slept with us, which we never allowed because she was a pest, waking us up every half hour with licks or pulling all the covers off.
Sunday she went for a walk tried to play but ended up laying down on the grass unable to do anything.
When my partner brought her home we checked her over, she seemed pinched at the back end and had really smelly breath, so worms we thought. We wormed her. Later that day she seemed to pick up.
Monday took her for her walk, it was like having a 15 year old dog (she was 6) so after 5 minutes we came home and rang the vets. 12.00 o'clock appointment.
By half past 3 we no longer had our beautiful Staffie.
The vet said there was a lump on her abdomen, she was taken immediately for ultra sound and blood tests, the lump was on her spleen which they said could be removed. We consented and they started to operate but the tumour was attached not only on her spleen but on her small intestine and attached to arteries.
So we had to let her go. Totally heartbroken and devastated, we thought the trip to the vets would result in some anti-biotics and that would be that. Can't get my head round how quickly we lost her.

oh, Andi, I'm so so sorry to hear this, you must be devastated!

there's so very little I can say to make you feel better, or to lessen the hurt you're feeling right now other than to say that Rocksy is at peace and will wait for you at Rainbow Bridge.

RIP sweet Rocksy, run free.


Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

I'm so sorry for your loss Andi x

Thanks guys, love the Rainbow Bridge. Never heard of it before it's a beautiful poem. I was privileged to have her for 6 years it should have been so much longer than that, but fate decided otherwise.
Nothing will ever be quite the same without her!

So very sorry to read this Andi, it's tough when they get old but to lose Rocksy so suddenly must be a real shock.

Staffies are such resilient dogs, they never show how unwell they are until they are really unwell, there really isn't anything more you could have done. It's so tough right now but eventually the pain subsides and gets replaced by treasured memories.

RIP Rocksy

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