Hemangiosarcoma & Thrombocytopenia

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Hi all, I haven't been on here in a few years so really hate that I'm popping in out of the blue with such sad news. 

It's a long stressful story but the gist is that Winston has been struggling with a bunch of health issues recently that finally led to discovering a mass on his spleen. We thought he had immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (basically his immune system attacking his blood and killing all his platelets) but as he continued to struggle we decided to do an xray and ultra sound and found a mass on his spleen, leading to the likely diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma, of which the thrombocytopenia condition is a side effect (we can't tell for sure because we can't operate/biopsy with such low platelet count). Given the prognosis of the disease is very poor, even if we could remove it, we are coming to terms with the fact that we are losing him soon. Some of the other symptoms he's having indicate it may have already metastasized and spread.

I know I sound very clinical about all of this but it's been a hell of a rollar coaster and now I'm just trying to cope (plus banging this message out while I'm at work - was off with him for two weeks and can't afford to take any more time off so here I am). This all came to light labour day weekend when he had a possible bowel obstruction that couldn't be operated because he literally had a zero platelet count in his blood. He was struggling a bit before that but I just thought it was age related. Now the symptoms are clear and getting worse. He's losing weight, sometimes struggling to breath, has weakness (e.g. struggling on the stairs), vomiting a lot, etc. The good news is he's still showing that he's happy and remains interested in the things he enjoys, especially eating and being snuggled, so hoping to have a couple more months with him and plan to spoil him rotten.

I'm looking for support and advice from anyone who has been through this. Any ideas on how to extend his time with us that doesn't involve dangerous or invasive surgery or chemo (which will have limited effect anyway) and how to make his remaining time as comfortable and happy as possible.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I hope he likes it and continues eating.  I agree with Karen though on the Purina EN from the Vet.  If he is eating, let him have it!  Hugs.