Memorial artwork of Damien Czar is by Cameo Anderson. She has captured his whole essence, heart and soul. I have had it printed as a 32" x 40" canvas.
Just recently my beloved boy Siberian Husky Damien Czar crossed the Rainbow Bridge. To say it was a shock is an understatement. That morning, he seemed a little under the weather-no signs of distress or pain-simply not being himself. By 10:00 p.m. that same evening, he had passed.
To say I was devastated is an understatement as when I left Viking Veterinary Hospital 24/7 Emergency Veterinary Care rooms after initial tests in the early evening, though things didn’t look good, I fully expected to be bringing him home to recoup the following morning. Never in my wildest dreams did I think when I fussed and cuddled him that would be the last time I would see him.
Prior to the surgery, the veterinary phoned us to tell us what was happening and that based on the results of ultrasounds, x-rays and sonograms etc. the chances he’d be one of the lucky ones and survive was practically zero. Despite the odds, if there was the very, very smallest of chances we’d have a miracle we asked them to proceed with the surgery. Sadly, Damien Czar wasn’t to be one of the lucky ones.
Less than an hour later, the veterinary phoned us telling us that the cancer was everywhere; lungs, heart, liver, and they couldn’t stem the bleeding. He asked if we wanted them to bring Damien round so I could say a final goodbye but, though it broke my heart, we said as he was under anesthetic to let him pass peacefully. The last time he’d seen me I was fussing and loving him thinking I would see him the following morning so I didn’t want him to be revived and likely be groggy only to see me crying and so upset.
What took Damien Czar so quickly you ask? The answer, Splenic Hemangiosarcoma (HSA). It’s often referred to as ‘The Silent Killer’ as it happens so quickly all to often, an accurate diagnosis occurs too late for any effective treatment. Also, because there is still very little known about it as very little research has been done simply because, even though there is a human form, it’s very, very rare. In addition, being a particularly malignant form of blood cancer it spreads rapidly to other organs; from the spleen, it can reach the liver or the lungs or even the brain and the heart taking down a seemingly healthy dog literally in hours. Thankfully, it’s widely understood that this condition is typically painless which, can explain why there’s a lack of clinical signs. I can testify to that as Damien Czar never showed even the smallest sign of pain, discomfort or anxiety.
In a 2024 article by Kelly Pebworth, a veterinary technician, she says, “About 2/3 of dogs having pathological growth in the spleen will develop cancer on this organ, and in 2/3 of those dogs, this will be HSA. Since this type of cancer is highly aggressive, there’s an 80% chance it will spread from the moment the primary tumor occurs to the time it is diagnosed.”
So, what are the signs to look out for? Typically unusual lethargy, loss of appetite, rapid breathing or seeming as if breathing is difficult i.e. gasping for breath, pale gums all of which Damien Czar exhibited BUT the final straw was when my wife suggested I take him outside to play ball. In explanation, when Damien Czar knew we were going out to play ball he’d be running up the wall and across the ceiling in excitement. So, outside and threw his ball …….. nothing …….. fussed and loved him and used all the key words and threw the ball ……. again, nothing, he just lay down, tail wagging and looked tired. Five (5) minutes later I was in the car on the way to Viking Veterinary Hospital, 6 hours later my beloved Damien Czar crossed the Rainbow Bridge. That quick.
The TELL ALL, he wasn’t interested in his very favorite activity.
I cannot thank everyone at Viking Veterinary Hospital enough for everything. I was so upset that Damien Czar was scared when I left but, it’s pretty clear from the card they sent me, that in such a short time he captured their hearts and was perfectly happy but then, Damien Czar was expert at captivating people.
Though I miss him so much every single day, I’m not looking for sympathy. All I ask is that if your dog exhibits any similar symptons you consult your veterinary asap. If one, JUST ONE life is saved because someone read this that would make me very happy; Damien Czar too as he’s up there watching over us all.
This is my personal story. I AM NOT a veterinary, I am not qualified to offer any medical diagnoses or veterinary advice whatsoever, this is simply about my personal experience with the ‘Silent Killer” Splenic Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) that took my beloved Damien Czar.
Doing research, I have learned that there are TWO versions. Hemangioma and Hemangiosarcoma which my beloved Damien Czar had. The former are 'benign tumors', the latter malignant. You can learn about both here https://www.nahf.org/article/hemangioma-vs-hemangiosarcoma by author Heather Murphy published in October 2024.
I urge everyone to visit the links below. One is an article by Richard R. Riney, Canine Health Center, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine where he looks into the issues of Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs and the other an informative piece by the American Kennel Club (AKC)
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/hemangiosarcoma-in-dogs/
