This Corgi Looked Perfectly Healthy Until a Routine Vet Visit Revealed the Unthinkable
One of the most painful things to realize as a dog owner is that sometimes, your furry friend may not show any obvious symptoms when sick. It’s not unusual for a dog to seem totally well on the outside, even when there’s something serious quietly ravaging their body. This was the case with Graffiti, a beautiful Corgi whose world recently turned upside down after a routine wellness check-up. (Watch Video Below)
Just days before this check-up, Graffiti looked perfectly healthy and normal. He was still his usual playful self, enjoying life to the fullest. Nothing about Graffiti suggested sickness, not even his appetite, energy, or behavior.
So when his family took him to the vet for his annual wellness check-up, it wasn’t because they had observed anything concerning. They were simply fulfilling their duty as responsible dog owners, just to make sure Graffiti’s health was on track. Unknown to them, this routine vet visit would lead to the worst nightmare of their lives, as narrated on their TikTok account @bradygraffiti_corgis.
@bradygraffiti_corgis Just a few weeks ago, Graffiti was running around, full of joy and completely himself. He likely still would be exerting himself like nothing was wrong if we hadn’t taken him in for his routine annual exam and X-rays. That visit is when we discovered a large tumor on his spleen. As you all know, he was diagnosed with splenic hemangiosarcoma, and by the time we found it, it had already metastasized to his lungs, making surgery no longer an option. This disease is especially devastating because it often shows no outward symptoms and grows silently. Without that routine appointment, we wouldn’t have known, and everyday activity (running, jumping etc) would have been extremely dangerous for him. Now that we do know, we’re able to shift our care and focus on what matters most: giving him the best possible quality of life through supportive care, medications, supplements, and being fully present for every day we have left with him. We’re sharing this as a reminder that routine wellness exams truly matter. Knowledge is powerful – it can help protect your dog’s health and, in some cases, give you more time together. Thank you all again for the love and support you continue to show Graffiti and our family 🙏❤️
♬ Sweet Love (Acoustic) – Myles Smith
From “Healthy” to Dying
During the wellness exam, vets noticed something was visibly off about Graffiti’s abdomen. Further tests were carried out, and the results came back with shocking details: Graffiti had a large tumor in his spleen, medically diagnosed as splenic hemangiosarcoma. What made this news harder for his family to digest was the realization that the tumor had been growing quietly inside him without any physical signs of illness manifesting.
Then came more devastating news.
The vets discovered that the splenic tumor was in its advanced stage and had already metastasized to his lungs. Graffiti’s family was informed that the tumor couldn’t be removed through surgery because of its size and how far it had spread. With painful hearts, the vets confirmed that Graffiti only had 4-6 weeks left to live.
Choosing Positivity Over Fear
To Graffiti’s family, news of his limited time brought instant sadness and disbelief. But as devastating as this revelation was, they made the brave decision to focus on giving Graffiti the best possible quality of life for his remaining time.
Since the diagnosis, Graffiti’s family has been working closely with his veterinary team to manage his care and comfort at home. His daily routine now involves pain medication to reduce discomfort and lots of supportive care from his family.
Graffiti’s owners are choosing to make the most out of his limited time instead of focusing on his dreaded fate. They’re spending more time with him during this period, knowing every moment with him is a precious gift.
What’s most comforting about Graffiti’s situation is that despite the heartbreaking diagnosis, he doesn’t look like a dog nearing the end of life. While he may be sleeping more than usual and moving around slower than before, Graffiti’s joyful personality continues to shine through. He’s still showing interest in food, play, and short walks. Above all, Graffiti is surrounded by love like never before. Though he may be running out of time, there’s not a single moment when he’ll feel anything less than cherished.
Splenic Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs FAQs
What Is Splenic Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs?
Experts describe splenic hemangiosarcoma (HSA) as a highly aggressive tumor that develops in the spleen and quickly metastasizes to the lungs & liver. This splenic tumor can grow quite large in size inside the spleen’s blood vessels. Without early diagnosis and treatment, the tumor eventually ruptures and bleeds into the abdominal cavity, leading to life-threatening blood loss.
What Causes Splenic Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs?
In dogs, splenic hemangiosarcoma is largely considered a genetic disease. There are no exact identifiable causes other than genetic factors.
What are the Symptoms of Splenic Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs?
According to PetMD, the most common clinical signs of splenic hemangiosarcoma include pale gums, lethargy, sudden body weakness, visibly enlarged abdomen, and decreased appetite. It’s important to note that some dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma may be asymptomatic for some time.
How is Splenic Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs Treated?
As with other types of canine hemangiosarcoma, surgery is the primary treatment option for splenic hemangiosarcoma. Additional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy are also often used after surgery. It’s worth noting that if the splenic tumor has already metastasized to other organs, surgical removal is likely not possible.
Spleen Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs Life Expectancy
PetMD notes that dogs who successfully undergo surgery and chemotherapy for splenic hemangiosarcoma can live for another nine months on average. Unfortunately, less than 10% of dogs diagnosed with splenic hemangiosarcoma live beyond a year.
