On Monday evening, Nala’s owner noticed something wasn’t quite right. Normally full of energy, she seemed unusually tired and lethargic. Trusting their instincts, they phoned Allambie Vet, and we booked her in for an urgent appointment at 6.15 pm that same evening.
When Nala arrived, she was seen by our experienced veterinarian Dr. Linda, who quickly recognised that something wasn’t right. Although Nala’s heart rate and temperature were stable, she was quieter than usual, and her gums looked slightly pale. Subtle signs like dog pale gums and lethargy can sometimes indicate serious internal problems, so Dr. Linda and our team immediately began her diagnostic work-up.
We ran in-house blood tests, which showed her red cell count was low. Using our ultrasound equipment, we performed a VPOCUS (veterinary point-of-care ultrasound), a rapid abdominal scan to check for internal bleeding. This revealed free fluid in her abdomen and an enlarged, irregular spleen.
A more detailed abdominal ultrasound confirmed a large ruptured splenic mass, the cause of her internal bleeding. Chest x-rays showed no evidence of spread to her lungs, and an ultrasound of the base of her heart was also clear. With advanced imaging and diagnostics on-site, we could act without delay and plan her surgery straight away.
By 7.30 pm, the decision was made: Nala needed an emergency splenectomy (removal of the spleen). Because her red blood cell count was dropping quickly from the bleeding, she also required a life-saving dog blood transfusion.
During surgery, our skilled veterinary surgeons and nurses worked together seamlessly. Using our Ligasure surgical equipment, the ruptured spleen was removed efficiently and safely. Around 500 ml of blood was collected from Nala’s abdomen, filtered, and returned to her bloodstream, an advanced transfusion technique that stabilised her during surgery.
Her spleen was sent to pathology for further testing, so we can better understand the type of mass and what it may mean for her care moving forward.
Nala was carefully monitored under anaesthesia with IV fluids, antibiotics, and strong pain relief, including a fentanyl CRI (constant rate infusion) to keep her comfortable. We also used our advanced anaesthetic machine and multi-parameter monitoring system, which allowed us to:
✅ Provide consistent oxygen delivery and safe ventilation throughout surgery.
✅ Track vital signs in real time — including ECG (heart rhythm), blood pressure, oxygen levels, carbon dioxide levels, breathing rate, and body temperature.
✅ ECG monitoring was especially important during her splenectomy, as heart rhythm changes can occur when removing the spleen.
✅ Detect and respond immediately to even the smallest changes in her condition.
This technology, combined with our team’s expertise, meant Nala received the highest standard of anaesthetic care, reducing risks and giving her the safest possible recovery.
By 8.45 pm, Nala was already in recovery, starting to wake up. While four of our dedicated vets and nurses stayed back late into the night to care for her, we ordered pizza to keep everyone going.
At 9.30 pm, she was stable enough to be transferred to NEVS Emergency Hospital for overnight monitoring. To everyone’s delight, Nala insisted on walking herself to the car still comfortable on her pain relief and with enough energy to sniff out the leftover pizza boxes in the back seat!
Nala’s story is a reminder of how important it is to act quickly when something feels off with your pet. Subtle signs like pale gums or lethargy in dogs can sometimes point to serious internal problems. In her case, her owner’s quick action and timely treatment made all the difference.
Seen straight away: Nala’s owners phoned as soon as they noticed she wasn’t herself, and she was examined promptly at 6.15 pm.
Thorough testing: In-house blood tests, ultrasound, and chest x-rays gave us clear answers within the hour.
Emergency surgery: Our team performed a splenectomy and blood transfusion to stabilise her condition.
Ongoing care: Nala was closely monitored through the night to give her the safest recovery possible.
Nala is a truly beautiful girl, and it’s clear how deeply she is loved by her family. Their quick thinking gave her the best chance of survival, and it was a privilege for our team to care for her during such a critical moment.
Subtle signs like dog pale gums, lethargy, or unusual tiredness can be easy to dismiss but sometimes they mean something serious. If you ever feel something isn’t right, trust your instincts and call us straight away.
At Allambie Vet, your trusted emergency and urgent care vet on the Northern Beaches, we’re here when you need us most, with the skills, equipment, and compassion to give your pet the best possible care.
📞 Call us on (02) 9905 0505 if you have concerns about your pet.
Or book an Emergency or Urgent same-day appointment online here
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