Splenectomy — removal of the spleen
Surgical removal of the spleen for tumours, rupture or torsion of the organ. We perform it as a planned procedure after an ultrasound scan and chest X-ray, or urgently when there is bleeding into the abdominal cavity.
What it involves
Splenectomy is the removal of the whole spleen. The organ has immune functions and stores blood, but dogs and cats can live normally without it — after the procedure its tasks are taken over by the liver and bone marrow.
The most common reason for surgery in dogs is splenic tumours. About half of them are benign lesions (haematomas, nodular masses), the other half — malignant tumours, especially haemangiosarcoma. Before surgery this cannot be told apart with complete certainty; a definite answer comes from histopathological examination of the removed organ.
We perform the procedure using an electrocautery and vascular ligatures, because the spleen is a highly vascular organ.
When it is used
Planned: when abdominal ultrasound has found a splenic tumour, enlargement of the organ or its torsion. Before we decide on surgery, we carry out staging — a chest X-ray and ultrasound of the other organs — because the presence of metastases changes whether the procedure makes sense.
Urgent: when a tumour ruptures and the dog bleeds into the abdominal cavity. This shows as sudden weakness, pale gums, an enlarged abdominal girth and collapse. During the practice’s opening hours, call and come straight away.
Indications: symptoms that should prompt a visit
- The dog has suddenly become weak, has pale gums and an enlarged abdomen.
- An older large-breed dog has episodes of weakness, after which it returns to normal.
- A lesion in the spleen was found on a routine ultrasound or during another examination.
- The dog is losing weight, has a reduced appetite and an enlarged abdominal girth for no clear reason.
- The cat has a palpable enlarged organ in the abdomen and pale mucous membranes.
- During surgery for gastric torsion the spleen was found to be ischaemic.
Conditions for which we use it in particular
Diagnostics beforehand
The basis is abdominal ultrasound: it determines the size and structure of the lesion, the presence of free fluid (blood) in the abdominal cavity, and the condition of the liver and lymph nodes. A chest X-ray in three views looks for metastases in the lungs. If haemangiosarcoma is suspected, we also perform echocardiography — this tumour often affects the right atrium of the heart.
A blood test (blood count, biochemistry) and an echocardiogram are mandatory before anaesthesia (STD-01). If there is bleeding into the abdomen, we collect fluid for assessment and quickly decide on surgery.
How it proceeds
A stable patient arrives in the morning, fasted; if there is bleeding, we first stabilise the circulation with fluids. Inhalation anaesthesia with intubation and full monitoring (STD-02), pain management according to standard STD-04, and the patient is warmed with a warm-air blower.
Through a midline incision of the abdomen the surgeon lifts out the spleen, ligates or coagulates the vessels and removes the organ whole. At the same time the surgeon inspects the liver, the lymph nodes and the rest of the abdominal cavity; suspicious lesions are sampled for examination. The procedure takes roughly 1–2 hours. The spleen is sent for histopathology.
After the procedure we monitor the ECG (rhythm disturbances are common in the first 24–48 hours), perform a follow-up blood count, and provide fluid therapy and pain management.
Aftercare
At home: a cone collar, restricted activity for 14 days, medication according to the schedule, an easily digestible diet. Wound check after 2–3 days, suture removal after 10 days.
We discuss the histopathology result at a separate visit after about 3 weeks; it determines whether treatment is complete or an oncology consultation is needed. Call immediately if the dog becomes weak, has pale gums, a bloated abdomen, vomits or does not eat.
Frequently asked questions
Can a dog live without a spleen?
Yes. After splenectomy dogs and cats function normally. We only recommend keeping up vaccinations and tick prevention, because immunity to some blood infections is slightly lower.
Is surgery worthwhile if the tumour may be malignant?
Without surgery we do not know whether it is malignant, and the rupture of a benign tumour is just as dangerous. If the tests show no metastases, surgery offers a chance of cure or at least of stopping the bleeding.
What is the prognosis with haemangiosarcoma?
It depends on the stage; surgery alone usually gives several months, and additional treatment may extend that time. We discuss this frankly once the histopathology result is available.
Is a transfusion needed before the procedure?
We do not run a blood bank. With major blood loss we stabilise the patient with fluids, and if a transfusion proves necessary we discuss the available options with the owner.
We manage every case individually. The scope, indications and course described above are indicative; we agree the exact diagnostic and treatment plan during the consultation. This content is for information only and does not replace a veterinary consultation.
Do you have questions about splenectomy?
Call us or book a consultation. We will set out the diagnostic and treatment plan in writing, before you decide.