[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4. 6. 6″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4. 6. 6″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4. 6. 6″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4. 8. I recently made a joke about how I perform more splenectomies than spays here. 2′′ _module_preset=”default”] Although that isn’t exactly accurate, I do remove a couple of spleens each month. Many of these dogs are not originally my patients. They either come here for a holistic consultation on splenic tumors or they are looking for a second opinion after receiving poor prognoses and a hefty cost estimate at the emergency room.
I do not envy the veterinarians who work emergency. A hospital needs a lot of money to remain open and staffed at all times. They see a lot of terrible illnesses and spread a lot of negative information. I, however, see a lot of wellness appointments and don’t have to pay to keep a hospital open around-the-clock, so overall, I tend to be pretty optimistic and err on the side of allowing the dog a chance to live in this circumstance and can charge less than an ER or specialty hospital. Although I have years of experience performing soft tissue surgery as a general practitioner, I am not a board-certified surgeon.
I’m frequently asked, “What would you do if he was your dog?” when I find a mass on the spleen during a physical examination or when I run an ultrasound to look for one because there are a few abnormalities on their bloodwork. To me, this is overall an easy decision. I take it out. I generally take the dog out, but obviously you have to make sure that it can handle anesthesia and doesn’t have any signs of metastasis or other serious concurrent diseases. No matter the age of the dog. Age is just a number, not a disease. I’ve performed splenectomies on 14-year-old dogs who lived for an additional two years before passing away from old age. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4. 8. 2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4. 8. 2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_ src=”https://davidsonvet. com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/IMG_3747. jpg” title_text=”IMG_3747″ _builder_version=”4. 8. 2″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4. 8. 2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4. 8. So how could this be such an easy choice for me? If I find a tumor on the spleen, whether it is cancerous or benign, there is a high likelihood that it will rupture and bleed. And with some, I don’t discover them until the dog is struggling and they are actively bleeding. So your options are limited. To help stop the bleeding, we can administer an herb, which might buy us a little more time with your dog. If he is not doing well and has active internal bleeding, we could put him to death that day. We can wait until it ruptures if it isn’t bleeding before euthanizing. Alternately, we do it, and you bring your dog home that evening while we wait for the results. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4. 8. 2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4. 8. 2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4. 8. Most of these dogs recover well from surgery and are frequently back to their normal, joyful selves 24 to 48 hours later. Even the old ones. Their owners can’t believe how well they are doing just a day or two after a major abdominal surgery because they feel so much better after having that spleen removed. Just 30 minutes after being extubated, Jake was captured in the photograph that is attached. He stood up and wagged his tail in relief after the tumor was removed. Jake’s tumor will not be diagnosed as benign or cancerous until we receive the biopsy results in a week. And once we have those results, we can put Jake’s plan together. And even if it turns out to be cancer, at least we know the results, know what to anticipate moving forward, and have had time to process this information. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4. 8. 2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_ src=”https://davidsonvet. com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/IMG_3749-rotated. jpg” title_text=”IMG_3749″ _builder_version=”4. 8. 2″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4. 8. 2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4. 8. 2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4. 8. Six of the last six spleens I removed were benign, accounting for 66% of them. Would you spend $1500 to possibly cure your dog of a disease that could easily kill him (if the mass ruptured)? I would. That means those dogs have been cured of this illness. I am aware that not everyone has the means to spend that much money, and that is perfectly acceptable. It is a lot of money. But if you receive a much higher cost estimate, it would be a good idea to ask around. Because their regular veterinarians are either uncomfortable performing those surgeries or they were quoted 2-4 times that amount at an emergency/specialty hospital, half of those six patients of mine came to me from other clinics.
I really hope Jake’s tumor is benign. And a few prognostic indicators give me hope that it might be benign. Jake’s tumor was not actively bleeding when it was found. Jake was not anemic and had a normal platelet count. Jake showed no symptoms of liver or lung metastasis. And if it’s not benign, I’ll have that difficult conversation with his mother about the herbs we’ll use to stop the tumor from growing, and I can let her know what to expect for the next three to ten months of his life. But at least Jake is at home with his mother right now, he is doing much better since having his spleen removed, and his mother can take some time to adjust to his diagnosis if it is not what we anticipate.
So yes, if I had $1500 to spare and my dog otherwise had a good health, I would remove his spleen. I’ll take those odds that her mass would be benign. And even if the pathology report indicated otherwise, at least I had many more months with my dog before I had to say goodbye.
Why might a dog need a splenectomy?
The removal of your dog’s spleen may be necessary for a number of reasons. If your veterinarian suspects or determines that your pet has one of the following conditions, they may advise a splenectomy:
Abnormal cell growth on or within the spleen (i. e. It’s possible that the spleen will no longer work properly if there is a splenic tumor. Additionally, this increases the possibility of the spleen rupturing, which is fatal. Because bleeding can occur in both benign and malignant masses, it is impossible to differentiate between the two by merely looking for it. A splenic biopsy is the most conclusive way to determine the identity of the mass, though a fine needle aspiration (FNA) or an ultrasound may provide hints.
But it can be risky to take out just a portion of the spleen for a biopsy. Additionally, if the mass ruptures or turns out to be cancerous, the dog might still need a splenectomy in the future.
So in many cases, the vet will recommend a splenectomy. The pathologist will then review the entire spleen to make a final diagnosis. Sometimes, instead of performing a splenectomy right away, the veterinarian will advise routine ultrasound monitoring of the mass if they believe it to be benign and not bleeding.
Benign splenic masses in dogs include hemangiomas and splenic hematomas. Dogs may also develop malignant splenic masses such as mast cell tumors, lymphoma, or canine hemangiosarcoma. The spleen must be removed if the mass turns out to be benign.
But if the mass is malignant, the dog might also require additional treatment, like chemotherapy, to deal with tumor metastasis (i e. spread to other organs). Yunnan Baiyao for dogs, a Traditional Chinese Medicine that can lessen bleeding, may also be advantageous to some dogs.
A splenic mass may occasionally go undetected until it ruptures and bleeds. Additionally, trauma (i. e. a horse kick, being hit by car, a fall, etc. ), may cause the spleen to rupture and hemorrhage internally. Time is of the essence because this is a medical emergency. The challenging part, though, is that you might not initially be aware of what is happening. In these circumstances, weakness and pale gums may occasionally be the only visible clinical signs.
This disorder develops when the spleen twists around its own vessels. It may take place independently or in tandem with a gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Because the spleen is attached along the bottom of the stomach, it can occasionally flip with the stomach during a GDV. Large, deep-chested dogs with splenic torsion are more common in breeds like Great Danes and Shepherds. Additionally, anxiety or nervousness may make dogs more susceptible to this condition.
The spleen is susceptible to bacterial infections or abscesses in the splenic tissue due to its high level of circulation. The veterinarian might suggest a splenectomy if antibiotics are ineffective in controlling this level of infection.
What is recovery like after a splenectomy?
Your veterinarian won’t make the decision to remove the spleen lightly because it’s such a crucial internal organ. Following surgery, you should have a discharge appointment. This is the time to ask questions. In this way, you can be assured that your dog’s recovery plan at home is the best one. Although every circumstance is unique, the following are some potential side effects you might encounter both during and after your dog’s spleen removal:
Prior to surgery, your veterinarian may opt to cross-match your dog with a blood donor that they will have available to give a supportive blood transfusion for dogs. Because the spleen is such a highly vascular organ, removing it removes a lot of blood volume from your dog. Additionally, if your dog is already anemic from a splenic rupture or hemorrhage, he or she would probably benefit from a transfusion. This can help maintain circulation and blood flow to the organs.
Following surgery, your dog may go home the same day. As an alternative, he or she might need to spend several days in the hospital receiving supportive care. Most likely, the veterinarian will send the spleen for pathologic examination. Thus, he or she will be aware of the kind of tumor (if there was one) or the conditions that the spleen was experiencing. With this knowledge, your veterinarian can develop a future medical management plan.
Most importantly, your dog must wear the E-collar that the veterinarian will deliver with them when they go home. This could lessen the likelihood of your dog licking the wound or ripping the sutures out. I’ll say it again: You must continue to keep the collar on your dog as long as your veterinarian advises.
If not, you might return home to find that your dog has already taken out the sutures or infected the surgical site. Both of those scenarios could necessitate a second surgery. E-collar misuse at home almost always contributes to post-operative complications So keep that collar on!.
You might observe that following surgery, your dog appears significantly thinner due to the canine spleen’s large size. Don’t worry—this is normal. Additionally, he or she will have a fairly lengthy abdominal incision that is stitched or stapled shut. 10 days after surgery, your dog might require a staple or suture removal at the clinic. The incision line needs to remain dry and clean at home in the interim.
Contact your veterinarian if the incision starts to come apart, looks inflamed, starts to drain excessively, or if you have any other worries about how your dog is acting or appearing while it is healing.
Your dog should undergo 10 to 14 days of “bed rest” after you bring him or her home. This means that your dog is not permitted to play with other household pets, jump on or off furniture, or go for long walks. Your dog must be on a leash when you take him outside to use the restroom. You can prevent him or her from running or jumping by doing this.
Remember that your dog is trying to replace the blood volume lost in addition to recovering from major abdominal surgery. Excessive movement can damage the fragile healing tissues. Additionally, your dog might lack the red blood cell reserves needed to support vigorous activity.
Most dogs can resume their normal lives after a successful splenectomy after a two to three week recovery period. Your veterinarian might advise routine follow-up visits depending on the nature of the injury or disease process in the spleen. For instance, to check for the spread of any cancerous cells, dogs with a malignant splenic tumor may require screening bloodwork or imaging (ultrasound or X-ray).
How The Spleen Helps Your Dog: A Holistic View
The immune, lymphatic, and digestive systems of your dog all include the spleen. It also helps keep the muscles, tendons, and ligaments moist.
To support the immune system, the spleen …
The spleen activates when the immune system identifies a pathogen as an invader. To combat that pathogen and similar ones in the future, it aids in the development of a specific antibody.
The lymphatic system contains lymphatic vessels, ducts, glands and nodes. It carries cellular wastes into the bloodstream through the spleen. It also helps with nutrient absorption through the process of blood nourishment.
The lymphatic system’s largest mass of lymph tissue is the spleen. It coordinates proper digestion and ejection with the liver.
Your dog’s entire body is affected when her spleen is removed. The body must make adjustments with the aid of the lymphatic, liver, and kidney systems. The immune system is severely compromised and needs constant support.
Your dog’s risk of infection increases significantly without a spleen.
FAQ
How long will a dog live after spleen removed?
The reported median survival time after splenectomy is 86 days, and the estimated 1-year survival rate is 6 percent. 25% (8). In a more recent study, the median survival time was 1 years. 6 mo with 11. 4% alive at 2 years after splenectomy alone, and 1% at 1 years (3)
What happens if a dog doesn’t have a spleen?
Despite performing all of the spleen’s functions, dogs can survive without one. Most dogs never have a problem. Several infections that affect red blood cells are more common in dogs without spleens, but they are rare.
Do dogs need their spleen to live?
A dog doesn’t actually require a spleen despite it performing numerous vital bodily functions. Your dog can continue to live a full and active life following the splenectomy recovery period if they are otherwise healthy. Malignant tumor-carrying canines may eventually pass away from their condition.
How do you take care of a dog with no spleen?
Avoid any rigorous activity for 2 weeks. Short, leashed walks are fine. Monitor appetite and attitude. Please contact your primary care veterinarian or come back for a progress assessment and problem-solving if both don’t steadily get better over the next couple of days.