Domestic dog Spleen Removal – Splenectomy Surgery

The spleen is i of those organs of the body that most people have heard of simply many are uncertain where it is and what it actually does. Although information technology has several of import functions, dogs can manage to live a normal life without a spleen if it has to be removed. The nigh common reasons for removal (splenectomy) are if the spleen has ruptured (normally after a road traffic accident), or if it develops a neoplasm. Both of these tin can atomic number 82 to very sudden affliction which needs fast diagnosis and treatment to save the dog's life.

Biggles in full flight, pictured before he had to have an emergency splenectomy
Biggles in full flight, pictured before he had to have an emergency splenectomy

Biggles the Springer Spaniel has recently had his spleen removed and is recovering well. Although I am not his vet, I helped to care for him during his convalescence, and with his possessor'southward permission, I would like to tell his story.

Biggles is a typically lively spaniel, who enjoyed a normal Sun romping effectually with his companion. On the Monday morning, his possessor found him collapsed and weak and had to rush him straight to his vets.

Diagnosing a Neoplasm of the Spleen

After examination, claret tests and x-rays, his problem was diagnosed as a tumour of the spleen and Biggles was operated on the same day. Unfortunately, his tumour was large and ulcerated which meant Biggles had lost a lot of claret from the circulation into his breadbasket. As a outcome, he needed several days of intensive intendance including fluids by baste and drugs to prevent airsickness and infection.

Subsequently several days of hospitalisation at the vets, Biggles began to feel so much improve that the challenge was to finish him from doing likewise much. After major surgery he had to have it very like shooting fish in a barrel, which was hard for him. Very brusk walks on a pb, away from his boisterous friends, were all that he was allowed during his recovery, but now he is beginning to get back to normal gradually.

Why is the Spleen Important?

And then, where is the spleen and what does it practise? The spleen is situated on the left side of the belly, close to the stomach. Information technology is smaller in size than the liver but larger than a kidney. It is sometimes described as being shaped like a slipper because it is long and narrow with curved borders and has a narrower office in the middle. It is a very vascular organ, meaning it is full of blood vessels and blood storage areas.

The primary jobs of the spleen are to deed equally a claret storage reservoir, to make red blood cells, to filter out and remove old blood cells and to fight infection as part of the allowed system. Luckily, these jobs can be carried out elsewhere if the spleen has to be removed.

Position of a dog's spleen
Position of a dog'due south spleen

What to Await Out For

If a tumour develops on the spleen, it may abound very slowly but sometimes the symptoms can become apparent very suddenly, equally in Biggles' case. Symptoms can include tiredness, a swollen belly, anaemia (seen every bit pale or white membranes in the oral cavity and eyes which are commonly pink) and loss of appetite. If the spleen is ruptured by an accident, or if a neoplasm bleeds heavily, the symptoms will be shock, collapse and possibly death.

The treatment of selection for a ruptured spleen or a tumour on the spleen is surgical removal of the whole spleen. If in that location is a neoplasm, checks will be made as far as possible to make certain that information technology has not already spread to other organs. If there is no prove of spread, the spleen is removed and a sample of the tumour sent to a laboratory for microscopic exam (histology). This volition help to decide if the neoplasm is benign or cancerous, and whether whatever farther treatment such every bit chemotherapy might be needed.

Non all tumours of the spleen are malignant. One of the more than serious types is haemangiosarcoma, which can spread aggressively to other organs. Others can be local to the spleen and benign in grapheme.

I am delighted to say that Biggles showed no signs of tumour spread at the fourth dimension of his operation, and his histology results were skillful. There is every take chances that Biggles will demand no further treatment and will presently forget the whole experience as he continues to savour his life.

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