Spleen Problems in Dogs
The spleen is an organ found adjacent to the stomach. While the spleen is not considered an organ essential for living, it performs many diverse, important functions. The most common problems associated with this organ are splenic torsion, the presence of growths and its potential to hemorrhage.
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Function
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The spleen is responsible for various functions. It stores red blood cells and platelets; it acts as a filter by removing bacteria, foreign proteins and old blood cells from circulation. It produces new blood cells, and it plays a role in the immune system.
Splenic Torsion
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Splenic torsion is most likely caused by a potentially fatal condition that occurs in large, deep-chested dogs, known as bloat. In this case, the spleen enlarges (splenomegaly) because its blood vessels twist, and the spleen engorges with blood.
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Masses
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According to Marvistavet, the most common growths affecting the spleen are either benign hemangiomas or malignant hemangiosarcomas. In the latter case, abnormal blood cells reproduce at an incredible rate. That causes the cancer to spread quickly to other organs.
Hemorrhage
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Hemorrhage in the spleen may occur due to blunt trauma or from the rupture of a tumor. It may cause a serious hemorrhage which can become quickly life-threatening. Affected dogs will develop pale gums. They will become cold and weak. However, if the bleeding spontaneously stops, the dog may recover within hours.
Symptoms
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Spleen disorders may produce specific symptoms in dogs. The most commonly observed are: dark reddish brown urine (suggesting a splenic torsion), pale gums and lethargy (suggesting a hemorrhage), a distended abdomen, and/or the feeling of a mass upon palpating the abdominal area (suggesting the presence of a tumor).
Treatment
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Treatment varies depending on the causes of splenic disorders. Dogs affected by masses often require the removal of the spleen (splenectomy) and chemotherapy if the tumor is malignant. Dogs affected by splenic torsion require hydration and stabilization. Finally, dogs with a splenic hemorrhage may require a blood transfusion.
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References
- Photo Credit Bowlingranny
