‘Your dog needs surgery’ is a phrase many owners dread to hear from their veterinarian, no matter the age of their dog. We as dog lovers and parents are generally prepared for routine surgeries such as spays and castrations, but nothing quite prepares you, or your pooch, for emergency surgery.
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What Is a Splenectomy in Dogs
Firstly, what does the spleen do? The spleen filters your dog’s blood of any damaged or old red blood cells and initiates immune responses to blood-borne bacteria or parasites. A splenectomy is the complete surgical removal of the spleen. Generally, the surgery is performed as an open abdominal surgery. Studies are being performed on the advantages and disadvantages of abdominal surgery versus laparoscopic surgery.
Reasons for a splenectomy can be: splenic torsion, mast cell tumour, cancer (such as hemangiosarcoma), infection, rupture or immune mediated haemolytic anaemia.
“Hemangiosarcoma is a malignancy arising from endothelium and is the most common neoplasm of the canine spleen. One study led to the development of the so-called two-thirds rule: approximately 2/3 of splenic masses will be malignant, and 2/3 of those will be hemangiosarcoma; the remaining 1/3 of splenic masses would be expected to be benign.”, - Dr. S. Patten, Dr. S. Boston & Dr. G. Monteith.
Dog Splenectomy Complications And Recovery
In the study on Splenomegaly in Dogs, Predictors of Neoplasia and Survival After Splenectomy it states: “Even at surgery it is often impossible to distinguish various diseases on the basis of gross appearance of the spleen. Unless a firm diagnosis can be made by aspiration cytology or frozen section biopsy, splenectomy is usually done without a definitive diagnosis.”
Complications can occur during surgery and blood transfusions are often needed during or after a splenectomy surgery, and on occasion more than one blood transfusion is necessary. Especially if the reason for the surgery is a ruptured spleen or burst tumour causing internal bleeding and therefore a lack of red blood cells circulating the patient’s system.
There is no general answer to the complications that can occur during a splenectomy, or after during recovery. Each case is different, and it depends on the reason for the splenectomy, and the condition the patient is in before surgery takes place. If it is an aggressive cancer that has spread further than the spleen, then the chance for recovery is slimmer than say if it is a healthy dog that has a ruptured spleen due to a traumatic incident that is immediately tended to. It is best to always consult with your veterinarian. It is very important to sign your dog up for an Emergency Fund so that you have access to veterinary treatment if you or when you need it.
FAQs
What is the dog splenectomy success rate?
Splenectomies are generally successful, and the dogs are discharged from hospital, but the reason for the splenectomy needs to be taken into account. If the surgery was performed due to a malignant tumour or cancer your dog’s life may only be extended for a few weeks or if you are lucky, months. Other dogs can go on to live for many years with the proper care if say the surgery was needed due to trauma and not an underlying disease.
What does a splenectomy in dogs’ cost?
Costs vary according to the specific diagnostic tools needed to determine that a splenectomy is necessary. It can also vary due to size of dog, age and any additional blood work that may need to be done. Geographic location does play a role in cost. The price can range anywhere from $3000 - $9000.
How long does a splenectomy take in dogs?
Again, this depends on the patient, there is not an average set time as each case will vary and each case can present with its own complications. It can take anything from 1 hour and up. The surgical experience of the veterinarian will also play a role.
Conclusion
A splenectomy is not a procedure that is recommended daily in your general veterinary practice. Your veterinarian will only recommend this surgery if necessary to improve or save your pets life. It is imperative to follow your veterinarians’ instructions post-surgery and always stay up to date with tick and flea control.