An enlarged spleen is a medical condition that can affect dogs of all breeds and genders. However, it’s usually not directly connected to the spleen but rather an indication of another disease or disorder.
Your vet will diagnose an enlarged spleen by evaluating physical exam findings and laboratory tests. They may suggest imaging tests such as x-rays, ultrasound or CT scans to further confirm the diagnosis.
Causes
An enlarged spleen is a common condition among dogs and cats, and can be caused by various things. The spleen plays an essential role in the body by storing blood, producing red blood cells and white blood cells, filtering circulating blood, as well as fighting infections and diseases.
The spleen, located in the lower abdomen, is a tongue-shaped organ that acts as a reservoir for blood and filters circulating blood to produce new red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Furthermore, it aids in immunity by eliminating disease-causing agents or infected cells while working together with other parts of the body to mount an attack.
A dog’s spleen may enlarge when affected by cancer, inflammatory conditions, infectious diseases or other disorders of the immune system. These conditions may cause fatigue to loss of appetite and bloated belly symptoms.
If your pet’s spleen appears to be growing rapidly, contact your veterinarian right away. They can palpate the abdomen and feel for an enlarged spleen. Your vet may suggest blood tests, X-rays or abdominal ultrasound scans in order to accurately diagnose the issue.
Your vet may order tests for other reasons, such as inspecting the shape and size of your dog’s blood cells under a microscope or checking their bone marrow to detect cancer. They may also evaluate your dog for other underlying conditions that could explain an enlarged spleen, like hepatitis or liver disease.
Spleen tumors can usually be surgically removed without affecting your pet’s overall health. The procedure involves shaving the abdomen for sterility purposes and then isolating and removing the spleen.
As this procedure can be risky, your dog must be under general anesthesia and receive a comprehensive physical examination. Your veterinarian also needs to perform a blood test in order to check the amount of red and white blood cells in their circulation as well as assess blood protein level and examine your pup’s liver.
Symptoms
Dogs with an enlarged spleen may experience symptoms of illness, such as weight loss, diarrhea and lethargy. If this condition persists it could be indicative of an underlying medical issue which is treatable through medication and veterinary care; so make sure you get to the source before things get worse.
If your vet detects an enlarged spleen, they will likely conduct a physical exam and take a blood panel to check your dog’s red blood cell count. They may also palpate (feel) the abdomen and take X-rays or other imaging.
An enlarged spleen can lead to serious medical issues, such as bleeding and tissue death. It could also deteriorate over time or outgrow its own blood supply and rupture, creating a highly hazardous situation for your dog.
The spleen is an organ located near the liver and stomach in your dog’s abdomen. It works like a sponge, storing, filtering and producing blood cells; additionally, it performs quality control by eliminating old, damaged or infected red blood cells as well as pulling out disease-causing agents that can then be eliminated by the body’s immune system.
Your dog’s blood stem cell production helps create red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets as well as filtering out bacteria and toxins that could harm their health. Not only that but it can protect them against infection, cancer and other diseases which could damage organs or even kill them – helping safeguard their wellbeing!
Larger dogs tend to develop larger spleens than smaller breeds, and middle aged canines appear most vulnerable. However, this condition can affect all breeds of dog.
An enlarged spleen can be caused by a variety of conditions, such as infections, inflammatory bowel diseases and parasites. Fortunately, most of these issues are treatable with medication and veterinary care; so make sure your pup gets checked out by your veterinarian today!
Sometimes, dogs with an enlarged spleen may lead a normal life; however, some will succumb to it quickly. Although this can be an upsetting situation for you and your pet, remember that every animal is unique. By working closely with a veterinarian, you will be able to find treatments which best suit both of you.
Diagnosis
The spleen is one of the largest organs in the lymphatic system, filtering blood and keeping fluid levels balanced. It also aids the immune system by fighting infections and eliminating old red blood cells. Situated on the left side of a dog’s abdomen alongside its liver and stomach, it plays an essential role in their digestive process.
The size of a dog’s spleen is an indicator of their overall health, and can indicate when they may be at risk for infection or disease. Therefore, it’s critical to bring your pup in immediately if you observe any symptoms related to their spleen.
Splenomegaly is a common condition that affects all types of dogs, from puppies to older animals. The symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause of the splenomegaly.
Your vet can usually detect whether your dog has an enlarged spleen by palpating the abdomen or using other diagnostic tests. On rare occasions, X-rays or other imaging taken by the vet for another reason may reveal it accidentally.
When a dog’s spleen is enlarged, it may be difficult for the pup to move or breathe normally. This is especially true if the spleen has become enlarged due to an injury or disease affecting other parts of the body.
Your dog may experience difficulty eating, drinking or sleeping normally due to this disorder; they may become depressed or anxious as a result. Weight loss, fatigue and an overall decrease in energy may follow as well.
In severe cases, your veterinarian may suggest surgery to remove the spleen. This procedure, known as splenectomy, is the most common treatment for splenic masses that are not caused by infection or cancer.
Under general anesthetic, your dog will undergo surgery that usually lasts around three to five hours. After their recovery has begun, your pup will be monitored closely for several days in order to ensure a speedy return to normalcy.
An enlarged spleen can be caused by several conditions, but the most common cause is usually an inflammation or infection that has caused it to grow larger than usual. Once healed or removed, the spleen usually returns to its normal size.
Treatment
According to the cause, dogs diagnosed with an enlarged spleen may require treatment. Your veterinarian will collaborate with you in deciding the most effective course of action.
The spleen is an essential organ in the abdomen. It filters blood and helps protect against infections by eliminating old red blood cells, while filtering other organs from bleeding. Furthermore, it filters nutrients from surrounding organs as well.
Your veterinarian will perform a comprehensive physical exam and search for signs of an enlarged spleen. They may use palpation, which is a technique used in abdominal areas, to help them locate the issue. Your vet may then suggest further testing such as blood tests, X-rays or ultrasounds to further pinpoint its location.
Abdominal X-rays and abdominal ultrasound can detect tumors or fluid in the spleen or other parts of the abdomen. An ultrasound also indicates if your dog is bleeding or has any other abnormalities.
An enlarged spleen can be life-threatening for your dog, so it’s essential that you get them into the vet as soon as possible.
If your dog’s spleen becomes enlarged due to an underlying illness, the best treatment is control of that condition. Your veterinarian may suggest medications to reduce inflammation or alleviate symptoms associated with the disorder; they may also initiate therapy to address whatever ailment caused the spleen to enlarge in the first place.
Some of the most common treatments for splenic disorders include intravenous fluids, oxygen therapy and blood transfusions. Some veterinarians also utilize antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs to address whatever ailment is causing your spleen to enlarge.
In severe cases, your dog may require surgery to remove the spleen or part of it. This procedure, known as a “splenectomy,” can be performed at home by an experienced surgeon or in a hospital setting where experienced veterinarians have performed this type of operation before.
Splenicectomy can be a risky procedure, but it’s an effective treatment for certain conditions. Many doctors prefer to manage the spleen rather than remove it completely.
Most dogs with splenic enlargement live long and healthy lives. However, it’s important for their veterinarian to monitor any changes in the condition closely so they can be caught early enough.