- Home
- Dog Treatments
- Splenectomy in Dogs
Splenectomy in Dogs
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 12/23/2016Updated: 02/15/2024
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
What is Splenectomy?
A splenectomy is the total removal of the spleen from the dog's body. The spleen is responsible for storing blood vessels and cleaning toxins from the blood. If damaged, it can bleed profusely into the abdominal cavity, causing anaemia, low blood pressure, shock and even death. Removal of the spleen is generally only performed if methods of repair are not sufficient.
Splenectomy Procedure in Dogs
The vet will begin by placing the dog under general anesthesia and shaving a large area along the abdomen. This is because a ruptured spleen will typically require an 'open splenectomy' in order to fully remove it. Next, they will make an incision along the abdomen and move aside any intervening tissues. Next, they will cut out and remove the spleen along with any associated fragments before sealing off the associated blood vessels. The final step is to clean up any possibly infected fluid and suture the incision shut. At this point, the dog can be allowed to recover from anesthesia.
Efficacy of Splenectomy in Dogs
Damage to the spleen is typically accompanied by other injuries (often serious), so it can be difficult to judge the effectiveness of the treatment by observing changes in the dog's behavior. However, the immediate danger posed by the ruptured, cancerous, or infected spleen will have been eliminated as soon as the surgeon extracts it from the body. While the effects of a splenectomy are permanent, owners should know that removal of the spleen will not have a major impact on their dog's quality of life, as its functions are shared by several other parts of the body.
Splenectomy Recovery in Dogs
Following surgery, it can take over a month for the incision to fully heal. Because of this, the vet will provide owners with painkillers that can be administered to the dog at home. It will also be necessary for the dog to be fitted with an E-collar to prevent them from pulling out the stitches holding their abdomen closed. Additionally, due to the size of an open splenectomy incision, owners will have to dramatically reduce the amount of exercise their dog undertakes, as well as keeping a careful eye on them throughout the day. Additionally, antibiotic medication may be prescribed in order to prevent the dog from picking up an infection following the surgery (especially if the spleen itself was suffering from an infection).
Cost of Splenectomy in Dogs
The price of a splenectomy can be quite high. This is because of the diagnostic tests required in order to identify the problem in the first place, as well as the surgical knowledge required in order to perform the procedure. In all, most owners can expect to pay around $2,500 for a splenectomy. For older dogs or ones suffering from more complex conditions, the prices for the procedure can go even higher.
Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.
Dog Splenectomy Considerations
While the splenectomy can be a lifesaving procedure for many dogs, there are some attendant risks that may cause some owners to think twice. As with all major surgeries, the dog must be placed under general anesthetic, which can cause cardiovascular failure in some dogs. Additionally, without a spleen, there is an increased susceptibility to infection and longer recovery times from illnesses can be expected. For elderly dogs, these problems may be even greater, giving their owners pause for thought.
Splenectomy Prevention in Dogs
Although many cancers and infections are unpredictable and somewhat hard to guard against, owners can do a lot to mitigate the risk of direct injury to their dog's spleen. Due to the spleen's location high on the left flank of the dog, most injuries occur not through accidents in play caused by objects on the ground (unlike, for example, stomach injuries), but by being hit by cars and direct confrontations with other animals. By properly training their pet on how to act around roads and when encountering strange dogs, owners can reduce much of the risk of injury to the spleen.
Splenectomy Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
German Shepherd
Ten Years
56 found this helpful
56 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Spleen Removal And Tumor In Stomach Removal
Lexie was fine and came home with lack of appetite and appearing to have a UTI. Drinking more water and in and out of normalcy, she ended up having internal bleeding and a large tumor. Spleen was taken out and blood transfusions given. Has small red tumors on Liver but liver functions are normal. Everything I read says 1-3 months to live. I am okay with that. She’s gona live her best life whatever time she has left. My question is this, anyone else do this did your dog become somewhat his or herself before the liver cancer took them away? Any normalcy again?
July 20, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
56 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
I'm sorry that you and Lexie are having to go through this, that is very sad. I do think that if they are feeling good, they get back to their normal selves and there is some normalcy again, yes. I recently lost my own dog to kidney cancer, and she had some very good days before her days became bad, if that makes sense. I enjoyed the time that I had left with her, and I would recommend that you do the same. I hope that both of you enjoy the time that she has left.
July 20, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Pit Bull
Twelve Years
117 found this helpful
117 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Mass In Abdomen
My vet wants to remove my dogs spleen bc there is a large mass, but said he can't see if it is also in his liver. But after doing research people are saying that might only keep them alive for 6 more months. I want another option
July 16, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
117 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
There probably aren't any other options for a tumor on the spleen. Those are in danger of rupturing at all times, and that is fatal. If you decide to have the spleen removed, if it is cancerous, it may give him another 6 to 12 months. If it is not cancerous, he may live a lot longer. It is impossible to say without having histopathology and removing the spleen. If you have questions about the surgery or treatment, it would be best to follow up with your veterinarian, and discuss your concerns. I hope that all goes well for your dog.
July 16, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Pit Bull
Twelve Years
48 found this helpful
48 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Mass In Abdomen
My vet wants to remove my dogs spleen bc there is a large mass, but said he can't see if it is also in his liver. But after doing research people are saying that might only keep them alive for 6 more months. I want another option
July 16, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
48 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
There probably aren't any other options for a tumor on the spleen. Those are in danger of rupturing at all times, and that is fatal. If you decide to have the spleen removed, if it is cancerous, it may give him another 6 to 12 months. If it is not cancerous, he may live a lot longer. It is impossible to say without having histopathology and removing the spleen. If you have questions about the surgery or treatment, it would be best to follow up with your veterinarian, and discuss your concerns. I hope that all goes well for your dog.
July 16, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Pit Bull
Twelve Years
66 found this helpful
66 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Mass In Abdomen
My vet wants to remove my dogs spleen bc there is a large mass, but said he can't see if it is also in his liver. But after doing research people are saying that might only keep them alive for 6 more months. I want another option
July 16, 2020
Answered by Jessica N. DVM
66 Recommendations
Hello-
I’m so sorry you’re going through this. With splenic tumors 2/3 are malignant and 1/3 are benign. Unfortunately the only way to know is to remove the spleen and have histopathology performed. If malignant (hemangosarcoma) the prognosis is unfortunately very poor with only a few months as the average survival time. If it’s a benign tumor your dog may have a few more years of a normal life. Good luck with your decision! I know it’s super difficult and there is no wrong choice in this situation.
July 16, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Schnoodle
Ellie
15 Years
19 found this helpful
19 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Weight Loss
My schnoodle has a cyst on her spleen. She is slightly anemic and has lost 3 pounds. She is almost 15 years old. She still eats and drinks normally,We had an ultrasound done and the vet said we should wait and do another ultrasound in a few weeks. I have read about the risks of the surgery in a dog of her age. I am not sure if we should operate. The surgeon said that sometimes he operates on the spleen and the problem ends up being something else. So he can't say for sure if removing her spleen will solve her problem
Sept. 15, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
Australian Shepherd
Hotchnee
8 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Anemia
Splenectomy
My 8 year old Aussie/border collie mix had to have an emergency splenectomy last Wednesday (2/12/20) after basically collapsing after going potty in the morning.
X-rays showed mass on spleen and we opted right then to have the surgery as he was anemic. He has been home since Friday evening and seems to be doing well, but I'd course all I do is worry and cry about him.
Still waiting on the biopsy results, but I know that many splenic masses are hemangiosarcoma. I say to myself that if it is this cancer, we will just take it as it comes, as I'm trying to be strong. I just don't want to lose my boy. It isn't fair and waiting for the results is worse than not knowing at all.
During surgery doc also found 2 nodules in his liver which added to my stress, but she said that his liver numbers were just fine.
My husband and I discussed what we would do next if it is cancer, and we both said that putting him through chemo wouldn't be fair to his quality of life. I don't want to make him any sicker than he is or was, and I want his last moments on Earth to be happy.
In 2017, he had a growth/tumor removed on his trunk that ended up being I think an angiolipoma. It was a fatty tumor that was in his blood vessels which is why it bled when aspirated (and was worrisome to our vet) could this at all be linked??
I guess I'm just looking for some solace in all of this. Maybe even some glimmering hope in this dark tunnel. I know we just have to wait for the results. How many of you have had the mass be benign VS hemangiosarcoma? Those that unfortunately had it be hemangiosarcoma, what did you do to lengthen pets life the best way possible.
Thanks!
Pit bull
Shotzel
12 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Mass In Abdomen
My 12 year old pitbull is looking fat and yesterday when he rolled into his back I noticed a mass in his abdomen. It’s about the size of a grapefruit.. he is healthy, bad arthritis and walks very slow and has mild hypothyroidism... but otherwise healthy... I did some research and figured he had a splenic mass, and today we went to the vet and confirmed by exam and Sono that it is a splenic mass with no signs of bleed or liver mets.. lab work is pending, my vet actually is leaning toward no surgery given his age which I understand in perfect health he is already passed his expectancy, but he said he would do it if I wanted it it done... should his age really be the determining factor??? I don’t want this to rupture and him to bleed internally and I know even if it’s cancer I may only have 1-3 months, but I don’t feel like his age should be the issue here... thoughts???
