Dog Spleen Removal: Why Dogs Sometimes Need Their Spleen Removed

Dog spleen removal, also known as a splenectomy, is a surgical procedure that is sometimes necessary to protect a dog’s life or health. The spleen is not considered an essential organ, meaning dogs can live full, healthy lives without it, but understanding why removal is sometimes recommended, and what the surgery involves, can help pet owners feel more prepared if their dog is ever facing this procedure. At Bottletree Animal Hospital in Oxford, Mississippi, our team approaches splenectomy with thorough diagnostic work, clear communication with pet owners, and compassionate care throughout the process.

 

 

What Does the Spleen Do in Dogs?

The spleen is an organ located in the abdomen near the stomach. It plays several supporting roles in a dog’s body, including filtering red blood cells, storing a reserve of red blood cells that can be released into circulation when needed, and supporting the immune system by filtering bacteria and foreign material from the bloodstream.

While the spleen is valuable, it is not irreplaceable. Other organs can compensate for its functions after dog spleen removal, which is why splenectomy is a viable and often necessary option when the spleen becomes diseased or dangerous.

Why Do Dogs Sometimes Need Their Spleen Removed?

There are several medical reasons your veterinarian may recommend a splenectomy in a dog. The most common involve masses on the spleen, trauma, or other conditions that compromise the organ’s integrity or threaten the dog’s life.

Splenic Tumors and Masses

The most common reason for dog spleen removal is the presence of a mass or tumor on the spleen. Splenic masses in dogs are relatively common, particularly in large and giant breeds, and in older dogs. Breeds like Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Labrador Retrievers appear to be at higher risk.

Unfortunately, splenic masses in dogs often cannot be distinguished from one another without surgery. A mass on the dog’s spleen may be a benign growth like a hematoma (a blood-filled clot) or nodular hyperplasia (non-cancerous tissue overgrowth), or it may be hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive and malignant cancer of the blood vessel walls. Roughly half of splenic masses in dogs are benign; roughly half are malignant. The distinction can only be confirmed through histopathology after the spleen is removed and examined.

Splenic Rupture and Internal Bleeding

One of the most urgent reasons for emergency spleen removal in dogs is splenic rupture. A ruptured spleen leads to significant internal bleeding that can rapidly become life-threatening. Splenic rupture most commonly occurs when a mass on the spleen bleeds into the abdominal cavity. Signs include sudden collapse, pale or white gums, extreme weakness, rapid breathing, and a distended abdomen. This is a veterinary emergency, and rapid surgical intervention is critical to the dog’s survival.

Traumatic Injury

Physical trauma such as being struck by a vehicle or a serious fall can lacerate or rupture the spleen. Depending on the extent of the injury, splenectomy may be the safest and most effective treatment to stop bleeding and prevent life-threatening blood loss.

Splenic Torsion

In some dogs, the spleen can twist on its supporting ligaments, cutting off its own blood supply. This condition, called splenic torsion, is extremely painful and requires emergency surgery. It is most often seen in large, deep-chested breeds. Splenectomy is the definitive treatment for splenic torsion.

Immune-Mediated Conditions

Conditions like immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) or immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP), where the immune system attacks the dog’s own blood cells, occasionally require splenectomy when other treatments have failed, since the spleen can be a major site of red blood cell or platelet destruction in these cases.

What Are the Signs That a Dog’s Spleen May Be Diseased?

Splenic disease in dogs can be difficult to detect in the early stages because symptoms may be vague or develop gradually. In many cases, a splenic mass is discovered incidentally during a routine physical exam or abdominal imaging done for another reason. Other times, signs appear suddenly when a mass ruptures or becomes large enough to cause discomfort. These may include: 

• A distended or enlarged abdomen
• Lethargy or sudden weakness
• Pale or white gums, which can indicate blood loss
• Decreased appetite and weight loss
• Collapse or exercise intolerance
• Vomiting or retching
• A palpable mass in the abdomen during a physical exam

If your dog is showing any of these signs, contact Bottletree Animal Hospital right away. A sudden collapse with pale gums is a medical emergency and requires immediate veterinary care.

How Is Splenic Disease Diagnosed in Dogs?

When a dog presents with signs of splenic disease, or when a mass is detected on physical examination, the veterinary team at Bottletree Animal Hospital will typically perform a combination of diagnostic tests to evaluate the situation.

• Abdominal ultrasound: The most useful tool for evaluating the spleen, allowing the veterinarian to assess the size, texture, and architecture of the organ and identify masses
• X-rays (radiographs): Can detect an enlarged spleen or signs of abdominal bleeding
• Complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry panel: Evaluates red blood cell counts, platelets, and organ function, helping identify anemia or other abnormalities
• Chest X-rays: To look for signs of metastasis in dogs with a suspected malignant splenic mass

In emergency situations involving active bleeding, the diagnostic process may be abbreviated in favor of immediate surgical intervention to save the dog’s life.

What Does Dog Spleen Removal Surgery Involve?

A splenectomy in dogs is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen and carefully ligates (ties off) the blood vessels supplying the spleen before removing the organ. The procedure typically takes one to two hours, though emergency cases involving significant bleeding may be more complex and time-intensive.

The removed spleen is almost always sent to a pathology laboratory for histopathology, which is the microscopic examination of tissue. This is the only way to definitively determine whether a splenic mass is benign or malignant, and the results directly influence what recommendations your veterinarian will make for follow-up care.

What Happens After the Surgery?

Most dogs that undergo splenectomy for a benign condition recover well and return to a normal quality of life. Dogs that had a malignant tumor like hemangiosarcoma have a more guarded prognosis, and our veterinary team at Bottletree Animal Hospital will discuss what to expect and whether additional treatment such as chemotherapy may extend your dog’s quality time.

Recovery typically involves one to two nights in the hospital, followed by activity restriction, pain management, and prescribed medications at home. Most dogs are back on their feet within a few days and recovering well within two to three weeks.

Can Dogs Live a Normal Life Without a Spleen?

Yes. Dogs that undergo spleen removal can and do live full, active, comfortable lives. The body adapts to the absence of the spleen, with the liver and lymph nodes taking over many of its filtering and immune functions. Dogs without a spleen may have a slightly reduced immune response to certain types of bacterial infections, so it’s worth discussing with your veterinarian whether any additional preventive measures are recommended.

The most important thing pet owners can do after dog spleen removal is attend all scheduled follow-up appointments and watch for any signs of illness or recurrence. For dogs with benign conditions, life after splenectomy is often completely normal.

When Time Matters: Acting Fast on Splenic Disease

Splenic disease in dogs, especially splenic masses, can be unpredictable. A mass that appears stable can rupture without warning, creating a life-threatening emergency. If your veterinarian has identified a mass on your dog’s spleen, having a frank conversation about the risks of waiting versus moving forward with surgery is important.

The team at Bottletree Animal Hospital in Oxford, Mississippi is committed to giving you clear, honest information about your dog’s condition so you can make the best decision for your pet. Whether your dog needs emergency spleen removal or a planned splenectomy, we are here to provide expert care and walk you through every step of the process. Call us today at (662) 234-4336 if you have questions or concerns about your dog’s health.