PetMD Seal

Twisted Spleen in Dogs

PrintPrint

Treatment

 

Dogs with GDV should be considered a surgical emergency. After fluid therapy and medical treatment, a surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy) should be performed. At this time, the stomach will need to be surgically affixed, or it may flip again at a later date. A splenic sample should be submitted for histopathologic examination (laboratory study of abnormal tissue). Fluid support and cardiovascular monitoring will be provided after splenectomy.

 

Living and Management

 

Your veterinarian will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your dog's progress. Post-surgery infection is a serious issue of concern. You will need to monitor the surgical site for cleanliness. Follow your veterinarian's instructions for proper methods of cleaning a post-surgery wound. If you observe any redness, swelling, itching, or oozing at the site, you will need to contact your veterinarian. Because the spleen plays a role in the immune system, there is some concern that the absence of the spleen may place an animal at an increased risk of infection. You may wish to talk with your veterinarian about ways to strengthen your dog's immune system, or to protect it from injury and illness.

 

If your dog shows symptoms of GDV again, call your veterinarian immediately for advisement.

 

 

Related Articles

Heart Valve Malformation in Dogs
Dogs with malformed mitral or tricuspid valves are said to have atrioventricular...
READ MORE
Anemia Due to Iron Deficiency in Dogs
Anemia, Iron Deficiency in Dogs  
READ MORE
Bleeding Disorder in Dogs
Von Willebrand’s disease (vWD) is a blood disease caused by a deficiency of von Willebrand...
READ MORE
  • Lifetime Credits:
  • Today's Credits:
Hurry Before All Seats are Taken!
Enroll
Be an A++ Pet Parent! Take fun & free courses to earn badges & certifications. Choose a course»

symptom checker

Search dog Articles

Follow petMD


Keep your pets healthy and safe with the latest from petMD

Latest In Dog Nutrition

Does My Senior Dog Need Special Dog Food?
Whether or not your senior dog needs special dog food depends, to a large extent,...
READ MORE
5 Reasons Life Stage Diets Help Improve Pet ...
Balanced and complete nutrition is important for any animal. However, the nutritional...
READ MORE
5 Tips to Keep Your Senior Pet Healthy
Senior pets have different health requirements than a younger dog or cat. Here are...
READ MORE
 
MORE FROM PETMD.COM
©1999-2013 petMD, LLC. All Rights Reserved