Splenectomy in Dogs

A splenectomy in dogs is often recommended on an emergency basis when a tumor on the spleen ruptures and is bleeding into a dog’s belly.  

This can be an emotional and stressful time for pet parents.  

Many dogs with splenic masses act completely normal until the tumor ruptures and they start losing blood. Dog spleen removal may also be recommended in dogs with certain autoimmune disease or following trauma or stomach twist. 

What Is Splenectomy in Dogs?

A splenectomy in dogs is a surgery for dog spleen removal. 

This procedure is common and is typically necessary after a dog is diagnosed with a splenic tumor.

A splenectomy may also be needed if a dog is experiencing another condition and the spleen has been damaged as a result. This is often seen in cases of bloat or gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV).

Sometimes a splenectomy is recommended in dogs suffering from autoimmune diseases, like immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) or immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (IMTP). 

A splenectomy in dogs is a straightforward surgical procedure that many general practitioners and specialized veterinary surgeons routinely perform. Dogs can undergo a splenectomy on an emergency or scheduled basis, based on their underlying diagnosis and symptoms. 

Splenectomy Procedure in Dogs

When your dog’s splenectomy is scheduled will determine their fasting guidelines. After the necessary paperwork is filled out, your dog will be hospitalized, have their blood drawn, and be connected to an IV.  

The veterinarian will perform an exam on your dog, review all the paperwork and blood work, and then proceed with pre-medication—pain medication and sedatives, which facilitate anesthesia.  

An endotracheal tube will allow your dog’s breathing to be monitored, and they will then be prepared for surgery.  

For a splenectomy surgery, your dog’s abdomen will be opened, and the spleen will be removed. The spleen has lots of blood vessels. The veterinarian will use either sutures, hemostatic clips, cautery or staples to minimize bleeding. This is often the most time-consuming part of the surgery.  

After the spleen has safely been removed, your vet will check for any leaky vessels, then close your dog’s abdomen. 

Your dog’s blood pressure and vitals will be monitored while they are recovering. They will likely stay at the hospital until they are up and moving and on the road to recovery. 

Why Would a Dog Need a Splenectomy?

Splenectomy is usually recommended in dogs that have a tumor of the spleen. The tumor can be benign or malignant (cancerous). 

Splenic tumors often fly under the radar because they cause very little symptoms in affected dogs until they burst.  

Splenic tumors are derived from the lining of the blood cells inside the spleen, so they are very fragile; imagine a squashy tomato. If your dog has a splenic tumor and they jump or even trip and bump their belly, it’s very easy for these masses to rupture.  

Once a splenic mass has ruptured, it begins to bleed profusely into the dog’s belly. Dogs can die from blood loss this way. Often, splenectomy surgery is recommended on an emergency basis. 

Sometimes pet parents will get lucky, and a splenic tumor happens to be found on an X-ray before it has ruptured.  

Veterinarians will still want to remove a spleen with a benign tumor to ensure the spleen doesn’t rupture.  

Unfortunately, there is not a way to safely determine if a splenic tumor is benign or malignant without removing it and sending it off for histopathology (biopsy). 

Other causes for spleen removal may include: 

• Splenic torsion, where the spleen twists on itself, mostly seen with GDV 

• Trauma, like being hit by a car or kicked by a horse. 

• Immune-mediated diseases like immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) or immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) 

Because of the severity of these causes, dogs requiring a splenectomy are often treated on an emergency basis. 

Benefits of Splenectomy in Dogs

Dog spleen removal offers a pup their best chance at returning to a normal, happy life. 

Splenectomy in dogs is the only treatment option for pets with splenic masses, lacerations, and torsion. It may be a good option for dogs with end stage immune mediated disease where their overactive immune system is destroying their own red blood cells and/or platelets. 

A splenectomy is the only way to treat ongoing blood loss in dogs with a ruptured splenic mass. For dogs with splenic tumors, surgical removal allows a vet to diagnose the type of tumor present, which then provides a path forward in terms of future care.  

Risks and Complications of a Splenectomy

Dog spleen removal is not without risks. 

Risks of splenectomy in dogs usually relate to an underlying disease and if the procedure is performed in an emergency rather than a scheduled procedure. 

Risks may include: 

• Severe blood loss 

• Infection, which could lead to sepsis 

• Arrhythmias 

• Post-operative complications 

• Anesthetic complications 

• Inadvertent trauma or injury to the pancreas and/or stomach 

• Post-operative hypotension (low blood pressure) 

• Future incidence of GDV 

• Sudden death, which can even occur up to 24 hours later. This is usually the result of hemorrhage, respiratory failure from thromboemboli (clots), and life-threatening arrhythmias. 

Complications are much higher in dogs undergoing an emergency splenectomy. 

Dogs that have had a splenectomy may be at a higher risk for blood-borne infections, such as Ehrlichia, Babesia, and Mycoplasma. 

Effectiveness of Splenectomy in Dogs

In one study, 99% of dogs undergoing splenectomy survived and were discharged from the hospital. However, this outcome varies. 

Regarding the effectiveness of a splenectomy for treatment of a splenic mass, this depends on whether the splenic mass is cancerous or not. 

Two thirds of canine splenic masses are malignant (cancerous), while one third are benign. If your dog has a benign mass, surgery may be curative. 

For most dogs affected by splenic masses, splenectomy surgery can buy them more time until the cancer spreads.  

The effectiveness of splenectomy in dogs depends on: 

• The reason for a dog’s splenectomy 

• The amount of blood lost 

• If the surgery is done on an emergency basis 

• Surgical technique used 

• Skill of the veterinary surgeon 

Cost of Splenectomy in Dogs

The cost of splenectomy in dogs varies, and depends on: 

• Location 

• Complexity of surgery required 

• Pre-operative tests and treatments needed 

• Whether it’s an emergency or planned procedure 

• Private vet practice or an ER facility 

However, a pet parent should expect the cost of surgery to be anywhere from $1,500 to $9,000 or more. Your veterinarian will be able to provide you with a thorough estimate before the surgery.    

Most pet insurance companies typically cover some or all the cost of the procedure, unless specifically stated in their terms and conditions or if the surgery is listed as a pre-existing condition.  

Be sure to review your policy—other alternatives to pet insurance could include applying for CareCredit or payment plans. 

Post-op Care and Recovery for Splenectomy in Dogs

After a splenectomy in dogs, some pets may be discharged the following day while other pups will be hospitalized longer, depending on their case. 

Your dog will be monitored for bleeding, arrhythmias, and frequent evaluation of their blood work until they’re stable. Fluid therapy or a blood transfusion may be needed, along with pain medications and antibiotics. 

Once your pet is discharged, your vet will likely give you strict orders for your pup. Common post-op care instructions include: 

• Limit your dog’s activity. Avoid letting them run, jump or play. Leash walk only for outdoor time. A crate and/or sedatives may be needed to keep them quiet. 

• No bathing until the stitches/staples have been removed. 

• Give all medications as directed. 

• Follow-up/recheck appointments will be needed. 

• Check your dog’s surgical site daily for any swelling, drainage or excessive redness. 

Failure to follow these recommendations could result in complications and may even require another surgery.   

Use a surgical recovery suit or recovery cone to prevent your dog from licking or chewing at their incision during recovery.  

Pain and anti-inflammatory medications may also be prescribed. These include: 

• Gabapentin 

• Tramadol 

• Rimadyl 

• Meloxicam 

Because your dog’s spleen plays a role in your dog’s immune response, your pup may be more susceptible to future infections without it.  

Exercise caution before taking them to boarding and grooming facilities, dog parks, or when treating common illnesses.