Surgical Treatment of Splenic Disease

The spleen performs many important functions in companion animals; however, removal of part or all of the spleen can be performed and generally results in no untoward consequences. Hemangiosarcoma is the third most common tumor affecting feline spleens. Splenectomy is often recommended in dogs and cats diagnosed with lymphoma that is isolated to the spleen. Recommendations for surgical intervention in a dog or cat with splenic trauma are variable. In animals with splenic disease, general physical examination may be unrewarding from a diagnostic standpoint. Ultrasonography is the most commonly described tool in the diagnosis of splenic disease in veterinary medicine. The use of vessel-sealing devices is becoming more popular in veterinary medicine. These devices have been used successfully in canine and feline patients to perform a myriad of cases and as availability increases, the use for both open and laparoscopic splenectomies will also likely increase.