Enlarged Spleen in Dogs

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

An enlarged spleen is known as Splenomegaly. This is not a disease; it is a clinical sign of some underlying disease process. The spleen has a number of functions that include:

• Removal of cell fragments and old or damaged red blood cells.
• Holding tank for specialized white blood cells that aid in the cleanup of bacterial infections.
• Antibody manufacturing.
• Production of red blood cells and storage of blood.
  

The fact that your dog’s spleen has several functions makes several possibilities for why the spleen can become enlarged.

SOURCE & CAUSE(S)

As mentioned above, there are many causes of splenomegaly. Some of the causes for an enlarged spleen in your dog are:

• Bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections that are affecting other organs may affect the spleen as well and cause splenic enlargement.
• Any diseases that cause destruction of red or white blood cells and/or platelets. For instance anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia.
• Congestive heart failure can lead to splenic enlargement. Processes that cause portal
• Circumstances that lead to high blood pressure involving the venous system.
• Bleeding and hematoma formation (bruising) in the spleen.
• Tumors like hemangioma and hemangiosarcoma.
• Splenic torsion

For these reasons it is important for your veterinarian to run a variety of diagnostic tests in order to narrow the diagnosis field.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

An enlarged spleen may lead to such symptoms as:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Lack of appetite
• Abdominal pain 
• Lethargy and reduced activity
• Weakness and even collapse
• An appearance of discomfort when attempting any activity
• Bloating of abdomen

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

Diagnosis begins with a complete history and a physical exam. The diagnostic path chosen will depend largely on the symptoms your dog has, and the availability of diagnostic tools your veterinarian has. Your veterinarian will be most likely to recommend some variation of the following:

• Upon exam the spleen is palpated (examined by touch) to determine size and shape.
• CBC/Chemistry Panel- This blood test evaluates internal organ function, status of infection, electrolyte balance and blood cell counts.
• Coagulation profile – This blood test evaluates your dogs clot forming ability. A common tumor of the spleen (hemangiosarcoma) is related to this blood function.
• Urinalysis – this tests will reveal the presence of blood or white blood cells that indicate inflammation and/infection. This test is normally used in a much broader scope, but for enlarged spleens your veterinarian will be looking more specifically for blood present in the urine and diagnostic indicator.
• Radiographs (x-rays) - Radiographs may be taken and used to are used to evaluate the appearance of the spleen and other related abdominal organs. 
• Abdominal Ultrasound – Ultrasounding the spleen will help your veterinarian determine if there are tumors present on the spleen, and of course this also provides a medium for evaluation of size of spleen. 
• Fine needle (Splenic) aspirate – A needle in inserted into the spleen and cells are removed. These cells undergo a cytological evaluation and can help determine the type of splenic disease that is present.
  

TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT

The treatment plan for an enlarged spleen can vary. The ultimate decisions will come down to tests results that reveal the underlying process that is causing your dogs spleen to be enlarged. Your veterinarian will most likely recommend one of the following treatment options available for splenomegaly:

• Splenectomy – surgical removal of the spleen, this is still the most common treatment plan.
• Medications and supportive care – based on the clinical findings, broad spectrum antibiotics and treatment of symptoms may be a part of the treatment plan.
  

PREVENTION & HELPFUL TIPS

There are currently no known preventative measures for an enlarged spleen.