Enlarged Spleen in Dogs

The spleen is an organ that primarily filters red blood cells, holds a reserve of white blood cells known as monocytes, and plays an important role in the immune system. It also performs several other functions, including producing and storing red blood cells. In dogs, an enlarged spleen tends to occur most often in larger breed, especially as the dog gets older. However, canine enlarged spleen can develop in almost any dog, and is usually the result of some other underlying disease. In a few cases, the problem may be with the spleen itself, as is the case with a canine spleen tumor.

Spleen Enlargement in Canines Symptoms

Enlargement of spleen typically causes some amount of pain, and may also be accompanied by bloating, with the abdomen feeling hard to the touch. Cases of spleen tumor in dogs tend to be more painful. The dog's appetite will also be affected, and there may be vomiting and diarrhea too. The dog is often unable to lie down comfortably, or for that matter perform any activity without discomfort. Sometimes you may also notice weakness and lethargy.

Causes of Dog Enlarged Spleen

Splenomegaly, as an enlarged spleen is known, is often caused by some underlying disease or medical condition. The most common causes include canine hepatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain bacterial infections and disorders of the immune system. These conditions can cause the spleen to get enlarged over a period of time, leading to the symptoms described earlier. Conditions directly relating to the spleen itself include bruising from an external blow or injury, as well as cancer. Cancer is in fact thought to be the most common cause of dog enlarged spleen. The type of cancer that affects the spleen is known as hemangiosarcoma, which is extremely malignant and dangerous. Splenic hemangiosarcoma in dogs is often fatal because it affects the blood vessels and thus spreads throughout the body very quickly. However, not all spleen masses in dogs are cancerous – the enlargement may also be due to a benign tumor.

Treatment for Canine Enlarged Spleen

Prompt treatment and diagnosis are essential in any case of an enlarged spleen. The treatment will of course depend on the diagnosis and proper dog health care. In case of of canine spleen tumor, malignant or benign, the entire spleen is usually removed in a procedure known as canine spleenectomy. If the tumor was cancerous, this treatment may need to be followed up with chemotherapy. In the case of some other cause, the underlying problem will need to be treated, but the spleen may still need to be removed.