Splenectomies

Splenectomy is often the only option when your pet faces acute splenic crises that cannot be managed through medication or observation alone. Conditions like splenic torsion, where the organ twists on its blood supply, or traumatic rupture from accidents require urgent surgical intervention to prevent fatal outcomes. The ability to perform emergency spleen removal gives your pet a fighting chance when time-sensitive complications arise. Success depends on several factors including the underlying cause of the splenic disease, the extent of blood loss before surgery, and your pet’s overall health status, but quick surgery greatly improves your pet’s chances of survival in these critical situations.

Pets with splenic masses live under constant threat of life-threatening rupture, which can cause your pet to collapse without warning due to rapid blood loss. Removing the spleen takes away this risk that hangs over pets with known splenic tumors or enlargement. Your pet can return to normal activities without the fear that sudden internal bleeding could strike at any moment, giving both you and your pet relief from the constant worry of unexpected internal bleeding.

During splenectomy, veterinary surgeons can carefully check your pet’s entire abdominal cavity for other health concerns that may not be visible through imaging alone. This surgical exploration can reveal additional masses, organ abnormalities, or early signs of disease spread that might otherwise go undetected until they become more serious problems. The procedure gives a complete visual assessment of your pet’s internal organs, possibly finding other problems early when they’re easier to treat.

In cases where diseased spleens trap and destroy healthy blood cells at abnormal rates—such as with certain immune-mediated disorders or splenic sequestration—splenectomy stops this excessive destruction and helps blood counts get back to normal. Pets with these conditions often show improved energy levels, better healing capacity, and better overall energy and health after surgery. Your veterinarian will monitor blood work after the procedure to track improvements in red blood cell counts, platelet levels, and other blood parameters as your pet’s body gets better at making and managing blood cells.

An enlarged or diseased spleen can cause abdominal discomfort in some pets as the organ stretches its capsule and presses against surrounding structures in the abdomen. When present, this discomfort may affect your pet’s appetite, mobility, and willingness to engage in normal activities. Many pets with enlarged, uncomfortable spleens feel noticeably better after surgery, with owners reporting their pets moving more freely and displaying renewed interest in food and play. Keep in mind that some pets with splenic masses show no outward signs of discomfort until a medical crisis occurs.

A splenectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the complete removal of your dog’s spleen, an organ located in the left upper abdomen that filters blood, stores red blood cells and platelets, and helps fight certain infections. Veterinarians perform this surgery when the spleen develops tumors or masses (benign or malignant), becomes damaged through traumatic injury like being hit by a car, experiences splenic torsion where the organ twists on its blood supply, or ruptures causing life-threatening internal bleeding. The procedure is done under general anesthesia through an abdominal incision, and the entire spleen along with any masses or abnormal tissue is removed after carefully tying off blood vessels to prevent excessive bleeding.

Yes, splenectomy is considered major abdominal surgery in dogs, requiring general anesthesia, surgical opening of the abdomen, and careful monitoring throughout the procedure and recovery period. The surgery carries inherent risks including bleeding complications (especially if the spleen has ruptured or contains vascular tumors), anesthesia reactions, infection, and post-operative complications. However, splenectomy is a relatively common procedure that experienced veterinary surgeons perform regularly with good success rates when appropriate pre-operative stabilization and post-operative care are provided. Emergency splenectomies for ruptured spleens with active internal bleeding carry higher risks than scheduled procedures for stable patients, but both require the expertise and resources of a well-equipped veterinary surgical facility.

Most splenectomies take between 45 minutes to 90 minutes to complete from incision to closure, though the exact time depends on your dog’s size, the complexity of the case, and whether complications are present. Emergency splenectomies for ruptured spleens with active internal bleeding may take longer as the surgical team works to control hemorrhaging, remove blood from the abdomen, and stabilize your pet while removing the damaged organ. Scheduled splenectomies for non-emergency masses in stable patients usually proceed more smoothly with more predictable surgical times. Additional time beyond the surgery itself includes anesthesia induction, surgical preparation, and recovery monitoring, so the total time from when you drop off your dog until they wake up is typically 2-4 hours.

Dogs can live normal, full lifespans after splenectomy surgery when the spleen is removed due to trauma or non-cancerous conditions, as the spleen is not essential for survival and other organs compensate for its functions. Lifespan after splenectomy depends heavily on the underlying reason for surgery—dogs with benign conditions or traumatic rupture often live many years post-surgery, while those with malignant tumors face more guarded outcomes. If your dog experiences splenic rupture or internal bleeding, our emergency veterinarians provide immediate stabilization with fluid therapy and supportive care to address life-threatening blood loss. We work closely with veterinary surgeons and specialists who can perform splenectomy and provide ongoing care based on your dog’s specific condition and prognosis.

Splenectomy is the surgical removal of the spleen, performed when cats experience splenic rupture from trauma, masses, or severe internal bleeding that threatens their life. The spleen filters blood and supports immune function, but cats can live normal lives without it as other organs compensate for these roles. Emergency situations involving splenic bleeding require immediate intervention to stabilize your cat with intravenous fluids, blood pressure support, and treatment for shock. Our emergency veterinarians diagnose splenic problems using ultrasound and blood work, then provide critical stabilization while coordinating with surgical specialists for definitive treatment. We focus on life-saving intervention during the emergency phase and ensure your cat receives appropriate surgical care and follow-up.