Splenectomy
Surgical removal of the spleen. In dogs, most commonly performed for splenic masses (including hemangiosarcoma) or splenic torsion. Dogs can live normally without a spleen with appropriate infection precautions.
Splenectomy is the surgical removal of the spleen. In dogs, it is one of the more common emergency and elective abdominal surgeries.
Indications for Splenectomy
Splenic masses: the most common indication. Splenic masses in dogs are roughly 50% malignant (primarily hemangiosarcoma), 25% benign nodular hyperplasia, and 25% other. Because splenic hemangiosarcoma masses frequently rupture and cause life-threatening internal hemorrhage, masses discovered incidentally or after internal hemorrhage typically prompt splenectomy.
Splenic torsion: the spleen rotates on its vascular pedicle (gastrosplenic ligament), cutting off blood supply. Presents as acute abdominal pain and shock; requires emergency splenectomy.
Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA): occasionally indicated when the spleen is the primary site of red blood cell destruction.
Trauma: severe splenic laceration from abdominal trauma.
The Two-Month Rule
Emergency splenectomy for splenic hemorrhage is often life-saving — but the histopathology results define prognosis. In retrospective studies, dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma (HSA) have median survival of 1–2 months post-splenectomy without additional treatment. With doxorubicin-based chemotherapy, median survival extends to 4–6 months.
This prognosis reality is critical for decision-making during emergency splenectomy for apparent bleeding splenic mass: owners should understand that surgery is necessary to save the dog in the immediate term, but histopathology results determine whether the dog is dealing with benign disease (excellent prognosis post-splenectomy) or HSA (poor prognosis even with surgery).
Life After Splenectomy
Dogs tolerate splenectomy well. The spleen performs immune filtering, red blood cell storage, and platelet storage functions — all of which are compensated by other organs after removal. Key post-splenectomy considerations:
- Immune function: slightly reduced resistance to certain bacterial infections; report fever promptly
- Exercise restriction: 4–6 weeks post-surgery for incision healing
- Activity: normal activity long-term; no permanent exercise restrictions