What happens when a dog’s spleen ruptures? A Step-by-Step Guide

In response to the recent COVID-19 epidemic, we are taking recommended precautions. We are providing curb-side service. Communication with clients and doctors will be largely conducted via phone, Zoom meeting, FaceTime or another platform. Pets needing surgery or other treatments/diagnostics will be transferred from you to our staff, typically in the parking lot, in an effort to minimize human contact. Please be patient with the process in order to keep everyone safe.

Causes of Splenic Hemorrhage in Dogs

Traumatic

Spontaneous

  • Tumor
  • Blood clots
  • Toxic chemical such as rodenticides
  • Hereditary

  • Golden Retrievers
  • German Shepherds
  • Skye Terriers
  • Portuguese Water Dogs
  • Bernese Mountain Dogs
  • Flat Coated Retrievers
  • English setters
  • Great Danes
  • Boxers
  • Pointers
  • Doberman Pinschers
  • Large mixed breeds
  • Biggles is a typically lively spaniel, who enjoyed a normal Sunday romping around with his companion. On the Monday morning, his owner found him collapsed and weak and had to rush him straight to his vets.

    The spleen is one of those organs of the body that most people have heard of but many are uncertain where it is and what it actually does. Although it has several important functions, dogs can manage to live a normal life without a spleen if it has to be removed. The most common reasons for removal (splenectomy) are if the spleen has ruptured (usually after a road traffic accident), or if it develops a tumour. Both of these can lead to very sudden illness which needs fast diagnosis and treatment to save the dog’s life.

    The main jobs of the spleen are to act as a blood storage reservoir, to make red blood cells, to filter out and remove old blood cells and to fight infection as part of the immune system. Luckily, these jobs can be carried out elsewhere if the spleen has to be removed.

    Biggles the Springer Spaniel has recently had his spleen removed and is recovering well. Although I am not his vet, I helped to care for him during his convalescence, and with his owner’s permission, I would like to tell his story.

    After examination, blood tests and x-rays, his problem was diagnosed as a tumour of the spleen and Biggles was operated on the same day. Unfortunately, his tumour was large and ulcerated which meant Biggles had lost a lot of blood from the circulation into his tummy. As a result, he needed several days of intensive care including fluids by drip and drugs to prevent vomiting and infection.

    Splenic Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs

    The spleen is one of those organs of the body that most people have heard of but many are uncertain where it is and what it actually does. Although it has several important functions, dogs can manage to live a normal life without a spleen if it has to be removed. The most common reasons for removal (splenectomy) are if the spleen has ruptured (usually after a road traffic accident), or if it develops a tumour. Both of these can lead to very sudden illness which needs fast diagnosis and treatment to save the dog’s life.

    Biggles the Springer Spaniel has recently had his spleen removed and is recovering well. Although I am not his vet, I helped to care for him during his convalescence, and with his owner’s permission, I would like to tell his story.

    Biggles is a typically lively spaniel, who enjoyed a normal Sunday romping around with his companion. On the Monday morning, his owner found him collapsed and weak and had to rush him straight to his vets.