Splenectomy in Dogs

The idea of a beloved pet undergoing any kind of surgery is the last thing most pet parents want to face. While all surgeries carry some degree of risk, many are fairly straightforward. One such example is splenectomy in dogs, a common procedure that can be lifesaving for dogs with spleen conditions.

Still, surgery relating to your dog’s major organs can sound pretty overwhelming. I’ve found that the more I can share with pet parents about such surgeries, the less scary they may seem.

If you’re worried about splenectomy in dogs, here’s what you need to know about the procedure. I’ll explain when and why veterinarians recommend the surgery, what it involves, and its benefits and risks.

Whether your dog is scheduled for splenectomy or you’re concerned about the prospect, you’ll learn exactly how to support your pet through the process and recovery.

Splenectomy in Dogs: What is it?

A splenectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the spleen from a dog’s abdomen. The canine spleen is an internal organ located in the upper part of your dog’s abdomen, near the stomach.

Here’s a quick explanation of dog spleen anatomy. In most healthy dogs, the spleen is a dark red, boomerang-shaped organ that’s about as long as their front leg. It plays an important role in the canine immune and circulatory systems. Here are just a few of the jobs a healthy spleen does for your dog’s body:

• Stores extra red blood cells in case your dog needs them due to sudden blood loss
• Removes old and damaged blood cells from circulation
• Supports the immune system by sending white blood cells to areas where the body needs them to fight infections

Veterinarians often recommend a splenectomy if the spleen is diseased or traumatized. In some cases, it may be the only solution for dogs with life-threatening spleen health issues.

Conditions that often require a canine splenectomy include:

• Spleen cancer in dogs
• Infection of the spleen
• Rupture and bleeding of the spleen
• Torsion of the spleen (when it becomes twisted and loses its blood supply)
• Enlarged spleen (which can happen for various reasons)
• Blood clots in the spleen
• Immune-mediated diseases of blood cells, including immune-mediated hemolytic anemia or thrombocytopenia (destruction of red blood cells and/or platelets)

Fortunately, dogs (unlike humans) can survive without a spleen. Following a splenectomy, other organs take on important spleen functions, allowing many dogs to live full and healthy lives.

However, some conditions, like spleen cancer, may reduce a dog’s life expectancy and quality post-splenectomy, regardless of how well other organs are performing.

What Does a Dog Splenectomy Involve?

If your veterinarian decides your dog needs a splenectomy, there are two different types:

Total splenectomy – In this procedure, the entire spleen is removed. This is, by far, the most common type of splenectomy surgery.

Partial splenectomy – In this procedure, only a portion of the spleen is removed. It is rare and reserved primarily for focal splenic bleeds or lesions.

Depending on your dog’s health and the reason for the splenectomy, your vet will recommend either a scheduled elective procedure or emergency surgery.

In both cases, a vet or veterinary surgeon will perform the surgery in a sterile environment with your dog under general anesthesia so they don’t move or feel any pain.

For a scheduled splenectomy, you’ll receive detailed instructions on how to prepare your dog. This will include when to stop feeding them before the procedure so their stomach will be empty. Typically, your vet will conduct a complete physical exam before surgery, including bloodwork to check internal organ function. They’ll also confirm whether your dog can safely undergo anesthesia and if any additional precautions need to be taken.

In an emergency, your dog will go straight into surgery without any fasting or other pre-anesthetic preparation. 

Once in the operating room, your dog will receive general anesthesia, typically a combination of intravenous and inhalant drugs. Clinicians will shave, clean, and sterilize your dog’s abdomen. They’ll also prep an intravenous catheter so your dog can receive antibiotics and pain medication before or during surgery.

During spleen surgery in dogs, the veterinarian will make a midline incision down the center of the abdomen. Then they will isolate the spleen using sterile abdominal sponges, tie off and cut all blood vessels connected to the spleen, and remove the spleen.

The procedure itself is fairly straightforward and typically takes less than an hour to perform from start to finish. Things that can complicate the surgery and make the surgical time longer include uncontrolled bleeding or widespread cancer. 

Typically, dogs undergoing a splenectomy need to stay overnight (or longer) in a veterinary hospital to recuperate. However, in some cases, it can be an outpatient procedure, with your dog going home the same day. This also depends on the dog’s overall health and the reason for the surgery.

Pros and Cons of Dog Spleen Removal

Sometimes, splenectomy is the only viable option to save a dog’s life. This is often the case when a dog has splenic cancer or suffers uncontrolled bleeding. These are often emergency procedures that leave pet parents little time to think.

In other cases, such as when dogs have auto-immune disorders, vets may recommend splenectomy as an elective procedure. Since these are often not as emergent, it’s important to take the time to understand the pros and cons of the procedure. That way, you can discuss any concerns with your vet ahead of time

Here are some things to consider about splenectomy in dogs. In general:

• Vets typically recommend splenectomy to preserve life.
• Splenectomy does not treat conditions that are painful, nor does it relieve pain.
• The recovery process for most dogs undergoing splenectomy is comparable to any other abdominal surgery, including routine spays. It usually requires 10-14 days of quiet rest to allow the incision to heal.
• Pain management is similar to any other abdominal surgery.
• Once a dog recovers from the surgery itself, their overall health and prognosis may still depend on the condition being treated.

As with any surgery, there are risks associated with splenectomy. The most common complications associated with splenectomy in dogs include:

• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Infection
• Anesthetic complications
• Trauma to other abdominal organs
• Severe blood loss (anemia after splenectomy in dogs)
• Increased risk of gastric-dilatation volvulus (GDV) after surgery

Even routine surgeries like splenectomy in dogs require careful consideration. Be sure to consider all the factors that could impact your dog’s outcome — age, overall health, other health conditions, and prognosis after surgery. And always discuss your questions and concerns with your veterinarian before you make your decision.

Dog Splenectomy Cost

The cost of a splenectomy varies dramatically depending on several factors, including:

• Whether the procedure is elective or emergency
• Where the procedure is performed and by who (for example at an emergency clinic vs. at the regular veterinary hospital, whether it is performed by a regular DVM or a board certified surgeon)
• Whether the dog requires extensive hospitalization
• Whether the dog requires blood transfusions

In general, dog spleen removal cost ranges from $1,500 to $4,000, depending on the factors above. If your dog requires a splenectomy for treatment, there is no alternative therapy.

What to Expect: Dog Splenectomy Recovery

After surgery, dogs typically rest at the hospital for 24-48 hours, and then go home. You’ll need to ensure they remain calm and restrict them from licking their incision during the healing period, which lasts 10-14 days. Investing in an e-collar (also known as an Elizabethan collar or “cone of shame”) can help deter licking and chewing.

If your vet prescribes medications to help with pain or healing, you’ll need to administer them consistently. You’ll also have to check the incision site daily to ensure it’s healing well. And steer clear of any baths for a dog recovering from spleen removal. Wait until your vet removes their sutures and gives you the all-clear.

A week or two post-surgery, bring your dog back to the vet for a follow-up visit. Your vet will check your dog’s progress and remove their sutures once the incision is healed. They may also check your dog’s hematocrit to check for blood loss.

Some dogs may experience complications following their splenectomy. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian right away.

• The incision has increased redness, swelling, heat, or has a bad odor or any discharge
• Missing sutures or gaping incision
• Vomiting
• Won’t eat
• Not rousable from sleep
• Pale or white gums
• Collapse
• Fever

If you fail to follow your vet’s discharge instructions, you could risk causing serious health complications for your dog. These could require additional surgery and treatment or could result in pain or death.

Following a splenectomy, veterinarians typically send the removed spleen to a laboratory for biopsy. Your vet will call you with the results of those tests when they come in. They may also provide additional recommendations based on the findings. 

In general, most dogs can go back to regular life after they have recovered from a splenectomy. If needed, your vet can advise you on any precautions or restrictions. For example, some dogs may have a less robust immune system, post-splenectomy. So you may need to avoid places like dog parks or boarding facilities where infectious disease is more prevalent.

Life expectancy after spleen removal in dogs can vary widely. The outcome depends on many factors, including a dog’s age, overall health, and the reason for the splenectomy.

For example, if a dog needs a splenectomy to address bleeding due to abdominal trauma, the odds are good for a full recovery and a long life.

However, If a dog has a splenectomy to remove a cancerous spleen (e.g., hemangiosarcoma), then the prognosis is guarded. This very malignant cancer can spread even after the spleen is removed. So life expectancy may be shorter.

Your veterinarian will give you the most accurate prognosis and recommendations based on your dog’s unique health profile. Ultimately, you are in the driver’s seat of your dog’s health and the decision is yours to make. So be sure to ask plenty of questions to determine the best path for your pet.

Dog Splenectomy Tips and FAQs

Where is a dog’s spleen?

A dog’s spleen is located in the upper abdomen just below the rib cage, adjacent to the stomach.

Can a dog live without a spleen?

Fortunately, dogs suffer no ill effects when their spleen is removed, which is different from humans. Dogs can live long, full, happy, and healthy lives without a spleen. 

What does the spleen do in dogs?

The spleen is an internal organ that is part of the blood system and the immune system. The spleen functions to store additional blood for the body, removes old and damaged blood cells, and helps the immune system fight off infections.