A Ruptured Spleen in Dogs

A ruptured spleen can occur in dogs as a result of an illness or trauma. A splenic rupture might cause internal bleeding and can be a life-threatening medical emergency. Dogs who have a ruptured spleen might undergo a series of tests so the vet can make a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.

  1. Spleen Function

    • The spleen is an organ located in the dog's abdomen that provides functions such as filtering the blood and lymph system functions. The spleen also plays an important role in the immune system of the dog. Dogs who have a ruptured spleen might undergo a splenectomy to remove the spleen.

    Symptoms

    • The symptoms most commonly associated with a ruptured spleen in dogs are lethargy, sudden collapse, weakness, abdominal bloating, pale mucous membranes (the gums and lining of the lips) and difficulty breathing. Some dogs might experience symptoms associated with more chronic bleeding from the spleen such as weight loss, intermittent weakness, lethargy and anorexia.

    Causes

    • A dog might develop a ruptured spleen as the result of trauma such as an accident or being kicked in the abdomen. Another common cause of splenic rupture in dogs might be the presence of a tumor in the spleen. A benign tumor known as a benign hemangioma might cause bleeding in the spleen, and the malignant hemangiosarcoma might cause bleeding and has the potential to cause the dog's spleen to rupture. A hematoma on the spleen is a localized collection of blood and might cause splenic rupture in dogs as well.

    Diagnosis

    • The diagnosis of a ruptured spleen can be made by a full physical examination by a veterinarian. The veterinarian will palpate (feel) the dog's abdomen to determine if there is any abdominal distention. Abdominal X-rays might be performed, as well as an amniocentesis. An amniocentesis is a test that is performed by placing a needle into the dog's abdominal cavity and extracting the fluid that collects there. The veterinarian then examines the fluid for any blood that might be present in the fluid. The presence of blood in this fluid indicates there is internal bleeding that might be caused by a ruptured spleen. Other tests that might be performed are an abdominal ultrasound, a CBC (complete blood count) and a CT scan or an MRI.

    Treatment

    • The treatments that are used in treating dogs with a ruptured spleen might include IV fluids, blood transfusions, oxygen, a belly wrap, pain medication and exploratory surgery. If during this exploratory surgery the veterinarian finds the spleen has ruptured, he may perform a splenectomy to remove the spleen and stop the internal bleeding.

    Considerations

    • A ruptured spleen can be a life-threatening medical emergency. If your dog has any of the symptoms of a ruptured spleen or if he suddenly collapses, contact your veterinarian immediately. The prompt treatment of these symptoms will lead to a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for your dog.