There are several different types of splenic tumors common in dogs. These tumors can be either benign or malignant. Splenic tumors frequently rupture and cause extensive blood loss. Surgical removal is necessary or the dog may bleed to death.
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Hemangiosarcoma
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Sixty-five percent of splenic tumors are malignant; forty-five percent of malignant splenic tumors are hemangiosarcomas. Hemangiosarcoma is an aggressive cancer and quickly spreads to other organs.
Hemangioma
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Hemangioma is the most common benign tumor found in the spleen. If discovered before the spleen ruptures, surgical removal will completely cure the dog. If rupture occurs, prognosis depends on the amount of blood lost.
Lymphoma
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Lymphoma is the most common cancer found in dogs. It can originate in the lymph nodes, spleen or liver. With intensive chemotherapy, up to 90 percent of dogs can go into remission lasting about a year. Untreated dogs will usually die within 4 to 6 weeks.
Leiomyosarcomas
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This is a malignant cancer that can metastasize to other organs. The survival time for dogs with Leiomyosarcomas is about 8 months following surgical removal of the spleen.
Mast Cell Tumors
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These tumors are usually found on the skin, but can originate in the spleen. This is a highly aggressive cancer and can easily spread to lymph nodes.
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