Dogs
The spleen is an important organ that filters the red blood cells and holds a reserve of white blood cells. It plays an important role in the immune system. The spleen is also responsible for producing and storing red blood cells. An enlarged spleen in dogs tends to occur mostly in larger breeds and as the dog gets older. Enlarged spleen which is medically referred to as splenomegaly, is usually a symptom of some other underlying health problem. Let us know more about the symptoms, causes and treatment of this medical condition.
Symptoms
Symptoms of enlarged spleen in a dog include, pain accompanied by bloating. Upset stomach is also one of the symptoms of enlarged spleen. Moreover, enlarged spleen might lead to the dog being unable to lie down comfortably, or even perform any activity without discomfort. Here are some more symptoms of enlarged spleen in a dog.
Abdominal injury, canine hepatitis, infectious disorders, bacterial infection, cell tumors of the spleen, inflammatory bowel disease in dogs and other immune disorders are some of the causes. These conditions can lead to enlargement of the spleen over a period of time, leading to symptoms as mentioned earlier. Cancer is known to be one of the common causes of splenomegaly. Hemangiosarcoma is the type of cancer that affects dogs and it is known to be extremely malignant and dangerous. It is often fatal as it affects the blood vessels, hence spreads quickly throughout the body. However, remember that they can be due to a benign tumor as well.
Diagnosis
If the veterinarian notices a prominent spleen or a protruding abdomen he might use a fine needle aspiration to diagnose the spleen disorder. Also he might recommend ultrasounds and X-rays to view the spleen and surrounding areas for abnormalities. In addition to this, blood test will help in ascertaining possible underlying medical issues in dog health.
Treatment
There has to be a lot of promptness in diagnosis and treatment of enlarged spleen in a dog. The treatment completely depends upon the diagnosis. In case of a tumor, malignant or benign, and several other cases, removal of the spleen, that is known as splenectomy, is recommended by the veterinarian. In case the tumor was cancerous, splenectomy might be followed up by chemotherapy. As enlarged spleen is most probably a sign of some other underlying dog illness, therefore, it is very essential to know the cause before starting a treatment for the same.
Most of the common underlying medical causes of splenomegaly can be treated with medications prescribed by the veterinarian. In case the spleen is removed by performing splenectomy, your dog needs proper rehabilitation to heal completely. This includes complete dog care as recommended by the vet and restricting his activities. Remember that as soon as you notice the above mentioned symptoms or any health problem in your dog, you must take him to a veterinarian.
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Dogs
Enlarged Spleen in Dogs
The spleen is an important organ that filters the red blood cells and holds a reserve of white blood cells. It plays an important role in the immune system. The spleen is also responsible for producing and storing red blood cells. An enlarged spleen in dogs tends to occur mostly in larger breeds and as the dog gets older. Enlarged spleen which is medically referred to as splenomegaly, is usually a symptom of some other underlying health problem. Let us know more about the symptoms, causes and treatment of this medical condition.
Symptoms
Symptoms of enlarged spleen in a dog include, pain accompanied by bloating. Upset stomach is also one of the symptoms of enlarged spleen. Moreover, enlarged spleen might lead to the dog being unable to lie down comfortably, or even perform any activity without discomfort. Here are some more symptoms of enlarged spleen in a dog.
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy and reduced activity
- Weakness
Abdominal injury, canine hepatitis, infectious disorders, bacterial infection, cell tumors of the spleen, inflammatory bowel disease in dogs and other immune disorders are some of the causes. These conditions can lead to enlargement of the spleen over a period of time, leading to symptoms as mentioned earlier. Cancer is known to be one of the common causes of splenomegaly. Hemangiosarcoma is the type of cancer that affects dogs and it is known to be extremely malignant and dangerous. It is often fatal as it affects the blood vessels, hence spreads quickly throughout the body. However, remember that they can be due to a benign tumor as well.
Diagnosis
If the veterinarian notices a prominent spleen or a protruding abdomen he might use a fine needle aspiration to diagnose the spleen disorder. Also he might recommend ultrasounds and X-rays to view the spleen and surrounding areas for abnormalities. In addition to this, blood test will help in ascertaining possible underlying medical issues in dog health.
Treatment
There has to be a lot of promptness in diagnosis and treatment of enlarged spleen in a dog. The treatment completely depends upon the diagnosis. In case of a tumor, malignant or benign, and several other cases, removal of the spleen, that is known as splenectomy, is recommended by the veterinarian. In case the tumor was cancerous, splenectomy might be followed up by chemotherapy. As enlarged spleen is most probably a sign of some other underlying dog illness, therefore, it is very essential to know the cause before starting a treatment for the same.
Most of the common underlying medical causes of splenomegaly can be treated with medications prescribed by the veterinarian. In case the spleen is removed by performing splenectomy, your dog needs proper rehabilitation to heal completely. This includes complete dog care as recommended by the vet and restricting his activities. Remember that as soon as you notice the above mentioned symptoms or any health problem in your dog, you must take him to a veterinarian.
- Hemolytic Anemia In Dogs
Hemolytic anemia is a serious dog illness that can affect canines of any breed at any age. The severity of it can vary from being mild, requiring only timely medication to being life-threatening, requiring complete and undivided attention from the...
- Internal Bleeding In Dogs
Internal bleeding, also called hemoperitoneum which translates to 'blood in abdomen' is a life-threatening condition in dogs. It is often a result of traumatic injury or a blood clotting disorder. In the absence of strong and peculiar internal...
- Spleen Problems In Dogs
In dogs, spleen complications are very common and it can be caused due to various factors like bacterial infection, accidental trauma, inflammation of the internal organs, spleen cell tumors and various other immune system disorders in dogs. Structure...
- Tumors In Dogs: Symptoms And Treatment
Cancer is just as deadly in dogs as it is in humans. It is one of the frequently encountered canine health problems, especially in older dogs. Tumors are swellings of the neoplastic cells that may or may not be signs of cancer. Tumors can either...
- Canine Anemia
Anemia can be defined as a lack or deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, which is the hemoprotein responsible for binding with oxygen, and then transporting it to every cell of the body. Like humans, a dog can also have anemia. In humans,...