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 in dogs is usually a symptom of some other underlying dog health problem. Splenomegaly is a term used for the enlargement of the spleen. Let us know more about the symptoms, causes and treatment of enlarged spleen in dogs.

Symptoms of Enlarged Spleen in Dogs
Symptoms of enlarged spleen in a dog include, pain accompanied by bloating. Upset stomach in dogs 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

Causes of Enlarged Spleen in Dogs
The causes of enlarged spleen in dogs are many. 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 of enlarged spleen in dogs. 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 enlarged spleen in dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is the type of cancer that affects dogs and it is known to be extremely malignant and dangerous. Hemangiosarcoma 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. More on dog cancer.

Diagnosis of Enlarged Spleen in Dogs
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 of Enlarged Spleen in Dogs
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 enlarged spleen in dogs 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.