Introduction
The spleen is an important organ located in a dog’s abdomen that filters blood and helps fight infection. Spleen tumors develop when abnormal cells grow out of control in the spleen. As the tumor grows, it can put pressure on and eventually rupture the spleen. A ruptured spleen causes severe internal bleeding and is a life-threatening condition requiring emergency surgery.
The purpose of this article is to provide dog owners with detailed information on the signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of a ruptured spleen tumor in dogs. Recognizing the symptoms early and seeking prompt veterinary care can greatly improve the chances of survival. Understanding the causes, risks, surgery options, and aftercare can help owners make informed decisions regarding their dog’s health.
Having a dog diagnosed with a spleen tumor and rupture can be frightening for pet owners. This guide aims to educate and empower owners, equipping them with knowledge during this difficult time. With information on prevention, living with a dog with a spleen tumor, and knowing when to see the vet, owners can best support their pets through this condition.
Causes of Spleen Tumors in Dogs
The most common causes of spleen tumors in dogs are hemangiosarcomas and hemangiomas. Hemangiosarcomas are cancerous tumors that arise from the blood vessel cells in the spleen, while hemangiomas are benign tumors that do not spread to other parts of the body (https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cancer/spleen-cancer-dogs).
Hemangiosarcomas make up approximately 5% of all cancers diagnosed in dogs, and the spleen is the most common site for these tumors. Certain breeds like German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers seem to be more prone to developing hemangiosarcoma (https://metro-vet.com/canine-splenic-hemangiosarcoma-2/). The tumors arise from the cells lining blood vessels and tend to grow rapidly, filling with blood. Eventually these tumors will rupture and cause internal bleeding.
The exact causes of hemangiosarcomas are still unknown, but some environmental toxins and genetics may play a role. Hormones, chronic inflammation, and damage from trauma have also been suggested as potential risk factors. Since hemangiosarcomas develop from cells lining blood vessels, spleen tumors can rupture easily and lead to serious internal bleeding.
Symptoms of a Ruptured Spleen Tumor
The most common symptoms of a ruptured spleen tumor in dogs include:
- Abdominal pain – Dogs with a ruptured spleen tumor often experience sudden, intense pain in their abdomen. They may whine, cry, or act restless.
- Weakness and collapse – Due to internal bleeding, dogs with a ruptured spleen tumor may become weak and collapse. This is a medical emergency.
- Pale gums – Due to blood loss, a dog’s gums may become pale or white. This is a sign of anemia.
- Bloody vomit or stool – A ruptured spleen tumor can cause bloody vomit or stool. The color may range from bright red to dark, tarry appearance.
According to PetMD, dogs with a ruptured splenic tumor commonly have abnormal fluid accumulation in the abdomen. Typically, this fluid is blood, and vets can detect it during a physical exam [1]. Because spleen tumors rupture so easily, owners may notice symptoms suddenly, even if their dog seemed normal beforehand.
Other potential symptoms include restless behavior, breathing problems, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. However, bloody vomit or stool combined with sudden collapse are the most telling signs of a rupture [2]. Immediate emergency veterinary care is crucial.
Diagnosing a Ruptured Spleen Tumor
If a veterinarian suspects a dog’s spleen has ruptured, they will perform a physical exam to check for signs of internal bleeding and shock. Symptoms may include pale gums, weakness, rapid heart rate, weak pulse, and collapse. The vet will feel the abdomen to check for pain, swelling or fluid buildup. If a ruptured spleen is suspected, imaging tests will be ordered immediately.
Abdominal X-rays may reveal abnormalities or fluid buildup. However ultrasound is considered the most useful imaging test for diagnosing a ruptured spleen tumor (Source). The ultrasound can identify splenic masses, tumors, or rupture. It also allows the vet to look for blood in the abdomen.
A complete blood count (CBC) will check for anemia and blood loss. Biochemical tests can check liver and kidney function which may be compromised by blood loss and shock. Coagulation tests are important to assess the blood’s ability to clot before surgery.
With imaging and bloodwork, vets can quickly diagnose a ruptured spleen tumor and prepare for emergency surgery which is critical for the dog’s survival.
Treating a Ruptured Spleen Tumor
Surgery is the primary treatment for a ruptured spleen tumor in dogs. The procedure, called a splenectomy, involves removing the spleen and thoroughly examining the abdomen for any signs of spread. According to AVIM (https://avim.us/spleen-cancer-in-dogs/), surgery needs to be performed as soon as possible once a rupture is suspected, ideally before it actually ruptures if caught early enough.
During the splenectomy, the veterinarian will make an incision in the abdomen, locate and remove the spleen, and inspect the area closely for any leaks, bleeding, or spread of cancer. They may also take samples of lymph nodes or other organs to test for cancer. Any bleeding will be controlled and the incision closed.
After surgery, most dogs will need to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days for close monitoring and to receive IV fluids, pain medication, and other supportive care. According to Molecular Care Pet Vets (https://www.molecarepetvets.com/splenic-tumours-in-dogs/), antibiotics and medications to prevent clotting may also be prescribed. Strict rest is required for 1-2 weeks after discharge to allow proper healing.
With rapid treatment, dogs have a good chance of recovering well after a spleen tumor rupture. However, because cancerous spleen tumors like hemangiosarcoma are aggressive, long-term prognosis depends on how early it was caught and if the cancer has metastasized.
Recovery and Prognosis
The recovery time and prognosis for a dog after a ruptured spleen tumor depends on several factors. According to PetMD, survival times after a splenectomy surgery range from less than a month to up to three months for dogs with a type of cancer called splenic hemangiosarcoma https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cancer/spleen-cancer-dogs. The median survival time after surgery and chemotherapy is 4-7 months, with about 10-15% still alive after one year according to Metro Veterinary Cancer Center https://metro-vet.com/canine-splenic-hemangiosarcoma-2/.
Healing from the splenectomy surgery usually takes 1-2 weeks. Potential postoperative complications include infection, bleeding, pancreatitis, and leakage from the surgery site. Dogs with cancer that has spread have a poorer prognosis. With treatment, some dogs can live 6 months to over a year after diagnosis. Without treatment, dogs may only live a few days to weeks after their tumor ruptures.
Following surgery and during recovery, owners will need to restrict their dog’s activity to allow healing. Short leash walks are recommended for the first 1-2 weeks. Prescription medications will help control pain and prevent infection. Owners will need to monitor the surgery site for signs of infection such as discharge or swelling and watch for other concerning symptoms. Regular follow up vet visits to check bloodwork are important for monitoring recovery.
Preventing Spleen Tumor Rupture
There are a few things dog owners can do to help prevent spleen tumor rupture in their dogs:
Monitor for tumors – Get your dog regular checkups and be alert for signs of possible tumors, like abdominal swelling or loss of appetite. Ultrasound screening can detect spleen tumors early, before rupture occurs (Source).
Avoid trauma – Take steps to avoid your dog experiencing any trauma to the abdomen that could cause a spleen tumor to rupture. Use a harness instead of a neck leash, keep your dog calm, and prevent falls or collisions.
Consider prophylactic splenectomy – Some vets recommend removing the spleen prophylactically in breeds prone to developing hemangiosarcoma like German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers. This prevents tumor development and rupture (Source).
While not always preventable, being aware of spleen tumors and avoiding abdominal trauma can help reduce the chances of a rupture occurring.
Living with a Dog with a Spleen Tumor
If your dog is diagnosed with a spleen tumor that is inoperable or you choose not to pursue surgery, you will need to focus on maintaining their quality of life. Monitor your dog closely for any signs of a rupture, which can become life-threatening without prompt treatment. Some things you can do to keep your dog comfortable include:
- Feeding several small meals throughout the day rather than one large meal to avoid putting pressure on the spleen
- Restricting exercise and vigorous play to avoid trauma to the spleen
- Giving medications to control pain and inflammation as recommended by your vet
- Providing soft bedding and keeping your dog calm and relaxed
- Monitoring for lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal distension or pain, weakness or collapse – if you see any of these signs, get veterinary care immediately
You may wish to pursue palliative care techniques like pain management, nutritional support, and draining accumulated fluid from the abdomen. Focus on maximizing quality time with your dog and making them as comfortable as possible. Consult with your veterinarian regularly to discuss options and monitor your dog’s condition.
When to See a Vet
It’s important to monitor dogs with spleen tumors closely and know when to seek emergency veterinary care. Some signs indicate a tumor may have ruptured and require immediate attention:
- Sudden weakness or collapse
- Rapid breathing or panting
- Pale gums
- Abdominal swelling or distension
- Crying or whining from pain
If you notice any of these emergency signs, rush your dog to the vet right away, as a ruptured tumor can quickly become fatal without treatment. Even if the tumor hasn’t ruptured, dogs with splenic masses should have regular checkups with their veterinarian every few months to monitor the tumor’s growth and look for any concerning changes. Bloodwork and imaging tests may be recommended periodically as well.
While a spleen tumor diagnosis is scary, try not to panic. With prompt care for emergency ruptures and close monitoring by a vet, many dogs can live comfortably for months or even years after this diagnosis. Familiarize yourself with the signs of a ruptured spleen tumor so you can act quickly and get your dog the lifesaving treatment they need.
Sources:
https://metro-vet.com/canine-splenic-hemangiosarcoma-2/
Conclusion
Spleen tumor rupture is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition in dogs that requires prompt veterinary attention. The symptoms, such as weakness, pale gums, distended abdomen, and collapse, can onset very quickly as the tumor begins to bleed. While some spleen tumors are benign, many are cancerous, so getting an accurate diagnosis and starting treatment as soon as possible is critical.
Being aware of the signs of a ruptured spleen tumor can help dog owners act fast and get their pets the needed care. Time is of the essence, as dogs can deteriorate rapidly from internal bleeding and the body going into shock. With emergency surgery to remove the spleen, as well as supportive care and chemotherapy if cancer is present, many dogs can recover and go on to live several more good months or even years. Catching the rupture early and seeking veterinary help immediately gives dogs the best chance of survival.
More research into the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of spleen tumors in dogs is still needed. But with proper precautions and attentiveness to the subtle changes in their pet’s health, dog owners can aid early detection and intervention. Staying informed and vigilant are key to protecting dogs from the serious threat posed by ruptured spleen tumors.