Where is the spleen in a dog? Diseases of the spleen in dogs

21.05.202227.05.2017

The spleen is the main source of circulating lymphocytes, it works as a filter for foreign particles and bacteria that enter the body, and also produces the production of antibodies. Finally, it is an organ that takes an active part in blood circulation, the spleen serves as a reservoir of red blood cells, which may be needed at a critical moment.

Important functions of the spleen are:

immune function;
hematopoietic function;
filtration function;
it is involved in the metabolism of iron and proteins.

According to research, short-haired breeds of dogs, such as boxers, bull terriers, Staffordshire terriers, Labradors and others, are most often located for diseases of the spleen. In cats, the percentage of tumor diseases of the spleen is much lower. Moreover, there is no significant breed predisposition. If you look at the age ratios, then most often tumors occur in animals that are more than 7 years old.
"Neoplasms" that appear in the spleen can be either primary or metastasize from other organs and tissues. They are divided into three types - these are lymphoid, hemangiotic and fibrous neoplasms, originating from the respective tissues, which are provided in the largest number in this organ.

Symptoms of a tumor of the spleen

The general clinical picture of a sick cat may differ in an increase in rectal temperature, lack of appetite. Also, in the presence of neoplasms, sporadic vomiting is characteristic.
The spleen is located deep in the abdominal cavity. If you conduct an examination by palpation, you can detect both splenomegaly (its increase in size) or volvulus of the spleen and large formations on its surface. However, the percentage of errors in the diagnosis based on palpation alone is quite large, so special diagnostic methods should be used. For a more accurate diagnosis, ultrasound examinations are performed. In some cases, x-rays may be used. Biochemical and clinical blood tests cannot give a complete picture of the nature of the lesion, but the presence of oncological processes is detected.
Tumors in cats can be benign or malignant, but any neoplasm in the spleen is equally prone to rupture and can cause very severe internal bleeding. Splenectomy (removal) of the spleen can prevent rupture of the spleen. In some cases of focal tumor lesions of the spleen, it is possible to carry out an organ-preserving (portioned) resection.

Treatment of a tumor of the spleen

Tumor diseases of the spleen in cats, without a doubt, can be attributed to surgical pathology. Surgical care not provided in time threatens with massive internal bleeding with a fatal outcome! Quite often, patients come to us in a pre-critical condition. The reason for the concern of the owners is a sharp deterioration in the condition of the animal, a sudden pallor of the mucous membranes, shortness of breath, fatigue, a hunched forced posture, a tense and painful stomach. All these symptoms suggest internal bleeding, possibly caused by tumor damage to the spleen. Which is often confirmed by ultrasound.
Therefore, a quick diagnosis is very important here, which will make it possible to choose an adequate, in this case, method of treatment. Most often, this method is surgical intervention and removal of the spleen.
But, if we are talking about hemangioma, the main trouble is that it grows rapidly and metastasizes. As a rule, even before the time it is discovered and removed. Nearly 20% of cats diagnosed with splenic hemangioma have a similar tumor in the heart. Therefore, after the removal of this kind of oncology, the appointment of chemotherapy is recommended.
The technical protocol of the operation may include transfusion of blood to animals with blood loss or animals with a giant neoplasm of the spleen. The fact is that the spleen is completely removed and, in the presence of a large tumor on it, a sufficiently large mass of blood is removed from the bloodstream of the body. And it, this blood "taken out" from the body with the organ, should, if necessary, be compensated with the help of donor blood. In milder situations, you can do without blood transfusion, limiting yourself to postoperative infusion therapy.

In conclusion, it should be said that a comprehensive diagnosis of spleen disease should be carried out, the sooner the better. Prompt treatment can undoubtedly save a patient's life. And, of course, in the dispensary plan, for early detection of possible problems, it is recommended that all animals undergo a mini-examination once a year, including ultrasound - this is the main method for detecting neoplasms in the abdominal organs.

Giant, over 20 cm long, tumor of the spleen in a Basenji dog. The weight of the animal is 9 kg. (!) The mass of the affected spleen is more than 1 kg. (!).

The case is fairly advanced. Owners have long noticed an increase in the volume of the dog's abdomen, along with progressive thinness, but did not attach serious importance to this.
At some point the dog became very ill. The tumor burst and internal bleeding opened. Only an emergency operation helped save the patient's life.

Today the dog is completely healthy.

Tumor of the spleen in a cat. Timely detected by ultrasound. Removed at the scale of the planned operation. Due to early diagnosis and not leading to a crisis, the prognosis is favorable. The animal received all necessary postoperative care. Complaints about the state of health, after half a year after the operation, no. Metastases are absent.

Tumor of the spleen in a dachshund. Launched case. But not critical. The owners were concerned about the uneven shape of the body and the fact that when probing the abdomen in the abdominal cavity, a solid spherical formation is felt. Ultrasound revealed a large neoplasm of the spleen. An emergency operation was performed. Prolongation of the situation in this case threatened to rupture the organ with possible lethal bleeding. So we made it on time. The prognosis is favorable.

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine M. Shelyakov

Cancer is a terrible diagnosis not only for people, but also for our pets. And, unfortunately, cancer in dogs is not something exceptional and rare. According to veterinarians, about 30% of males and about 50% of females over the age of 10 suffer from this fatal disease. Can you beat oncology? What should an owner do to help a four-legged family member?

Human cancer is practically no different from animal cancer - it is a non-contagious cellular mutation that occurs at the DNA level. In recent years, many researchers have confirmed the "single cell theory". According to this theory, terrible changes suddenly occur in a single cell and it “forgets” its functions. Over time, by dividing, mutated cells become more and more, they form into groups - tumors, and into daughter formations - metastases. For example, breast cancer in dogs often leads to the formation of metastases in bone or lung tissue, in the liver or kidneys.

Gradually, the tumor grows, replacing and displacing healthy cells of the organ. Since cancer cells "do not remember" their functions, the organ stops working properly. In addition, the tumor physically compresses adjacent tissues, which leads to even greater inhibition of performance. When the neoplasm begins to decompose, bleeding, ulceration and other signs of tissue decay are revealed.

Often, owners are interested in whether dogs have cancer of a particular organ. Unfortunately, animals suffer from all kinds of cancers that humans are prone to. Mostly old animals suffer from cancer, but sometimes young individuals aged 1-3 years old, more often females, suffer from cancer. There is no universal remedy, because cancer is a common name for various types of mutations, i.e. several different diseases. Folk remedies can support a dog, but only a veterinarian should treat!

Contrary to popular belief, most cancers can be beaten once and for all. But provided that the disease is detected at an early stage, and the veterinarian is an oncologist, and not an ordinary therapist.

It is impossible to say unequivocally how long dogs with cancer live - it depends on many individual factors. If cancer cells are not too active, and the disease is detected at an early stage, a complete cure or a full life for many years is possible. Much depends on the location of the tumor - a diseased kidney can be removed, but an operation on the brain of the story is not always possible. Therefore, the veterinarian will answer this question only after a thorough examination and monitoring of the dynamics of the disease.

Types and symptoms of cancer

Oncological diseases are very insidious and develop imperceptibly, without any signs of malaise in the early stages. At the same time, cancer in 90% of cases is curable precisely at stage I or 0, and if the dog has stage II or III cancer, the chances of recovery drop to 50%. Therefore, prevention and regular annual visits to the clinic - examination, and urine for biochemistry are extremely important.

Read also: Dysplasia in dogs - diagnosis and treatment

The lion's share of malignant tumors occurs in non-sterile bitches due to constant hormonal changes during periods of estrus, childbirth, feeding and pregnancy. Many bitch owners ask veterinarians if dogs get cancer if the girl has never given birth or, on the contrary, gives birth from estrus to estrus. Unfortunately, this is not of particular importance - both those who have not given birth, and those who have given birth once, and those giving birth through estrus or every estrus, are sick. Therefore, veterinarians recommend spaying all non-breeding females: removal of the uterus and ovaries is 100% protection against cancer of these organs and 90% protection against breast cancer. In addition, all females are sterilized at the age of 7-8 years (at the end of breeding work).

1. Breast cancer in dogs can be detected at an early stage by palpation (incomprehensible lumps, seals, bumps in the nipples). The owner should feel the bitch's nipples regularly, gently and without pressure, or visit the clinic regularly for medical check-ups. In the later stages of the tumor, they are clearly visible - the nipples increase, change shape and color, bulging bumps appear (if the tumor opens, a bleeding ulcer will remain in its place).

2. Uterine cancer in dogs is more difficult to detect. As a rule, the only external manifestations are constant spotting, characteristic of many other diseases (pyometra, endometritis, genital infections). An indirect sign is miscarriages, non-viable offspring, empty matings. Hormonal drugs contribute to the disease (everything that shifts in time or stops estrus, any contraception like a sex barrier, etc.). Many of these drugs lead to the formation of a tumor after a single use!

Obvious signs of cancer in dogs appear only in the later stages. In addition to direct symptoms that depend on the location of the tumor, a general deterioration in the condition is noticeable - sudden whining (pain), gastrointestinal disorders, weakness and apathy, unwillingness to make contact or obsession, drowsiness, loss of interest in what used to cause delight (goodies, games).

3. Large and giant dogs are often diagnosed with bone cancer. Symptoms also appear in the later stages, so owners of at-risk breeds (all heavy large dogs) should immediately contact the veterinarian if they notice slight lameness, change in gait, caution in movements, some fatigue and / or unwillingness to follow commands related to running, jumping.

4. Skin cancer in dogs accounts for about 15% of all cancer diagnoses. Unfortunately, because of the coat, it is difficult to notice the tumor, so you need to carefully examine the pet while bathing and combing. The neoplasm looks like a mole, a pigment spot or a non-passing seal, covered with a crust. The color varies from pink to almost black. In any case, if something incomprehensible appears on the skin of your pet, contact your veterinarian.

Often owners think that squamous cell carcinoma in dogs only occurs on the skin. In fact, this type of cancer affects the cells of the squamous epithelium and mucous membranes, and they are on the internal organs and in the mouth.

5. Cancer of the stomach and intestines is manifested by symptoms from the gastrointestinal tract: alternating constipation and diarrhea, changes in appetite, vomiting, blood in the stool (black - stomach, scarlet - intestines). Noticeable weight loss, some weakness and drowsiness, anemia develops. Often in dogs, even with well-groomed teeth, there is an unpleasant obsessive smell from the mouth.

Read also: Incubation period for piroplasmosis in dogs

6. Liver cancer in dogs often results in jaundice (yellowing of the mucous membranes) due to bile entering the bloodstream. In the early stages, appetite worsens somewhat and activity decreases, a change in stool (color, smell, consistency) is possible. The dog gradually loses weight, weakens, loses interest in life. Without treatment, cachexia quickly sets in - almost complete refusal of food, rapid exhaustion, complete apathy, constant diarrhea and vomiting.

7. Lung cancer begins with a dry cough, hysterical, debilitating. The dog suddenly coughs and breathes heavily without experiencing physical exertion. Over time, the cough becomes wet, with pus and/or blood interspersed in the sputum.

8. Spleen cancer in dogs, like in humans, is relatively rare. There are no specific symptoms, signs of malaise are common - weakness, poor appetite, exhaustion, cachexia, apathy. Ascites is an accumulation of fluid in the peritoneum.

9. Kidney cancer also does not manifest itself in any way until the later stages. Of the noticeable signs - blood in the urine, colic (strange gait, whining, constrained movements). The dog gradually weakens, moves less, eats poorly, swelling of the limbs may appear.

Diagnostic methods

There is an opinion that dogs smell cancer by a specific smell - many oncological institutes have successfully conducted studies confirming this theory. Unfortunately, even if a dog's nose is able to smell cancer in humans, the pet is unlikely to detect the disease in itself, and it is even more doubtful that it will be able to somehow inform the owner about it. Therefore, it is important to undergo a preventive examination once a year and take urine and blood tests for biochemistry - a certain shift in indicators will allow the veterinarian to suspect something was wrong at the very beginning of the development of the disease. To confirm or refute the diagnosis, it will be necessary to donate blood and urine again to detect "onco-markers", in the presence of which cancer is highly likely to be suspected.

Since the only way to diagnose cancer in a dog is by conducting a targeted study, various "search" methods are used to confirm the diagnosis. The choice of method depends on what type of cancer and location the veterinarian suspects. In particular, this is X-ray, ultrasound, fluorography, mammography, gastroscopy, MRI or CT, consultation of a highly specialized specialist is required. If a tumor is found, the doctor will take a puncture - a piece of tissue for cell analysis (to determine whether it is cancer or a benign tumor).

Treatment of oncological diseases

Obviously, only a veterinarian prescribes treatment! You can’t trust the advice of acquaintances, “specialists” correspondence students who treat according to photos or test results, charlatans who promise to defeat the disease with folk remedies or magic spells - there are a lot of scammers who want to make money on the misfortune of other people. And even more of those who like to get worn out on thematic sites and forums: each case of cancer is individual!

At present, due to the intensive growth of the population of dogs and cats in urban conditions, the development of decorative service dog breeding, more and more attention is paid to non-communicable diseases of these animals. Surgical diseases of the spleen are an actual problem in abdominal surgery of small animals. A few years ago, the main attention of veterinary specialists was focused mainly on the pathology of the musculoskeletal system. But diseases of the abdominal organs are the most dangerous, since quite often they can lead to death. Currently, at the Department of Veterinary Surgery of the Federal State Educational Institution of Higher Professional Education of the MGAVMiB named after V.I. K. I. Scriabin, scientific research is carried out in the field of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases of the abdominal organs (stomach, intestines, spleen) in animals.

In animals, the spleen performs several functions. As part of the reticuloendothelial system, it phagocytizes (destroys) obsolete blood cells and platelets, and also converts hemoglobin into bilirubin and hemosiderin. Since hemoglobin contains iron, the spleen is one of the richest iron reservoirs in the body. As a lymphoid organ, the spleen is the main source of circulating lymphocytes. In addition, it acts as a filter for bacteria, protozoa and foreign particles, and also produces antibodies. Finally, as an organ involved in blood circulation, it serves as a reservoir of red blood cells, which, in a critical situation, re-enter the bloodstream.

Diseases of the spleen undoubtedly belong to a surgical pathology, since in almost 75% of cases surgical treatment is necessary, and the role of non-infectious etiology in diseases of this organ is quite high. Mortality in various diseases of the spleen can reach 70%, therefore, rapid and accurate verification of the diagnosis in pathologies of the spleen makes it possible to choose an adequate method of treatment and, often, save the patient's life.

In terms of breed, according to our data, dogs of medium short-haired breeds are most predisposed to diseases of the spleen: Boxers, Staffordshire Terriers, Pit Bull Terriers, Labradors, etc. In terms of age, these are animals older than 7 years. The sex of the animal in the development of surgical diseases of the spleen does not matter.

Physiology of the spleen
The spleen plays an important role in the humoral regulation of the body, performing several functions.
The most important ones are:

immune function,
filtration function,
hematopoietic function,
participation in the metabolism of proteins and iron.

The most important function of the spleen is immune function. It consists in the capture and processing of harmful substances, blood purification from various foreign agents (bacteria, viruses). The spleen captures and destroys endotoxins, the insoluble components of cellular debris from burns, trauma, and other tissue damage. The spleen is actively involved in the immune response - its cells recognize antigens foreign to the body and synthesize specific antibodies.

The filtration function is carried out, in particular, in the form of control over circulating blood cells. First of all, this applies to both aging and defective erythrocytes. The physiological death of erythrocytes occurs after they reach approximately 120 days of age. It is not exactly established how phagocytes distinguish between senescent and viable cells. Apparently, the nature of the biochemical and biophysical changes occurring in these cells matters. For example, there is an assumption that the spleen cleanses the circulating blood of senescent cells by detecting red blood cells with an altered membrane. So, in some diseases, infected red blood cells cannot pass through the spleen, stay in the pulp for too long and die. At the same time, it has been proven that the spleen has a better ability than the liver to recognize less defective cells and functions as a filter. In the spleen, granular inclusions (Jolly bodies, Heinz bodies, iron granules) are removed from erythrocytes without destroying the cells themselves. Splenectomy and atrophy of the spleen lead to an increase in the content of these cells in the blood. An increase in the number of siderocytes (cells containing iron granules) after splenectomy is especially clearly revealed, and these changes are persistent, which indicates the specificity of this function of the spleen.

Splenic macrophages recycle iron from destroyed erythrocytes, turning it into transferrin, that is, the spleen takes part in iron metabolism.

The role of the spleen in the destruction of leukocytes is not well understood. There is an opinion that under physiological conditions these cells die in the lungs, liver and spleen, platelets in a healthy person are also destroyed mainly in the liver and spleen. Probably, the spleen also takes another part in the exchange of platelets, since after the removal of the spleen due to damage to this organ, thrombocytosis occurs.

The spleen not only destroys, but also accumulates blood cells - erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets. In particular, it contains from 30 to 50% or more of circulating platelets, which, if necessary, can be thrown into the peripheral bloodstream. In pathological conditions, their accumulation is sometimes so great that it can lead to thrombocytopenia.

In violation of the outflow of blood, the spleen increases and, according to some researchers, can accommodate a large amount of blood, being its depot. By contracting, the spleen is able to throw out the blood accumulated in it into the vascular bed. At the same time, the volume of the spleen decreases, and the number of red blood cells in the blood increases. However, normally the spleen contains no more than 20-40 ml of blood.

The spleen is involved in the metabolism of proteins and synthesizes albumin, globin (the protein component of hemoglobin), factor Vlli of the blood coagulation system. Of great importance is the participation of the spleen in the formation of immunoglobulins, which is provided by numerous cells that produce immunoglobulins, probably of all classes.

The spleen takes an active part in hematopoiesis, especially in the fetus, produces lymphocytes and monocytes. The spleen is the main organ of extramedullary hematopoiesis in violation of the normal processes of hematopoiesis in the bone marrow, for example, in chronic blood loss, sepsis, etc. There are indirect data confirming the possibility of the spleen participating in the regulation of bone marrow hematopoiesis. The influence of the spleen on the production of erythrocytes is trying to be confirmed on the basis of the fact of the appearance of reticulocytosis after the removal of a normal spleen, for example, when it is damaged. However, this may be due to the fact that the spleen delays the early release of reticulocytes. It remains unclear the mechanism for increasing the number of granulocytes after removal of the spleen - either more of them are formed and they quickly leave the bone marrow, or they are less actively destroyed. The mechanism of the development of thrombocytosis developing in this case is also unclear. Most likely, it arises due to the removal of these cells from the spleen. These changes are temporary and are usually observed only during the first month after the removal of the spleen.

The spleen probably regulates the maturation and release of erythrocytes and granulocytes from the bone marrow, the production of platelets, the process of denucleation of maturing erythrocytes, and the production of lymphocytes. It is likely that lymphokines synthesized by spleen lymphocytes can have an inhibitory effect on hematopoiesis.

Data on changes in certain types of metabolism after removal of the spleen are contradictory. The most characteristic change in the liver is an increase in glycogen in it. Strengthening of the glycogen-fixing function of the liver is steadfastly maintained even when the liver is affected, leading to a weakening of this function. Experiments with the removal of the spleen in animals allow us to conclude that humoral factors are produced in the spleen, the absence of which causes an increased fixation of glycogen and, thus, secondarily affects the processes of fat accumulation in this organ.

The spleen plays an important role in the processes of hemolysis. Under pathological conditions, it can retain and destroy a large number of altered erythrocytes, especially in some congenital and acquired hemolytic anemias. A large number of erythrocytes are retained in the spleen during congestive plethora and other diseases. It has also been established that the mechanical and osmotic resistance of leukocytes decreases during their passage through the spleen.

The spleen is not one of the vital organs, but in connection with the listed functional features, it plays an essential role in the body.

Currently, more than forty infectious and non-infectious diseases of the spleen have been identified in dogs, which can be conditionally divided into several groups:

As a result of studies of 46 clinically ill dogs, conducted at the Department of Veterinary Surgery from 2000 to 2005, the incidence of surgical diseases of the spleen was established.

Diagnosis of surgical diseases of the spleen
The history and clinical picture of almost all diseases of the spleen have much in common with other surgical diseases of the abdominal organs in dogs.

The clinical picture in animals with pathology of the spleen depends on the nature of the disease. In the presence of purulent or acute inflammation, there may be a temperature, lack of appetite. Shortness of breath and anemia are characteristic of diseases accompanied by blood loss or impaired hematopoietic functions in the body. The presence of sporadic vomiting is characteristic of volvulus of the spleen, splenomegaly, or neoplasms of the spleen. In some cases, splenomegaly causes the development of ascites, liver edema, and gastric bleeding. For neoplasms of the spleen that occur without metastases, the presence of cachexia with a simultaneous increase in the volume of the abdominal cavity is characteristic. In general, it can be concluded that in the absence of changes in the anamnesis of a sick animal that are characteristic of surgical pathology of the spleen, some criteria may indirectly indicate problems with this organ.

Clinical examination of an animal with suspected pathology of the spleen should begin with palpation at the site of the projection of the organ onto the abdominal wall. In carnivores, approximately 1/3 of the organ is hidden behind the costal arch; in hounds and pointing breeds, the costal arch almost completely covers the spleen. Palpation is carried out with the animal's body in a vertical position with smooth movements of moderate force from the bottom up so as not to damage the organ. This method of research can determine the size and shape of the organ, the correct location of it in the abdominal cavity, pain. In some cases, it is necessary to resort to percussion of the abdominal cavity in order to differentiate the location of the spleen in severe flatulence of the gastrointestinal tract.

Ultrasound diagnostics of diseases of the spleen is the main method for diagnosing various pathologies of this organ. For small animals, an ultrasound examination of the spleen is performed in the dorsal position; in long-haired breeds, a triangle is shaved from the xiphoid cartilage and the navel to the middle third of the last left rib (the place where the spleen is projected onto the abdominal wall).

To verify the diagnosis in surgical pathology of the spleen, it is necessary to evaluate the following criteria:

the size and location of the organ must be determined to diagnose splenomegaly or volvulus of the spleen, and significant neoplasms of the spleen are also determined. In medium and large breeds, splenomegaly is detected in the supine position by scanning the midline of the body in the region of the xiphoid cartilage and pre-umbilical region. With an increase in the organ in this area, the spleen is detected; normally, in the dorsal position, the spleen remains in the left hypochondrium;
the thickness of the capsule is determined in splenomegaly, cystic lesions and hematomas of the organ to predict the possibility of rupture of the capsule;
determination of the homogeneity of the structure of the parenchyma of the organ allows to identify foci of ischemic lesions of the organ, small neoplasms of the parenchyma of the spleen, areas of rupture of the spleen or subcapsular hematomas, abscesses;
a change in the vascular bed of an organ (expansion of the venous or arterial system) is informative for predicting the course of the disease and identifying treatment tactics.

The Doppler effect is used to detect hemodynamic disorders in the vessels of the abdominal cavity and, in particular, to determine the presence of thrombosis of the veins of the spleen in splenomegaly. Ultrasound examination of blood flow is based on the Doppler effect. Its essence lies in the fact that the frequency of the sound emitted by a moving object changes when this sound is perceived by a stationary object. When an ultrasonic signal is reflected from moving red blood cells, its frequency changes. As a result of this phenomenon, there is a change in the frequency of the sent ultrasonic signal. The greater the speed of erythrocyte movement, the greater the frequency shift of the ultrasonic signal. If the movement of erythrocytes is directed towards the sensor, then the frequency of the signal reflected from them increases, if from the sensor, then, on the contrary, it decreases. Knowing the frequency of the sent ultrasonic signal and the frequency of the reflected signal, it is possible to determine the speed of the reflecting object (erythrocyte) by the frequency shift. Lower frequency sensors allow higher blood flow velocities to be measured. There is an inverse relationship between the angle of the directed ultrasonic beam and the frequency shift. If the angle is zero, that is, the direction of the ultrasound beam and the course of the blood flow are parallel, then the maximum frequency shift can be measured. In practice, the angle between the direction of the ultrasound beam and the direction of blood flow should not exceed 20 degrees. Then the error in measuring the blood flow velocity will be insignificant. This limitation dictates the need to direct the ultrasound beam during Doppler studies as parallel as possible to the direction of the studied blood flow. When scanning with a Doppler effect device, movement is indicated by different colors: red tones - with a positive speed of movement, and blue tones - with a negative one. Given this, it is possible to determine thrombosis of the veins and arteries of the spleen, as well as the presence of ischemic areas in the parenchyma of the organ.

Thus, ultrasound examination of an organ can reveal almost all of its organic damage.

X-ray studies of diseases of the spleen are carried out when an ultrasound study is unavailable, as well as to exclude certain other diseases (for example, intestinal obstruction associated with a foreign body or intussusception of the intestine). X-ray examination is advisable to carry out in the lateromedial projection in the position on the left side. In such a projection, the cranial edge of the spleen is normally partially covered by the liver, and the body and caudal edge of the organ are located in the region of the xiphoid cartilage. In the pathology of the spleen associated with an increase in the organ (splenomegaly, neoplasms of the spleen), a significant darkening will be seen in the region of the xiphoid cartilage, the pre-umbilical region. With volvulus of the spleen, on the contrary, the spleen is not visualized in these areas, an increased density is found in the iliac region. Due to the stomach filled with gases and displaced by the spleen, a gas-filled spot of considerable size will be visible on the radiograph in the lateral projection at the location of the stomach, which will indirectly indicate a volvulus of the spleen. X-ray examination in the dorso-caudal projection can be performed if the data of radiography in the lateral projection are doubtful.

Angiocontrast radiography is used to detect obstruction of the splenic veins. For such a study, radiopaque substances are administered intravenously: urographin, omnipaque in appropriate dosages. 15.45 and 90 minutes after the administration of radiopaque agents, X-rays are taken, on which the spleen is clearly visible, which makes it possible to identify its size and location with the greatest certainty.

Hematological studies of diseases of the spleen are an integral part of the study of a sick animal. First of all, if spleen disease is suspected, clinical blood tests are performed. The main criterion for assessing the state of the spleen is the erythrocyte sedimentation rate as an indicator not only of impaired hemostasis, but also an indicator of a large focus of inflammation in the body. With splenitis, splenomegaly of various etiologies, the ESR reaches 20-35 mm/h. The indicator of the amount of hemoglobin and erythrocytes is above the norm, the presence of poikidocytes and megalocytes indicates violations in the work of the red pulp of the spleen, violations of the utilization of blood cells in it. Leukocytosis is characteristic of all inflammatory processes in the spleen.

Biochemical blood tests are carried out to determine the degree of inflammation and destructive changes in the spleen. To do this, the ALT and AST indicators are examined, the Ritis coefficient is determined. With an increased ALT, Ritis coefficient, a conclusion is made about the presence of destructive processes (strong inflammatory, ischemic, oncological). It should be borne in mind that with pathological processes in other parenchymal organs, the picture of these indicators will be similar. To confirm the oncological cause of the disease, tests are carried out for serum alkaline phosphatase. With an increase in this indicator, the diagnosis is confirmed. Other criteria for assessing the pathology of the spleen using hematological studies are uninformative, as they are also characteristic of most other pathologies.

In conclusion, it must be concluded that diseases of the spleen in dogs have all sorts of clinical manifestations. This is due to a wide range of pathology of the spleen and its relationship with other organs of the abdominal cavity. Diagnosis of diseases of the spleen should be comprehensive and include clinical, hematological and sonographic studies without fail, angiocontrast radiography and the Doppler effect.

S. V. Timofeev, S. V. Pozyabin,
Department of Veterinary Surgery MGAVMiB them. Scriabin, Moscow

The growth of the spleen - splenomegaly in dogs, is often observed when it is involved in the pathological processes occurring in the body of the animal.

A bit of anatomy

Normally, the mass of the spleen can increase in volume up to 2 times, which is why there is no clear threshold from which the "count" of splenomegaly begins. In general, splenomegaly can be considered a symptom detected by palpation and percussion. At normal sizes, the border does not go beyond the diagonal of 7 cm.

· Dimensions exceed the limit value;

It is accessible by palpation;

The dullness of the spleen is abnormally intense.

A very soft consistency indicates its septic swelling, with a special density, there are suspicions of leukemic processes in the body, leishmaniasis, lymphogranulomatosis, or prolonged septic endocarditis. A less dense spleen occurs with hemolytic jaundice, hepatolienal lesions (excl. cholangitis).

Functions and principles of "work" of the body

Splenomegaly in dogs may be a characteristic organ response to pathological conditions, although organ enlargement may also indicate a normal working condition.

Functions of the spleen:

Fine blood filter;

Large conglomerate of reticuloendothelial tissue;

The largest lymph node.

In clinical practice, the most common cause of an enlarged spleen is working hypertrophy. In some cases, there is "congestive" splenomegaly (a reaction to increased pressure in the portal system).

Clinical course

Splenomegaly is a clinical feature of some diseases. Enlargement of the spleen can be acute and chronic, according to the etiological factor, it is associated with impaired venous outflow, accumulation of blood in the parenchyma of the organ, and the development of inflammatory edema.

Cause of circulatory disorders in the spleen:

Thromboembolism;

Squeezing of blood vessels during volvulus of the spleen.

In the pathogenesis of the disease, a violation of cellular immunity, the development of renal failure, an increase in body temperature and the occurrence of hepatolienal syndrome can be noted.

Therapeutic actions

Treatment of splenomegaly in dogs due to thromboembolism begins with the use of drugs that improve the rheological properties of the blood. Preventing the formation of blood clots and resorption of existing ones, the use of anti-inflammatory and decongestant drugs.

If conservative treatment does not give positive dynamics, especially with volvulus of the spleen, a surgical operation is indicated. The detected thrombosed area is subjected to the introduction of local heparin with the imposition of vascular clamps along the edges.

When torsion is resorted to splenopexy (elimination of the pathological mobility of the spleen by suturing it to the diaphragm). If it is impossible to restore normal blood circulation in the spleen in a dog, a splenectomy is performed.

Veterinary center "DobroVet"

Student work:
Kiseleva E.S. 5 course FVM

Diseases of the spleen undoubtedly belong to surgical pathology, since in almost 75% of cases surgical treatment is necessary, and the role of non-infectious etiology in diseases of this organ is quite high. Mortality in various diseases of the spleen can reach 70%, therefore, rapid and accurate verification of the diagnosis in pathologies of the spleen makes it possible to choose an adequate method of treatment and, often, save the patient's life.

The spleen plays an important role in the humoral regulation of the body, performing several functions.

The most important ones are:

immune function;
filtration function;
hematopoietic function;
participates in the metabolism of proteins and iron.

Definition of surgery and indications for it

Splenectomy- surgical removal of the spleen. The need for diagnostic splenectomy is rare, especially if the spleen is asymptomatic. Usually, the operation is performed in order to clarify the prevalence of lymphogranulomatosis, eliminate the discomfort caused by significant splenomegaly, and prevent intra-abdominal bleeding in case of damage to the spleen.

Splenectomy is also done for cytopenias due to hypersplenism or immune cell damage, and in some cases of hairy cell leukemia or prolymphocytic leukemia.

With lymphogranulomatosis, splenectomy is performed only at stages I or II, in which radiation therapy can be limited. The indication for surgery is the need to establish the prevalence of the process, since the enlargement of the spleen in itself is not indicative: in a third of cases this increase is not accompanied by a tumor lesion of the spleen, and in another third of cases, on the contrary, there are metastases in the spleen, but it is not enlarged.

The operation is also used for two chronic B-cell leukemias (hairy cell B-cell leukemia and prolymphocytic B-cell leukemia), as well as an extremely rare splenic marginal zone lymphoma. In these cases, splenectomy significantly reduces lymphoid infiltration in the bone marrow and other foci of tumor growth. The only contraindication to splenectomy is myelophthisis, in which the spleen can become the only focus of hematopoiesis.

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We performed operative access to the spleen by laparotomy, made a median incision in the pre-umbilical region. We perform a linear incision of the skin and subcutaneous tissue in the preumbilical region. Bleeding vessels are torsated. After that, in a blunt way, we expose the white line of the abdomen, which we grab with two surgical tweezers and dissect with a belly scalpel. The next step is to carry out blunt scissors into the formed hole and, having lifted the abdominal wall with them, we perform an incision of the desired length. Having immersed the hand in the abdominal cavity, in the left hypochondrium we grope for the spleen and carefully remove it from the surgical wound.

Operational reception

To perform splenectomy, after removing the organ from the surgical wound, we straighten the gastrosplenic ligament and estimate the required number of ligatures. For reliable ligation with minimal risk of bleeding, we apply ligatures to each large vessel located in the gastrosplenic ligament.

It must be taken into account that the gastrosplenic artery divides into the gastroepiploic and proper splenic arteries approximately in the middle of the gastrosplenic ligament. Based on this, it is necessary to apply ligatures as close as possible to the spleen, so as not to accidentally alloy the left gastric artery, which can lead to necosis of the greater curvature of the stomach and pancreas. To do this, we ligate the vessels, starting from the caudal edge, as the most accessible for manipulation. On each of the selected vessels with a ligament site, we impose two ligatures at a distance of 2-3 cm from one another.

The final part of the operation

We perform the completion of the operation after the revision of the abdominal cavity for bleeding. We carry out sanitation of the abdominal cavity with a solution of dioxidine 0.25%, after which we put sutures on the abdominal wall. With the first, interrupted suture, we sew up the peritoneum and the white line of the abdomen, capturing the superficial fascia with a needle. For this seam, we use polycone. The next step is to apply a continuous suture to the subcutaneous tissue. We also use polycon. We impose a diagonal seam on the skin (loop crosswise according to Aliev)

Conclusion

The spleen is not a vital organ, so its complete removal is possible. With neoplasms on the spleen, only surgical treatment is recommended. The dog quickly came out of anesthesia, began to eat and drink. A day after the operation, she began to move actively. The sutures were removed on the tenth day after the operation. Compared to what it was before the operation, the animal feels great. And this indisputably proves the necessity and value of the splenectomy. Temperature 38.0, pulse - 82 beats per minute, respiration - 17 respiratory movements per minute. Subsequent hematological studies proved that the body copes with hematopoiesis even without a spleen.