Splenectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the spleen. The spleen is an organ located in the abdomen, near the stomach and pancreas, and is responsible for filtering blood, removing old or damaged red blood cells, and producing white blood cells. In some cases, the spleen may become enlarged or diseased and require surgical removal.
Splenectomy is most commonly performed in dogs and cats, but can also be done in other domesticated animals such as horses and livestock. The procedure is done under general anesthesia and involves an incision in the abdomen to access the spleen. Many times a splenectomy is performed as an emergency surgery in conjunction with a hemoabdomen (blood filled belly).
The most common reasons for splenectomy include splenic tumors, trauma to the spleen, and immune-mediated diseases such as immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA). In some cases, the spleen may also become enlarged due to infection or other underlying conditions.
During the surgery, the blood supply to the spleen is clamped off to prevent excessive bleeding, and the spleen is carefully removed. After removal, the spleen is sent to a laboratory for histopathological examination to determine if the tissue is malignant or benign.
After surgery, the animal may require hospitalization for monitoring and pain management. The animal will also need to be closely monitored for signs of bleeding, infection, or other complications. The veterinarian may prescribe transfusions, antibiotics and pain medications if needed.
While splenectomy is a major surgical procedure, it is often necessary to treat serious medical conditions in animals. The long term prognosis, in most cases, is very much tied to the biopsy results.
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