Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Chronic splenic torsion in two dogs.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
- Year:
- 2015
- Authors:
- Reinhart, Jennifer M et al.
- Affiliation:
- From the Department of Clinical Sciences
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Two dogs were diagnosed with a condition called chronic splenic torsion, where the spleen twists and affects blood flow. The first dog, a 5-year-old spayed female poodle, had been very tired, eating less than usual, and had low red blood cell counts for four months. The second dog, a 5-year-old castrated male French bulldog, had mild belly pain, trouble passing stool, and had stopped eating for two weeks. Both dogs were diagnosed using an abdominal ultrasound and underwent surgery to remove the spleen. After the surgery, both dogs fully recovered and their symptoms went away.
Abstract
A 5 yr old spayed female poodle (case 1) was presented with a 4 mo history of lethargy, inappetence, and nonregenerative anemia. A 5 yr old castrated male French bulldog (case 2) was presented with a 2 wk history of mild abdominal pain, dyschezia, and intermittent anorexia. Both dogs were diagnosed with chronic splenic torsion based on changes in splenic position, echogenicity, and/or echotexture identified on B-mode abdominal ultrasonography, as well as either decreased or absent splenic blood flow on color-flow Doppler ultrasonography. Both dogs underwent splenectomy and had full resolution of clinical signs. Presentation of chronic splenic torsion is variable, and clinical signs can be nonspecific. Abdominal ultrasound with Doppler evaluation is an important diagnostic step that can lead to appropriate surgical intervention and good long-term prognosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25955145/