Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Splenic masses in 249 dogs: common types and diagnosis from 2000-2011
By Eberle, N et al.·Published in Tierarztliche Praxis. Ausgabe K, Kleintiere/Heimtiere·2012·Small Animal Hospital, Germany·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Splenic masses in dogs. Part 1: Epidemiologic, clinical characteristics as well as histopathologic diagnosis in 249 cases (2000-2011).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study looked at 249 dogs with splenic masses, which are lumps on the spleen that can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The most common type of cancer found was hemangiosarcoma, a serious condition, but nearly half of the cases were benign issues like nodular hyperplasia or splenic hematomas. Dogs showing signs of internal bleeding were more likely to have cancerous masses. It's important for pet owners to discuss the prognosis and treatment options with their veterinarian if their dog is diagnosed with a splenic mass.
People also search for: dog splenic mass symptoms · hemangiosarcoma treatment in dogs · benign splenic tumors in dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Splenic masses have a high prevalence and are more common than diffuse splenic enlargement in dogs. It was the aim of the present study to retrospectively describe clinical aspects and histopathologic characteristics of dogs with splenic masses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Records of patients with a histologically diagnosed splenic mass between January 2000 and March 2011 were reviewed. RESULTS: 249 dogs met the inclusion criteria and could be included in the study. Splenic masses were diagnosed histologically as non-malignant disease (n=117; 47%) and malignant splenic disease (n=132; 53%). Hemangiosarcoma was the most common histological diagnosis (n=97; 73.5%). Other malignant tumors included sarcoma (n=14), fibrohistiocytic nodules (n=9) as well as lymphoma, blastoma and adenocarcinoma. The non-malignant masses consisted of nodular hyperplasia (n=60), splenic hematoma (n=41), and splenitis (n=6). Dogs with hemoperitoneum had a higher frequency of splenic neoplasia. CONCLUSION: The results corroborate previous findings that hemangiosarcoma is the most frequent neoplasm of the canine spleen. However, in approximately half of the cases benign lesions were histologically diagnosed. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: It is essential that a frank discussion is held with owners regarding the prognosis associated with the treatment of dogs with a splenic mass associated with hemoperitoneum.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22911256/