The association between the number and location of splenic masses and malignancy: a retrospective study of 436 canine patients undergoing splenectomy.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between the location of a splenic mass with the probability of the mass being malignant. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study of client-owned dogs undergoing splenectomy at a single institution over 6 years. Medical records of dogs undergoing splenectomy for any reason from July 2018 to August 2024 at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists were evaluated. Inclusion criteria consisted of documentation of location of the mass on the spleen (head, tail, body, or multiple) and a histopathology report. RESULTS: A total of 436 client-owned dogs met the inclusion criteria; 39.2% (171 of 436) of dogs had a malignant diagnosis, and 60.7% (265 of 436) of dogs had a benign diagnosis. The probability of a splenic mass being malignant did not differ significantly on the basis of its specific location (head, body, tail). The probability of a splenic mass being malignant was significantly different when comparing masses in single versus multiple locations in the spleen. The odds of a malignant diagnosis were 1.6 times higher (95% CI, 1.1 to 2.5) when there were masses in multiple locations compared to a single location in the spleen. Out of all splenic masses regardless of presentation (eg, incidental, nontraumatic hemoabdomen), 60.7% were benign lesions. CONCLUSIONS: This study did not find any association between the location of the splenic mass and malignancy; however, it found that there is a significant association between malignancy and splenic masses documented in multiple locations, which was previously reported to have no association with malignancy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The findings in this study can assist veterinarians when consulting owners regarding splenic masses.