The price of a splenectomy can be quite high. This is because of the diagnostic tests required in order to identify the problem in the first place, as well as the surgical knowledge required in order to perform the procedure. In all, most owners can expect to pay
around $2,500
for a splenectomy.
How long will my dog live after spleen removal?
Most of these dogs can live for
around six months
, just by removing the spleen and without any further follow-up treatment. Occasionally we discover these prior to a bleeding event or the bleeding event is minor and the dog does require a blood transfusion, so the treatment cost can be as low as $1,000.
Will my dog survive a splenectomy?
As long as your dog is otherwise healthy, he or she can continue to live a full and active life after the splenectomy recovery period
. Dogs who have a malignant tumor may eventually succumb to their disease.
How long is spleen surgery for dogs?
This instrument cauterizes and legates the splenic vessels to remove them from the abdomen. In the procedure, there is virtually no bleeding. The procedure takes
approximately 30 minutes
.
What happens when a dog has its spleen removed?
Even if there is no obvious metastasis (spread of the tumor) to other organs at the time of surgery,
cancerous splenic tumors almost always recur after the spleen is removed
. The tumor can grow again in the liver or other sites in the abdomen.
Is spleen removal a major surgery?
Removing your spleen is a major surgery
and leaves you with a compromised immune system. For these reasons, it’s only performed when truly necessary. The benefits of a splenectomy are that it can resolve several health issues such as blood diseases, cancer, and infection that could not be treated any other way.
Should I euthanize my dog with hemangiosarcoma?
Dogs in a late stage of the disease may have difficulty breathing, display unusual neurological activity, seizure or suddenly collapse. If your dog is in this situation then it is considered an emergency as they are likely dying of hemangiosarcoma;
euthanasia is often the most humane option at this point
.
How long can my dog live with a spleen tumor?
Life expectancy
When a splenic mass is benign, your pet may live for many more years following the surgery
. If the tumour has already spread, then your pet may live quite comfortably for an additional three to six months, before the spread of the cancer causes other issues such as bleeding or breathing difficulties.
How much does a blood transfusion for a dog cost?
Cost of Blood Transfusion in Dogs
Units of blood for transfusion can cost
$100 – $300 each
. Total cost for the procedure depends on the amount of blood needed for the transfusion. If several transfusions are needed during the course of a hospital stay, treatment could cost $1,000.
Should I remove my dogs spleen?
Although it has several important functions,
dogs can manage to live a normal life without a spleen if it has to be removed
. The most common reasons for removal (splenectomy) are if the spleen has ruptured (usually after a road traffic accident), or if it develops a tumour.
How do I know if my dog’s spleen is ruptured?
- Weakness.
- Vomiting.
- Bloated abdomen.
- Difficulty breathing, may be labored or your dog may be gasping for air.
- Pale gums or lips.
- Not eating or drinking.
- Sudden unexpected collapse for no obvious reason.
- Weight loss (if the condition is chronic from slower blood loss)
What percentage of spleen tumors in dogs are benign?
Overall, studies report that there is about a 50:50 chance that a splenic mass in dogs will be malignant (cancerous) versus benign. If the mass is an incidental finding and the dog is asymptomatic, one study indicated that
70.5%
of canine patients are benign, which is good news.
What causes spleen problems in dogs?
Splenic masses can be caused by a variety of diseases ranging from
infection (abscess) to a tumor (benign vs. malignant)
, which is more common. Additionally, systemic diseases or malpositioning of the spleen may also increase its overall size.
Is a ruptured spleen painful for a dog?
If the splenic mass has ruptured, the patient typically has a low PCV and sometimes a low TP. These patients
may be painful in the abdomen
. Therefore, when obtaining abdominal radiographs, it is important to avoid putting pressure on the abdomen when lifting the pet onto the radiology table.
How serious is a spleen removal?
Like any operation, spleen removal
carries a small risk of complications, including bleeding and infection
. Your doctor will talk through these risks with you. You should be given breathing and leg exercises to do at home to reduce your risk of getting a blood clot or a chest infection.
Can a spleen grow back?
Unlike some other organs, like the liver,
the spleen does not grow back (regenerate) after it is removed
. Up to 30% of people have a second spleen (called an accessory spleen). These are usually very small, but may grow and function when the main spleen is removed.
How long is hospital stay for spleen surgery?
You or your child will spend less than a week in the hospital. The hospital stay may be only
1 or 2 days
after a laparoscopic splenectomy. Healing will likely take 4 to 6 weeks. After going home, follow instructions on taking care of yourself or your child.
What are the symptoms of spleen problems?
- Pain or fullness in the left upper belly that can spread to the left shoulder.
- A feeling of fullness without eating or after eating a small amount because the spleen is pressing on your stomach.
- Low red blood cells (anemia)
- Frequent infections.
- Bleeding easily.
Is my dog in pain with hemangiosarcoma?
The disease is indolent; in other words,
it does not cause pain
and the rate of growth in the early stages is relatively slow. Dogs harboring even large hemangiosarcomas may show no clinical signs or evidence that they have a life threatening disease.
How fast does hemangiosarcoma spread?
Treatment and Prognosis of Hemangiosarcoma
Surgery is the primary method of treatment for most dogs with hemangiosarcoma, regardless of the location of the primary tumor. In most of these patients, the cancer will spread to other sites throughout the body
1-3 months after surgery
.
How can you tell if a dog is bleeding internally?
Common signs of internal bleeding include
weakness, trouble breathing, pale gums, a distended abdomen, and collapse
. Less common signs are vomiting, not eating, and general malaise.
What causes a tumor on a dogs spleen?
Non-cancerous reasons for splenic tumors or splenic enlargement include
various infections, immune-mediated diseases, and obstructions to blood flow through or out of the spleen
.
