A splenectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the spleen. It is commonly performed in dogs when the spleen is affected by conditions such as tumours, rupture, or certain blood disorders. The spleen plays a role in filtering blood and supporting the immune system, but dogs can usually live well without it.
Splenic disease can develop for several reasons, including:
Benign growths (such as haematomas)
Malignant tumours (such as haemangiosarcoma)
Splenic torsion (twisting of the spleen)
Trauma leading to rupture and internal bleeding
Immune-mediated or blood-related conditions
Dogs with splenic disease may show a range of symptoms depending on the underlying cause and whether there is active bleeding. In some cases, signs can appear suddenly and become life-threatening.
Common signs of splenic disease include:
Lethargy or weakness
Reduced appetite
Abdominal swelling
Pale gums (a sign of blood loss)
Collapse or episodes of weakness
Rapid breathing or increased heart rate
Weight loss (in more chronic cases)
Some splenic conditions, particularly tumours, can rupture without warning and cause internal bleeding. This can lead to collapse and requires emergency veterinary treatment. Early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention are important to improve outcomes and reduce the risk of serious complications.
Surgical Management
Surgery is the main treatment for dogs with significant splenic disease, particularly where there is a risk of rupture or active internal bleeding. A splenectomy involves the complete removal of the spleen and is often performed as an urgent or emergency procedure.
The approach to treatment will depend on your dog’s condition, stability and the underlying cause of the splenic disease. In some cases, additional tests may be recommended before surgery to help guide decision-making.
We offer splenectomy surgery at Animal Trust for a fixed cost of £1019*, which includes the procedures and care listed below along with up to 2 nights post-operative hospitalisation, pain relief, antibiotics (if required), and pre-operative blood tests.
*In some cases, additional diagnostics may be recommended prior to surgery. This may include X-rays or ultrasound scans to assess for internal bleeding or spread of disease. This would typically incur an additional cost of £419.
Pre-operative stabilisation: intravenous fluids and supportive care may be required, particularly in patients with blood loss or shock
Exploratory surgery (laparotomy): allows assessment of the spleen and other abdominal organs. We assess the abdomen for any signs that disease has spread (metastasis). If widespread disease is identified, this may affect prognosis and, in some cases, whether to proceed with surgery. These possibilities will be discussed with you in advance wherever possible.
Splenectomy: complete removal of the spleen to treat the underlying condition and prevent further complications
Control of internal bleeding: any active bleeding is identified and managed during surgery
Sampling/biopsy: the spleen is routinely sent for laboratory analysis to determine the underlying cause (e.g. benign vs malignant disease)
Post-Operative Care for Splenectomy Surgery
Post-operative care is important for a smooth recovery following splenectomy surgery. Your pet will require close monitoring and supportive care to manage pain, support circulation and reduce the risk of complications.
Hospitalisation: Following surgery, most patients require hospitalisation for monitoring. This is typically 24-48 hours, depending on their condition, although some may need a longer stay if they were unstable prior to surgery or have ongoing concerns. Up to 48 hours of post-operative hospitalisation is included in the surgery fee.
Pain management: Effective pain relief is provided to keep your pet comfortable during recovery. This may include injectable medications initially, followed by oral pain relief at home and is included in the surgery fee.
Supportive care: Intravenous fluids are often continued after surgery to maintain hydration and support blood pressure. In some cases, additional treatments such as blood transfusions may be required.
Activity restriction: Activity should be limited for 10–14 days to allow healing. Lead walks should be short and controlled, and jumping, running or rough play should be avoided during this time.
Wound care: The surgical site should be kept clean and dry. An Elizabethan collar (buster collar) or similar may be required to prevent licking or interference with the wound.
Monitoring: Owners should monitor for signs such as lethargy, reduced appetite, pale gums, swelling of the abdomen, vomiting or collapse. Any concerns should be reported promptly.
Follow-up care: Patients are usually reviewed 3-5 and 7–10 days after surgery to assess healing and, if required, remove any sutures. Laboratory results from spleen analysis are also discussed at this stage to guide any further treatment or monitoring. Post-operative checks are included in the surgery fee.
