The spleen is an organ that plays an important role as a blood reservoir, filter of waste substances and defense of the body against the most varied pathogens. But sometimes the spleen can become inflamed, which is known as splenomegaly This inflammation may make it advisable to remove this organ, a procedure called splenectomy. In this article on our site we are going to explain what are the care for a dog without a spleen
Splenomegaly and splenectomy
As we have just explained in the introduction, different causes can lead to an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly), an organ that is located next to the stomach and is responsible for defending the body, as well as filter substances that must be eliminated or serve as a reserve for red blood cells and platelets. Among the factors that explain its increase we find the following:
- Tumors, both benign and malignant.
- Strong injuries such as falls from a great height, kicks or run over.
- Infectious, metabolic or autoimmune diseases, such as hepatitis.
- Splenic torsion, a phenomenon that occurs within the pathology known as stomach torsion/dilation.
Sometimes, the best solution is the removal of the spleen, according to veterinary criteria. This intervention, known as splenectomy, can be total or partial, depending on whether the entire spleen is removed or only the affected part and its perimeter. Without a spleen, other organs will assume their functions and, although it is true that it is an expendable viscera, its lack also has consequences. Therefore, we will now look at the care for a dog without a spleen.
The pre and postoperative
If the splenectomy should not be performed urgently, but it can be scheduled (for example, in cases of tumors), the dog should be as strong as possible, mainly in order to avoid illness. We will consult with our veterinarian about the possibility of deworming and revaccinating it In any case, the animal must be stabilized before entering the operating room, except if this stabilization depends on extirpation of the spleen, for example, if it is bleeding profusely. In addition, an antibiotic treatment will be prescribed in order to prevent infections. Surgery carries risks such as:
- The derivatives of anesthesia, which must be general.
- Infections, both internal and in the incision wound.
- Damage to adjacent organs, sometimes organs near the spleen can be injured during its removal.
- Hemorrhage, since bleeding can occur during or after surgery, and the appearance of clots, which is favored after surgery. These clots, also known as "thrombi" will have more or less serious consequences depending on where they are deposited.
- Drug reactions, if our dog is allergic to any of the administered drugs.
- Heart rhythm irregularities.
As in any other surgery, you must prevent the dog from pulling out the stitches or staples, either by watching him or putting a Elizabethan collar In the same way, the recommended treatment must be followed, which usually consists of antibiotics, as we have said, to prevent infections, and analgesics so that the animal do not feel pain, especially the first few days. About a week after surgery, the vet will remove the stitches or staples from the wound and check that everything is correct. Of course, if we first observe any worrying signs such as pain, a bad odor in the wound or suppuration, we should immediately go to the clinic.
If we want to effectively establish care for a dog without a spleen, we must take into account these risks to which our companion will be exposed, among which the greater predisposition to contract infections In the following section we will see a series of recommendations aimed at maintaining our dog's quality of life for as long as possible.
Recommendations for caring for a dog without a spleen
First of all, we must know that our dog, although without a spleen, will be able to lead a normal life, with some precautions. Among the care for a dog without a spleen, we highlight the following recommendations that are basically aimed at achieving quality of life, since it will be the basis of a strong immune system:
- The first thing is to offer our dog a calm and safe environment.
- Another important point is a quality feed, a high range following the recommendation of our veterinarian.
- Scrupulously follow the vaccination and deworming schedule in order to minimize the risk of contracting diseases.
- In line with the previous point, it is best to avoid contact with sick dogs and strangers whose he alth status, vaccinations and deworming.
- Do a complete check-up, including blood tests and ultrasound, at least once a year, to try to detect and treat any incipient disorder before it worsens.
- And, although all these measures will help maintain our dog's quality of life, avoiding stressing his immune system, sometimes it may be necessary to prescribe products that stimulate the defenses In this case we will follow the recommendations of our veterinarian.
- Finally, you can assess the need to use vitamins to complete a balanced diet. As always, following the advice of our veterinarian.
