Splenic torsion in dogs
Splenic torsion (twisted spleen) is an uncommon but extremely serious emergency seen in German Shepherds and other deep chested breeds.
The spleen is a fragile and delicate organ. It has enormous blood vessels, easily cuts off its own blood supply by twisting and becomes severely damaged. It can twist on its own, or gets involved when the stomach twists, known as a type of GDV.
Diagnosis of a twisted spleen can be difficult, often needing ultrasound, xray, exploratory surgery or a CT scan.
Pet owners most common signs include:
- abdominal pain
- shock( pale gums and collapse)
- vomiting and are usually sudden onset or more rarely over a couple of days
Douglas came to hospital because his family noticed:
- Although he kept down treats and water during the day, his last 3 dinners he threw up about 5 hours later
- He was very quiet
- He had hurts his stomach by running into a roped fence
Surprisingly, an ultrasound indicated a large spleen. The blood vessels had twisted and there was very limited blood supply. He went to emergency surgery for it to be removed and for a preventative stomach pexy stitched in place to try to stop his stomach from twisting.
His spleen was too damaged to save and dogs cope well without one. Thankfully Douglas had a rapid recovery going home to his loving family.
‘The take home message is if you notice a repeated change in behaviour its worth getting it checked out’.
