What causes a spleen to rupture in a dog?

A splenic hemorrhage may be spontaneous or traumatic. The most common cause of a spontaneous hemorrhage is neoplasia (80% of the time), which is a tumor in the spleen and the most common cause of traumatic splenic hemorrhage is being hit by a car.

What is a major risk of a ruptured spleen?

Diseases that can increase the risk of splenic rupture include: Infections such as mononucleosis or malaria. Cancers, such as lymphoma, that lead to an enlarged spleen. Metabolic disorders. Liver disease.

What is the spleen’s function in a dog?

The main jobs of the spleen are to act as a blood storage reservoir, to make red blood cells, to filter out and remove old blood cells and to fight infection as part of the immune system. Luckily, these jobs can be carried out elsewhere if the spleen has to be removed. Position of a dog’s spleen.

What causes a ruptured spleen in a dog?

A ruptured spleen in dogs can be the result of kicking, car accidents or any other severe injuries to the abdominal area. It can also happen in dogs with spleen tumors. If the abdominal fluid contains blood, this indicates that you dog is bleeding internally and he might suffer from ruptured spleen.

Can a German Shepherd have a spleen rupture?

German Shepherds are prone to develop spleen tumors which could end in spleen ruptures, but other breeds in old age can also be affected. A ruptured spleen in dogs can be the result of kicking, car accidents or any other severe injuries to the abdominal area.

Can a dog die from a splenic hemorrhage?

Both types can cause splenic hemorrhage, hematoma (accumulation of blood in the spleen), and death without treatment. Splenic hemorrhage (hemoabdomen) is a life-threatening condition not uncommon in large breed dogs such as the German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Doberman Pinscher, and Great Dane.

What happens to a dog with a splenic mass?

In either scenario, a percentage of splenic masses are malignant and are therefore associated with a poor long-term prognosis. The prevalence of malignancy is reportedly higher in cases with hemoperitoneum, 1,3,5 but is still significant in non-emergent cases and therefore is a factor in determining treatment options.