Is a twisted spleen fatal?

Splenic torsion is uncommon but requires immediate attention, as it can be life-threatening. A twisted spleen, or splenic torsion, occurs when the spleen wraps around the blood vessels near it. This condition is most common in large dogs and can be life-threatening, as it cuts off blood flow in the area.

What is a floating spleen?

Wandering spleen is a rare condition that occurs when the spleen lacks one or more of the ligments that hold the spleen in its normal position in the upper left abdomen. If a person is born with this condition it is referred to as congenital wandering spleen. The condition is not hereditary.

What causes dog torsion?

Gastric Dilation and Volvulus, also know as bloat, stomach torsion and twisted stomach, refers to stomach distension and twisting. It occurs when the stomach fills with gas, fluid or food causing it to swell.

Where is a dog’s spleen?

The spleen is situated on the left side of the abdomen, close to the stomach. It is smaller in size than the liver but larger than a kidney. It is sometimes described as being shaped like a slipper because it is long and narrow with curved borders and has a narrower part in the middle.

What happens if you have a small tear in your spleen?

When surgery is done, the entire spleen is still usually removed. But in the case of small tears, the surgeon may try to save the spleen instead. This involves repairing the tear and putting pressure on the spleen or blood vessels till the blood clots and stops the leak.

What causes the spleen to be enlarged on the left side?

A number of conditions, including liver disease and some cancers, can cause your spleen to become enlarged. Your spleen is an organ located just below your left rib cage.

What are the symptoms of a wandering spleen?

Clinical presentation. Wandering spleen can be an elusive diagnosis as its presentation is greatly variable and intermittent torsion can cause non-specific signs and symptoms. It can present as an asymptomatic or painful abdominal mass, intermittent abdominal pain, or as an acute abdomen (e.g. bowel obstruction, acute pancreatitis) 3,4,6.

How is the spleen connected to other organs?

Unlike the stomach, liver, or kidneys, it is not directly connected to the other organs in your abdomen. Instead, the spleen is connected to your blood vessels, with an artery that brings blood to it and a vein which takes the blood away.