Spleen cancer in dogs can pose a threat to their life. The spleen is one of a dog’s immune system organs that helps produce white blood cells. And these cells help to fight infections. The spleen also helps to get rid of old red blood cells and create and store new ones.

Although the spleen plays a vital role in a dog's body, it can live without it. Discover what spleen cancer is, its symptoms, treatment methods, and recovery period.

What Is Spleen Cancer in Dogs?

Spleen cancer is a form of malignant cancer also known as hemangiosarcoma. It develops from the cells that coat the blood arteries of different body tissues. This tumor frequently occurs in the spleen.

However, tumors can develop anywhere there are blood arteries and spread to other organs, such as the heart and lungs. Spleen cancer is highly aggressive and most frequently affects medium-sized or bigger, elderly, or older dogs.

The tumor frequently ruptures and bleeds and may appear as a single tumor or many tumors. It affects dogs more often than other animals and accounts for 7% of all canine malignancies. It’s common, especially in dog breeds like German Shepards, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, and Boxers.

What Is the Cause of Spleen Cancer in Dogs?

To date, the major causes of spleen cancer in dogs are unknown. And not knowing the cause has made it difficult for scientists to develop definitive treatment plans.

Symptoms of Spleen Cancer

In many cases of spleen cancer, there are no symptoms, which makes it challenging to make a proper diagnosis. However, some of the early signs you might notice in your furry friend include the following:

• Weight loss
• Weakness
• Severe fatigue
• Confusion
• Weaning
• Racing heartbeat

As time goes on and the cancer advances, the dog might start experiencing the following complex symptoms:

• Loss of muscle coordination
• Abdominal pain and swelling
• Bruising easily
• Anorexia
• Sudden collapse
• Panting heavily
• Blood lossy

Diagnosis of Spleen Cancer in Dogs

Most times, a dog might not show any of the symptoms above. However, to get a proper diagnosis, your vet will recommend carrying out some of the following tests. These tests include:

1. Chemical Pathology Tests

These are tests to check the kidneys, liver, and pancreas health. It also helps to determine blood sugar levels. The results from these tests might help to point out other conditions too.

2. Clotting Profiles

The vet will recommend this test to assess the ability of your pet's blood to clot after trauma to its blood vessels. Disorders of the spleen often cause reduced platelets. And platelets play a significant role in blood clotting. 3. Screening Its Blood for Parasites

Blood parasite tests will help determine whether your dog has been exposed to infectious diseases spread by ticks or other vectors.

Fecal testing can also help to rule out intestinal parasites.

4. Blood Electrolyte Tests

These will help ensure your pet isn't lacking electrolytes or dehydrated.

5. Urine Tests

You might have to submit your dog’s urine sample to check for disorders such as urogenital infections and to assess the kidney's capacity to concentrate urine.

6. Hormone Assays

Your vet will recommend a thyroid test to determine if the thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone.

7. Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An ECG will help to check for any abnormal heart rhythms that could be a sign of underlying heart disease.

8. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A CBC will help to exclude other blood-related illnesses.

Treatment Options

The course of spleen cancer treatment will depend on factors such as the size, location, and extent of the disease. Also, discussing your dog’s survival time with your vet is best before deciding on a treatment plan. Splenic cancer has no known specific treatment. If your vet uses vigorous therapies, your dog may live up to a year after the cancer first appeared, but if left untreated, the condition might worsen.

Chemotherapy and surgery will help slow cancer growth and possibly increase survival time. Dogs who have successfully had both surgical surgery and chemotherapy can live for an average of 7 to 9 months.

Surgery for Spleen Cancer in Dogs

For the first course of treatment, the vet will use intravenous (IV) fluids to stabilize and maintain the level of body fluids.

Next, the tumor may be removed along with the surrounding tissue to help your dog live longer. At other times, the vet may have to remove the entire spleen. If your dog goes through with this surgical procedure, it can add two to three months to its life.

If your vet thinks removing the tumor by surgery is dangerous, they recommend supportive care. Supportive care involves managing the condition in the best way possible to help the dog feel comfortable before it passes.

How Long Will It Take For Your Dog to Recover?

The recovery process might take a while, as your dog will need a lot of time to heal and get over the treatment process. The cut from surgery may take more than a month to heal completely. The vet will provide painkillers to give your dog at home.

To prevent the dog from ripping out the stitches holding their abdomen closed, your dog may also get a cone.

Here are some things you can do to help your dog recover quickly:

• Provide easy access to healthy food and water
• Avoid giving it fatty and oily foods. This will help to reduce nausea and irritation
• Monitor closely to notice any new reactions or symptoms quickly
• Remain consistent with the medication and treatment plan
• Make regular trips to the vet for checkups and follow-up care
• Avoid taking your dog on very long walks or engaging them in strenuous activities
• Have the vet on speed dial in any case of emergencies

Visit the Vet Without Breaking the Bank

Watching your dog recover from surgery or treatment might be difficult and heartbreaking. However, it might help you feel good to know that you’ve done your best to help to prolong its life.

At Carefree Pet, pet parents get access to pet care at affordable rates. So, if you need professional advice, care for your furry friend and loads of other benefits try Carefree Pet Plus – or add pet insurance for even more protection.