Splenic Tumours

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What is a splenic tumour?

This is a tumour that develops in your pet’s spleen. They can be benign (known as haemangiomas) or they can be metastatic (known as hermangiosarcomas), which have often already spread beyond the spleen by the time they’re diagnosed. The first symptom of a spleen tumour in dogs is often weakness or collapse, which can be a sign that the tumour has ruptured and internal bleeding is present. Other symptoms include general weakness, weight loss, abdomen enlargement and pale gums.

What breeds are commonly effected?

Certain breeds – like Boxers, Pointers, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers – are more predisposed to developing splenic tumours than others.

How are they diagnosed?

Masses are sometimes able to be felt during an examination of your pet’s abdomen. Alternatively, an x-ray can also be used to reveal the tumour’s location. Other tests can also be performed, such as a blood test to check for blood loss. An ultrasound can also be used to help determine which organ the mass has developed in.

How are they treated?

The best treatment is to remove the entire spleen, as well as the tumour growing inside it. This is because it’s actually bleeding from the mass that is making your pet unwell rather than the actual cancer. Removing the spleen will resolve the bleeding issues, generally giving you a further three to six months with your beloved pet – even without further treatment, and even if the mass has spread.

If the blood loss has been significant, your pet may also require a blood transfusion prior to surgery.

Procedure cost

These sorts of procedures can cost as little as $2,000 and $2,800 at Melbourne Pet Surgery. A blood transfusion will cost an extra $600 whilst additional procedures (like histopathology) will cost an extra $655 on average. Compare this to a referral centre where you would likely see a bill over $10,000.

Recovery and aftercare

In most cases, your pet will spend the night in hospital before being discharged to continue recovering at home. One of the main reasons that referral centres have such high costs is due to their insistence on animals staying until they’ve completely recovered – which can often cost somewhere between $1,000 and $2,000 per day! It is our experience that most owners would prefer their pets recover at home with them, and they are more than capable of providing care after surgery. Your pet will be sent home with antibiotics and pain relief (tablets and slow release patches).

What is the life expectancy with a splenic tumour?

If the splenic mass is benign, your pet may live for a number of years following the surgery. If the tumour has already spread, however, they may live comfortably for another three to six months before other issues arise as a result of spleen cancer in dogs (such as bleeding or breathing difficulties). The life of your pet may also be extended with chemotherapy.

Dr. Scot Plummer

Meet Dr. Scot Plummer

BVSC(HONS)

Dr Plummer has always had a deep love for animals and graduated from the University of Queensland with Honours. in his Bachelor of Veterinary Science. After the success of his Brisbane clinic, Dr Plummer has launched Melbourne Pet Surgery with the goal of lowering the cost of high-quality pet care for all Melburnians.

About Scot Pricing philosophy
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