Primary splenic torsion in a dog: case report

ABSTRACT

The individual or primary splenic torsion is a rare disease occurrence in dogs characterized by twisting the splenic pedicle, without any other concomitant disease. Clinical signs and laboratory tests are nonspecific, however, ultrasonography, along with the use of color Doppler, has been important to suggest the diagnosis is confirmed through exploratory laparotomy. This study reports the case of a 5-year-old very active male Bulldog Campeiro, who received food once a day, which was attended at the Veterinary Hospital of Universidade Luterana do Brasil (HV ULBRA) with a history of prostration, weight loss and intermittent anorexia during 10 days. Ultrasonography with color Doppler exam was essential for the diagnosis, which could be confirmed later by exploratory laparotomy. In celiotomy it was observed the spleen increased in size and rotated, wrapped with omentum and both were found devitalized. For this reason, the procedures of total splenectomy and partial omentectomy of the affected portion were performed.

Keyword:
dog; spleen; torsion; ultrasonography; laparotomy