Hemoabdomen (hemoperitoneum) in dogs can develop in association with abdominal trauma, splenic disease, a bleeding abdominal mass or nodule, abdominal organ torsion, and coagulopathy. In the absence of trauma, the most common cause of spontaneous hemoperitoneum in dogs is malignant neoplasia of the spleen. Hemangiosarcoma is the most common of tumors identified in these circumstances.

Surgery is usually indicated in instances of hemoperitoneum associated with splenic disease (malignant or non-malignant). Hemangiosarcoma (and other malignant tumors) typically carry a poor longterm prognosis. As such, owners may elect euthanasia rather than pursuing surgery in dogs suspected of having a malignancy. Benign conditions of the spleen (e.g. hematoma), presumably carry a more favorable prognosis.

In this Specialty Update we learn about the findings of a publication that reported on the incidence of premature death following splenectomy in dogs with benign histopathologic findings. Discussion includes risk factors for premature death, considerations around the preoperative and postoperative management of patients, and other tips for managing patients with hemoabdomen. 

Running time: 26 mins

*No longer eligible for CE credit*

You might also like

Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease In Dogs - Diagnosis And Staging

05/06/2025

This presentation is the first of a 3-part series regarding our current understanding of mitral valv...

Read More

Bridging The Gap: Effective Intergenerational Communication In Veterinary Practice

04/09/2025

In today's diverse veterinary workplaces, team members from different generations often face communi...

Read More

Managing Liver Disease In Dogs: Nutrition And Supportive Care With Hepatoprotectants

12/17/2024

This webinar focuses on how to best manage dogs with liver disease through nutritional support and u...

Read More

Osteosarcoma - Curative, Pallative, And Emerging Therapies

11/13/2024

Osteosarcoma is a malignant and aggressive cancer of bone. In years past, therapy was considered lim...

Read More

The Current Thinking About What Cancer Is And Its Possible Causes

10/23/2024

Cancer is a term that is often shrouded in uncertainty and fear, but gaining a clear understanding o...

Read More

How To Establish THC Diagnosis In The Emergency Room

09/14/2021

Across the United States, local jurisdictions are revisiting historic prohibitions on the sale, poss...

Read More