Laparoscopic splenectomy for treatment of splenic hemangiosarcoma in a dog.

OBJECTIVE

To report laparoscopic splenectomy in a dog.

STUDY

DESIGN

Clinical report.

ANIMALS: Mixed breed dog (n=1).

METHODS

Hemangiosarcoma was diagnosed by ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of a splenic mass in an 11-year-old, 30 kg, mixed breed dog. No metastatic disease was identified during complete staging (chest radiographs, echocardiogram, and abdominal ultrasonography); however, cystic calculi were identified. Laparoscopic splenectomy using Ligasure V was performed through 3 portals and the calculi were removed by laparoscopic-assisted cystoscopy.

RESULTS

Total surgical time was 2 hours and for laparoscopic splenectomy, 65 minutes. The celiotomy incision for splenic removal was 7 cm. The dog recovered uneventfully and was ambulatory 2 hours postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopy with Ligasure V facilitated successful removal of a spleen with a 3 cm mass.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Laparoscopic splenectomy in dogs is feasible for removal of a normal-sized spleen with a moderate-sized mass.