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.
© Copyright 2010 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.