Recent Feedback
After my dog's splenectomy (probable hemangiosarcoma) should I supplement his diet with anything to take the place of the spleen's function?
Optional Information: Type of Animal: mixed breed dog Gender: Male Age: 13 1/2 Already Tried: nothing
thank you. I am awaiting the pathology report. The dog used to weigh in the 60-65- pound range. Now is is 48. His hematocrit was 24 before the surgery. His gums were pale. Will he naturally get a better count from regular food? Which organs would take over the spleen function?
That is a very good question. His hematocrit was low because bleeding from the mass. Once the mass is removed, the hematocrit will start to raise back to normal. Normal food should be sufficient for that to happen. As he starts feeling better you can start increasing the amount of food offered as directed by your vet. The bone marrow will take large part of the spleen role. Another part of the spleen will be taken by the lymph nodes. Those organs were already doing those function, but now that the spleen is not there, they will be picking up the spleen part too. You can check his gums yourself, but I am confident that he is already getting pinker. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Experience: I have been practicing for 10 years. I work with exotic pets, dogs, cats, small ruminant, camelids and pigs.