A splenectomy is a surgical procedure that may be necessary for dogs when certain medical conditions arise. The spleen (which plays a role in filtering blood, storing red and white blood cells, and supporting the immune system) sometimes needs to be removed due to issues like tumours, trauma, or ruptures. During a splenectomy, the dog is placed under general anesthesia, and the surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen to remove the spleen. Recovery usually takes about 10 to 14 days, during which time it is important to keep the dog in a calm environment and monitor the incision for signs of infection or internal bleeding.
