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Splenic masses in dogs. Part 1: Epidemiologic, clinical characteristics as well as histopathologic diagnosis in 249 cases (2000-2011).

OBJECTIVE
Splenic masses have a high prevalence and are more common than diffuse splenic enlargement in dogs. It was the aim of the present study to retrospectively describe clinical aspects and histopathologic characteristics of dogs with splenic masses.


MATERIAL AND METHODS
Records of patients with a histologically diagnosed splenic mass between January 2000 and March 2011 were reviewed.


RESULTS
249 dogs met the inclusion criteria and could be included in the study. Splenic masses were diagnosed histologically as non-malignant disease (n=117; 47%) and malignant splenic disease (n=132; 53%). Hemangiosarcoma was the most common histological diagnosis (n=97; 73.5%). Other malignant tumors included sarcoma (n=14), fibrohistiocytic nodules (n=9) as well as lymphoma, blastoma and adenocarcinoma. The non-malignant masses consisted of nodular hyperplasia (n=60), splenic hematoma (n=41), and splenitis (n=6). Dogs with hemoperitoneum had a higher frequency of splenic neoplasia.


CONCLUSION
The results corroborate previous findings that hemangiosarcoma is the most frequent neoplasm of the canine spleen. However, in approximately half of the cases benign lesions were histologically diagnosed.


CLINICAL RELEVANCE
It is essential that a frank discussion is held with owners regarding the prognosis associated with the treatment of dogs with a splenic mass associated with hemoperitoneum.