Splenic Abscess
Basic Information 
Clinical Presentation
Etiology and Pathophysiology
• Hematogenous spread of bacteria from another site of infection rarely may result in formation of a splenic abscess. Organisms most likely to be associated with this are Streptococcus equi subsp. equi and Rhodococcus equi (in foals), although other organisms, such as Actinobacillus equilli, Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus, Escherichia coli, or Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, may be involved.
• Splenic hematomas may (rarely) become infected with any number of bacterial organisms as the spleen functions in its critical role in the reticuloendothelial system.
• Splenic abscess is also a rare but potential complication from splenic biopsy or accidental splenocentesis during attempted abdominocentesis.
Diagnosis 
Initial Database
• Complete blood count and serum chemistry profile: Usually reveal evidence of chronic inflammation with mild anemia, leukocytosis characterized by a mature neutrophilia, hyperfibrinogenemia, or hyperglobulinemia.
• Transabdominal ultrasonography
A splenic abscess appears as a focal, irregular, cavitary mixed-echogenic lesion in any part of the splenic parenchyma. Echogenic fluid (pus) may be visible in the cavitary regions of the abscess. The presence of hyperechoic regions that cast anacoustic shadows are consistent with gas (suggesting an anaerobic component) or mineralization in chronic abscesses. The ultrasonographic appearance of a splenic abscess may be very similar to that of a splenic hematoma.
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