Splenomegaly

Splenomegaly



Basic Information image



Definition


Generalized enlargement of the spleen



Clinical Presentation



History, Chief Complaint




• Mild, intermittent colic


• Inappetence


• Lethargy


• ± Weight loss



Physical Exam Findings




• Variable


image Usually no abnormalities if idiopathic splenomegaly.

image Fever, depression, or poor body condition may be noted if splenomegaly is secondary to splenic neoplasia or other systemic illness.

image Pale or icteric mucous membranes, tachycardia, tachypnea, and other signs related to anemia may be present if splenomegaly is secondary to immune-mediated hemolytic anemia or equine infectious anemia.

• Rectal examination: The spleen is usually easily palpated in the left caudal abdomen and may appear to extend caudally or medially to an abnormal degree. The splenic contour usually appears rounded, and the surface may be irregular.



Etiology and Pathophysiology




• Splenomegaly may result from


image Infiltration of the spleen with neoplastic tissue (eg, lymphosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, melanoma)

image Acute expansion of the splenic parenchyma with splenic hematoma or edema and inflammation secondary to splenic infarction

image Splenic congestion and hypertrophy associated with activation of the reticuloendothelial system in infection or immune mediated disease

image Hypertrophy caused by extramedullary hematopoiesis in chronic anemia

• Rickettsial and viral diseases are commonly associated with splenomegaly in other species, although this is not frequently observed in horses. Diseases that may result in splenomegaly in horses include:


image Equine infectious anemia (EIA)

image Babesiosis or theileriosis

image Anaplasma phagocytophilia infection (formerly equine ehrlichiosis)

image Borrelia burgdorferi infection (Lyme disease)
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Related posts:

  1. Abdominocentesis
  2. Early Goal-Directed Therapy
  3. Nutrition
  4. Splenic Rupture

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Jul 24, 2016 | Posted by in SMALL ANIMAL | Comments Off on Splenomegaly

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