Primary splenic torsion in dogs: Case report

Abstract

Splenic torsion is a rare condition in dogs. The torsion occurs in the vascular pedicle and usually occurs concomitantly with dilatation gastric volvulus, but the primary splenic torsion is rare. According to the literature, this disease usually affects dogs of big size and breeds of deep chest. Clinical signs, laboratory and radiographic findings are nonspecific and inconclusive for the accurate diagnosis of splenic torsion. Thus, ultrasound along with the use of color Doppler has been reported as fundamental tools for the suggestion of the diagnosis of splenic torsion, which is confirmed by exploratory laparotomy, usually followed by total splenectomy as a form of treatment. This study reports the case of a 3-year-old Pit Bull dog whose ultrasound examination was a tool of great diagnostic value for the detection of this disease.