Chronic splenic torsion in a dog with an accessory spleen.

Abstract

A 4-year-old, neutered male, mixed breed Old English sheepdog was presented for evaluation and treatment of anorexia, vomiting, and diarrhea. Presumptive severe pancreatitis was diagnosed based on the referral bloodwork. Abdominal ultrasonography identified a suspected liver lobe torsion based on the presence of a normal spleen. However, an exploratory laparotomy identified a splenic torsion in addition to a grossly normal spleen. Key clinical message: This case demonstrates that a second, potentially large area of splenic tissue (ectopic or accessory) can be present in the dog; therefore, the presence of a normal appearing spleen on abdominal ultrasonography does not rule out splenic torsion.