RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF 19 CASES OF ISOLATED TORSION OF THE SPLENICPEDICLE IN DOGS

Nineteen cases of isolated splenic torsion in the dog were reviewed re trospectively. Perioperative data were analysed in order to determine prognostic indicators of morbidity and mortality for animals with this disease. The Great Dane and German shepherd dog were found to be at i ncreased risk for this condition. The historical features of splenic t orsion were non-specific and included intermittent signs of gastrointe stinal disease and abdominal discomfort. Mean duration of malaise was eight days, but 17 dogs were presented because of a rapid deterioratio n in their condition. Abdominal ultrasound findings assisted in the de cision to perform surgery in all the dogs on which it was performed. E ighteen animals had splenic torsion confirmed at surgery and were trea ted by total splenectomy. All 18 surgically managed dogs survived. Ana lysis of pre-and postoperative data failed to reveal preoperative para meters that consistently predicted postoperative complications.