PARTIAL SPLENECTOMY IN THE DOG - A COMPARISON OF STAPLING AND LIGATION TECHNIQUES

Partial splenectomy was performed in 17 adult dogs by using either sur gical stapling instrumentation or conventional suturing techniques. Bl ood loss was minimal as determined by clinical observation and compari son of packed cell volumes and total protein levels before and after s urgery. Surgical stapling instrumentation or suturing techniques may b e used safely for partial splenectomy in the dog; however, the staplin g technique significantly decreases operative time.