212 Surgical Diseases and Surgery of the Dog 



TRATJIVIATIO LESIONS. 



This organ suffers similar lesions to the liver. Wounds are 

 always dangerous, as they lead to rapid and profuse hemorrhage. 

 They may occur as a result of perforations of the abdominal wall 

 from stabs and the passage of bullets. Accidental wounds inflicted 

 during the course of surgical operations are also serious. On one 

 occasion when I was performing oophorectomy, the organ extruded 

 itself during suturing of the abdominal wall and sustained an 

 accidental puncture by the needle, from which there was con- 

 siderable hemorrhage. The operation was not concluded until it 

 was believed the bleeding had been permanently arrested, but 

 secondary hemorrhage took place, with fatal termination. 



Symptoms and Diagnosis. The same remarks on diagnosis of 

 wounds of the liver are applicable to wounds of the spleen. If a 

 wound is suspected, an explorative celiotomy should be promptly 

 undertaken. 



Treatment. Pronounced wounds should be treated by splenec- 

 tomy. Parkes says that removal of the organ for acute wounds 

 nearly always results in recovery. Hemorrhage must not be ar- 

 rested by ligature, but direct pressure or thermo-cauterization suf- 

 fice where there is no extensive laceration. 



NEOPLASMS. 



Both innocent and malignant growths of the spleen occur. 

 Of the former the commonest are hematoma, hypertrophy, and cysts. 

 About three per cent of all necropsies disclose the presence of 

 single or multiple innocent splenic growth. A form of growth 

 known as leukemic adenoma occurs usually associated with similar 

 enlargements in the other lymphatic glands, which are of a pro- 

 gressive and lethal nature. Malignant neoplasms are usually 

 secondary. 



Symptoms and Diagnosis. Splenic neoplasms can only be 

 definitely demonstrated by explorative celiotomy though they may 

 be felt as a mobile mass on palpation. When they reach a consider- 

 able size they cause a change in the contour of the abdomen. 



Treatment. Only cysts, hematomata, and non-leukemic hyper- 

 trophy are operable and these should only be interfered with when 

 of such dimensions as to interfere with the comfort or health of the 



