Spherocytosis as an indicator of fragmentation injury in dogs with splenic torsion.

Beeston, David; Szladovits, Balazs; Cortellini, Stefano

Abstract

Abstract
Objective
To describe the presentation, diagnosis and treatment of four cases of splenic torsion with associated spherocytosis.

Animals
Four client-owned dogs with spherocytosis and splenic torsion.

Case Presentation
Each dog presented with non-specific clinical signs, and three out of four dogs were anemic on presentation.

Results
The diagnosis of splenic torsion was made with abdominal ultrasound or computed tomography and confirmed during exploratory laparotomy. Spherocytosis was described as occasional (patient 1), rare (patient 2), and low number (patient 3 and 4). Two dogs survived to hospital discharge, and two dogs died following cardiorespiratory arrest.

Clinical Relevance
Spherocytosis has not previously been reported in cases of splenic torsion and identification of spherocytes on blood film evaluation warrants further investigations. The cause of spherocytosis in splenic torsion remains unknown but may be associated with microangiopathic fragmentation injury.  

Citation

Beeston, D., Szladovits, B., & Cortellini, S. (in press). Spherocytosis as an indicator of fragmentation injury in dogs with splenic torsion. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.24.03.0148

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 3, 2024
• Online Publication Date: May 22, 2024
• Deposit Date: Jul 20, 2024
• Journal: JAVMA
• Print ISSN: 0003-1488
• Publisher: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.24.03.0148
• Additional Information: It has been just accepted