SPLENIC TORSION 

This is a life-threatening emergency. DO NOT DELAY! Go to veterinarian immediately.

Splenic Torsion

• May occur with or without GDV
  
• May be Chronic or Acute
  
• Not rare in the GSMD
  
• Most vets are not familiar
  

Chronic Symptoms

• Depression/Lethargy
  
• Intermittent nausea and vomiting
  
• Lick Fits
  
• Pale mucous membranes
  
• Just does not act right
  
• Other symptoms occur  

Acute Symptoms

• Sudden onset of collapse
  
• Urgent incessant nausea and vomiting
  
• Very pale mucous membranes
  
• Painful or rigid abdomen
  
• Blood Test, PCV of less than 30
  

With this condition, the spleen rotates around its own axis, either away from or towards the stomach. The spleen then becomes engorged with blood and may expand to several times its normal size. If the spleen rotates away from the stomach it may torsion several times. As many as six revolutions have been observed. If the spleen rotates towards the stomach it may pull it along causing a partial or even complete gastric torsion, creating a very dangerous and potentially fatal situation calling for instant medical attention. Unless the stomach is involved and obvious signs of GDV are present, unfortunately the signs of splenic torsion are often quite vague and may vary from case to case. Signs may include: - Inappetence - Vomiting - Diarrhea or constipation - Low level fever - General listlessness - Tucked up abdomen, tenderness of the abdomen or slight abdominal distention - Pale gums Splenic torsion is a life-threatening condition which requires immediate veterinary care. In a surgical procedure called splenectomy, the spleen is removed. Often, a gastropexy (stomach tack) is performed at the same time if the animal's conditions allows this additional procedure. The causes of splenic torsion are not known. Like with GDV, the condition seems to primarily affect large deep-chested breeds. In Swissys, dogs over the age of 5 years appear to have a higher incidence, however, quite a few cases of younger Swissys have been reported. For the GSMD, splenic torsion unfortunately is one of the major health problems. Indeed, many breeders believe that probably a significant number of dogs that supposedly died of GDV but were not necropsied after their death, actually might have succumbed to splenic torsion. As with GDV, the most important tool to prevent a fatal ending to splenic torsion is to recognize the signs and get immediate veterinary care. Remember, splenic torsion will kill if not recognized in time to perform life-saving surgery.

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