Pre-anesthetic assessment
Intake exam and review of imaging, bloodwork, and any prior stabilization efforts shared by your family veterinarian.
Soft Tissue Surgery
Splenectomy,
when the case is stable and right.
Surgical removal of the spleen, performed for stable cases of splenic mass or trauma. We confirm an appropriate candidate via imaging and bloodwork before scheduling, and we only proceed when your pet is stable for outpatient anesthesia.
The Procedure
What splenectomy at Simply Spayed looks like.
Splenectomy is more commonly performed in dogs than cats. At Simply Spayed, we accept stable cases only, after imaging and bloodwork confirm that outpatient surgery is appropriate.
Who It’s For
Stable dogs (and on occasion cats) with confirmed splenic masses identified by ultrasound, with bloodwork that supports an outpatient surgical candidate. Active bleeding, unstable hematocrit, or signs of acute collapse are referred directly to emergency hospitals.
Approach
Ventral midline celiotomy, careful dissection of splenic ligaments, vascular ligation, complete spleen removal, abdominal exploration, abdominal lavage, and absorbable closure. The removed spleen is sent for histopathology when you would like.
Recovery Window
Most patients are ready for discharge the same day. There is a meaningful first 24–48 hours of close monitoring at home, and we are available directly through that window to support you.
What’s Included
Included with every splenectomy.
The same foundation of care applies, with appropriate attention to blood-product readiness and intra-operative monitoring given the case profile.
Individualized anesthesia
Protocol scaled to the patient’s cardiovascular and hematologic status, with extra attention to hemodynamic stability.
IV catheter & fluids
IV access for fluid support throughout anesthesia and into early recovery, with blood-product readiness protocols in place.
Continuous monitoring
Capnography, pulse oximetry, ECG, blood pressure, and body temperature tracked end-to-end with a dedicated technician.
Pain management
Pre-medication, intra-operative analgesia, and take-home pain medication layered to keep the first night calm and the days after comfortable.
Discharge kit & 48-hour line
E-collar, written discharge instructions, and a direct line to our team for the first 48 hours.
Pricing
Splenectomy pricing,
quoted at consult.
Pricing for splenectomy reflects the surgery profile and additional monitoring considerations. We confirm the figure in writing after reviewing your pet’s diagnostics and clinical history.
- Pre-anesthetic assessment & imaging review
- IV catheter, fluids, advanced monitoring
- Anesthesia protocol for a hemodynamically sensitive case
- Complete splenectomy & abdominal exploration
- Multimodal pain management
- Discharge kit, written summary, e-collar
- 48-hour direct line to our team post-op
At Home
Recovery, watched carefully
for the first 48 hours.
Watch for any return of lethargy, refusal to eat, abdominal swelling, or pale gums. We are available directly through that window for any question, big or small.
- Quiet indoor rest for 10–14 days
- E-collar on for the full recovery window
- Offer small, frequent meals the first evening
- Watch the incision twice daily
- Oral pain medication as directed
- Call us for any concerns in the first 48 hours, then your family vet thereafter
Questions
Common questions about splenectomy.
What if my pet collapsed at home before surgery?
Suspected splenic bleeding with collapse is not appropriate for outpatient surgery. The right path is immediate stabilization at a 24-hour emergency hospital, with imaging and blood-product support. Once your pet is stable, we are happy to coordinate surgical care if appropriate.
Will my pet live a normal life after spleen removal?
Yes. The spleen has immunological and hematologic functions, but in dogs it can be removed without major long-term consequences for everyday life. Your family veterinarian supports any ongoing surveillance imaging or bloodwork that the histology report warrants.
Does my pet need to be referred?
Most splenectomy cases reach us through referral from your family veterinarian. We review imaging together, confirm stability, and schedule surgery. If you do not yet have a primary vet, we are happy to talk through the next step with you directly.
How long is recovery?
Most patients rest quietly for the first 48 hours and begin returning to normal activity over the following week. Full recovery, including resumed regular walks and play, is typical within 10–14 days.
Currently in Development
Speak about a stable splenic case.
Referring veterinarians or pet families with a confirmed stable case can reach out directly. We respond personally, usually within one business day.
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