Mass-to-splenic volume ratio and splenic weight as a percentage of body weight in dogs with malignant and benign splenic masses: 65 cases (2007-2008).

Objective: To determine whether mass-to-splenic volume ratio or splenic weight as a percentage of body weight was significantly different between dogs with benign versus malignant splenic masses.

Design: Retrospective case series.

Animals: 65 dogs that underwent splenectomy.

Procedures: Medical records of dogs examined between October 2007 and June 2008 because of a splenic mass were reviewed. Information obtained included dog age, breed, and weight; whether hemoperitoneum was present; splenic weight and dimensions (length, width, and height) at the time of splenectomy; dimensions (length, width, and height) of the splenic mass; and histologic diagnosis. Information on survival time was recorded when available.

Results: 30 (46%) dogs had hemangiosarcoma, 10 (15%) had other types of malignant masses, and 25 (39%) had benign masses. Dogs with benign splenic masses had a significantly higher mean mass-to-splenic volume ratio and higher mean splenic weight as a percentage of body weight than did dogs with hemangiosarcoma.

Conclusions And Clinical Relevance: Results suggested that mass-to-splenic volume ratio and splenic weight as a percentage of body weight may be useful in differentiating between hemangiosarcoma and benign lesions in dogs with splenic masses.