Structure and Function of the Spleen in Cats

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Structure and Function of the Spleen in Cats

By: Dr. Bari Spielman

What Is the Spleen?

The spleen is an elongated organ located in the abdomen. Though not essential for life, the spleen performs important functions related to the blood and lymph systems. The spleen filters the blood and participates in various immune functions.

Where Is the Spleen Located?

The spleen is located near the stomach in the left forward part of the abdomen. The exact location of the spleen depends upon its size and shape and is affected by the size of the surrounding organs, such as the fullness of the stomach.

What Is the General Structure of the Spleen?

The spleen is a relatively large, dark red organ that is supplied with numerous blood vessels. The normal spleen is shaped somewhat like a tongue and is considerably longer than it is wide and slightly constricted in the middle. It is covered by a tough capsule of fibrous tissue.

Blood vessels enter and exit the spleen at one end, which is called the "pedicle". The size of the spleen varies, and it can become engorged with blood under some circumstances. The internal structure of the spleen consists of:

Red pulp – areas for red blood cell formation and storage and for the trapping of immune proteins called antigens.

White pulp – areas of special immune response cells called lymphocytes and reticuloendothelial cells

Marginal zone – an area that separates the white and red pulp and helps to filter the blood.

What Are the Functions of the Spleen?

The spleen has five main functions:

Hematopoiesis – The spleen produces certain blood cells, and is the major site outside the bone marrow where red blood cells are made.

Blood reservoir – The spleen is a storage site for red blood cells and platelets (clotting elements). The body has the ability to contract the spleen suddenly if additional red blood cells are needed in the bloodstream.

Blood filtration - The spleen removes old or abnormal blood cells and particles from the blood.

Phagocytosis – The spleen traps and removes old cells, bacteria and foreign proteins from the circulation.

Site of immune activities – The spleen is part of the body's complicated immune system.

What Are Common Diseases of the Spleen?

The spleen can be a site of primary disease involving only that organ or it may become involved in a disease that affects many parts of the body. As a general rule, cats are prone to infiltration and generalized enlargement of the spleen from infections or multiple body system disorders.

Generalized enlargement of the spleen associated with immune system disorders, certain anemias, massive production of red blood cells, and certain infections, following administration of some drugs

Certain malignant tumors that infiltrate the spleen, such as mast cell tumors, myeloproliferative disorders, and lymphosarcoma

Development of benign nodules or hematomas (collection of blood or blood clot)

Primary tumors of the spleen, such as the benign hemangioma or the malignant hemangiosarcoma

What Types of Diagnostic Tests Are Used to Evaluate the Spleen?

Several tests are particularly helpful in evaluating the spleen. These include:

A complete blood count (CBC), microscopic examination of the blood smear, bone marrow aspiration, abdominal radiographs (X-rays), and tests that screen for infectious diseases or certain cancers.

An abdominal ultrasound examination may identify abnormal splenic tissue and allow a fine-needle aspiration or biopsy to be performed on the spleen.

Tissue is retrieved for cytology (analysis of the cells) and sometimes culture. In some cases an actual piece of spleen may be needed to reach a diagnosis. This is often done during abdominal surgery.

In some cases exploratory surgery of the abdomen may be required to identify the underlying problem, and to remove the diseased spleen. Although the spleen is an important organ, but it is not needed for survival and many animals live healthy lives following splenectomy.

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1 Abdominal Ultrasound in Cats
An ultrasound evaluates the internal organs of the abdomen through the use of sound waves. Ultrasound and x-rays often go hand-in-hand because ultrasound shows a motion picture of the organs as they are...
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2 Abdominal Exploratory in Cats
An abdominal exploratory surgery refers to almost every non-specific surgery of the abdomen. They are defined as exploratory because every organ in the abdomen is inspected for abnormalities and treated...
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3 Hemangiosarcoma in Cats
Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant cancer of the cells that form blood vessels, and when these tumors rupture, serious internal bleeding can occur. Hemangiosarcoma is considered to be a very aggressive tumor...
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4 Splenectomy in Cats
Splenectomy is the medical term for the surgical removal of the spleen. This procedure is most commonly performed for tumors of the spleen, trauma to the spleen or torsion of the spleen.
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5 Splenic Hemorrhage in Cats
Splenic hemorrhage can occur when tumors of the spleen rupture or when the spleen is damaged due to trauma. Immediate veterinary care is recommended since significant blood loss can occur.
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6 What Is a Splenectomy?
A splenectomy is the surgical removal of the spleen and is indicated when tumors are present on the spleen, trauma has resulted in uncontrollable bleeding, or when the spleen is severely infected.
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1Abdominal Exploratory in Cats
An abdominal exploratory surgery refers to almost every non-specific surgery of the abdomen. They are defined as exploratory because every organ in the abdomen is inspected for abnormalities and treated...
Read More
2Abdominal Ultrasound in Cats
An ultrasound evaluates the internal organs of the abdomen through the use of sound waves. Ultrasound and x-rays often go hand-in-hand because ultrasound shows a motion picture of the organs as they are...
Read More
3Hemangiosarcoma in Cats
Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant cancer of the cells that form blood vessels, and when these tumors rupture, serious internal bleeding can occur. Hemangiosarcoma is considered to be a very aggressive tumor...
Read More
4Splenectomy in Cats
Splenectomy is the medical term for the surgical removal of the spleen. This procedure is most commonly performed for tumors of the spleen, trauma to the spleen or torsion of the spleen.
Read More
5Splenic Hemorrhage in Cats
Splenic hemorrhage can occur when tumors of the spleen rupture or when the spleen is damaged due to trauma. Immediate veterinary care is recommended since significant blood loss can occur.
Read More
6What Is a Splenectomy?
A splenectomy is the surgical removal of the spleen and is indicated when tumors are present on the spleen, trauma has resulted in uncontrollable bleeding, or when the spleen is severely infected.
Read More

Structure and Function of the Spleen in Cats

Structure and Function of the Spleen in Cats

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