If a tumor is found on the spleen but is not yet bleeding into the abdomen, the chance of the tumor being cancerous is about 50/50. These tumors are at risk for rupture and leakage of blood into the abdomen. It may also be a very slow process were the owner notices symptoms of spleen rupture in dogs under the form of lethargy, inappetence, weakness and an abdomen that appears to be distended . A spleen can rupture due to: Injury to the left side of the body. Can Vet J 2016;57:842-846. This tumor can occur from any site of the body that’s vascular but the most frequent locations in dogs are the spleen (40-50%), right atrium/heart (10-25%), and the skin (15%). Dogs that have stage I hemangiosarcoma, like these patients (non-ruptured) and have surgery, typically live at least twice as long as patients that are diagnosed after their tumor as ruptured. The Chances of rupture of a malignant tumor are high due to the fragile nature of the spleen. Hemangiosarcoma is an invasive and fast-growing cancer that affects a dog’s spleen, liver, and interior lining of the blood vessels. If the tumor hasn't ruptured, the dog's abdomen might appear distended and he appears lethargic. Ruptured tumors can cause excessive bleeding in the abdomen and some cases, acute death can occur. Your dog can live without his spleen, however. Survival with the intestinal form averages only eight weeks. Deadly spleen cancer in dogs. Read more about the spleen: Cancer in the Spleen of Dogs. If the splenic tumor has not ruptured then surgical removal of the spleen is needed in most cases to determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant. Sometimes, dog owners don’t realize their pets have the cancer until they suddenly pass away without warning. Lumps in the Spleen of Dogs The life expectancy of course depends on whether the cancer has spread and if … Tumors on the spleen can be benign or cancerous. Unfortunately, spleen cancer in dogs has a very poor prognosis, with many dogs only being able to live for a few months after being diagnosed. The spleen can usually be removed with almost no problems; however, life– threatening. Unfortunately, a more rare diagnosis of Hemangioma is made by biopsy in less than 1/3 of these cases. Spleen tumors in dogs can be either benign or malignant, though both types of tumors are dangerous, because they could rupture at a moment's notice. Symptoms of a Ruptured Spleen in Dogs Spleen ruptures in dogs may be spontaneous due to trauma from being hit by a car or from a penetrating wound. Dogs with benign tumors have a very good prognosis. At that point, the dog might go into shock, collapse and die. If they spread to other body parts, then long term prognosis is poor. A ruptured spleen is typically caused by a blow to the left upper abdomen or the left lower chest, such as might happen during sporting mishaps, fistfights and car crashes. 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