Splenectomy in the management of primary immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia and primary immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia in dogs

BackgroundCurrent reports about the use of splenectomy for the management of immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) or immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) or both in dogs are limited.ObjectivesTo retrospectively describe the use of splenectomy as part of the management for IMHA, ITP, and concurrent IMHA and severe thrombocytopenia (CIST) in dogs. It was hypothesized that splenectomy would be beneficial in allowing for reduction of dose of immunosuppressive drugs or discontinuation in 1 or more of these groups.AnimalsSeventeen client‐owned dogs (7 with IMHA, 7 with ITP, and 3 with CIST) were identified across 7 UK‐based referral hospitals from a study period of 2005 to 2016.MethodsData were collected retrospectively via questionnaires and included information about diagnosis, management and treatment response before and after splenectomy. Based on clinical outcome, treatment with splenectomy as part of the management protocol was classified as either successful or unsuccessful.ResultsSix of 7 dogs with ITP were managed successfully with splenectomy as part of their management protocol (3 complete and 3 partial responses), although 1 subsequently developed suspected IMHA. Of the 7 dogs with IMHA, splenectomy was part of a successful management protocol in 4 dogs (2 complete and 2 partial responses). In the CIST group, 1 case (1/3) responded completely to management with splenectomy as part of the management protocol.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceSplenectomy was considered successful and well tolerated in most cases of isolated ITP. Whether there is a benefit of splenectomy in cases of IMHA and CIST could not be determined in the current study.