Minimally invasive splenectomy is associated with a low perioperative complication rate and short operative time in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To report the perioperative outcome and complications in cats undergoing minimally invasive splenectomy. ANIMALS: 17 client-owned cats. METHODS: Perioperative data were collected from cats undergoing minimally invasive splenectomy from September 2010 to June 2023. Data included history, signalment, preoperative examination and diagnostic testing results, operative technique and time, perioperative outcomes, complications, hospitalization duration, histopathological diagnosis, and outcome. RESULTS: 13 spayed females and 4 neutered males were included, with a median age of 144 months (48 to 196 months). Seven cats underwent total laparoscopic splenectomy (TLS), with 1 cat requiring conversion from TLS to laparoscopic-assisted splenectomy (LAS) due to splenomegaly and an additional cat requiring conversion from TLS to open splenectomy due to uncontrollable splenic capsular hemorrhage. Ten cats underwent LAS, with 1 cat requiring conversion to open splenectomy due to splenomegaly. Additional procedures were performed in 13 cats, with the most common being liver biopsy in 10 cats. Median operative times were 50 minutes (45 to 90 minutes) for TLS and 35 minutes (25 to 80 minutes) for LAS. An intraoperative complication occurred in 1 cat. All but 1 cat survived to discharge. Median follow-up time was 234 days (18 to 1,761 days), with 15 of 16 cats confirmed alive at 30 days and 9 of 16 cats alive at 180 days postoperatively. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Minimally invasive splenectomy in this cohort of cats was associated with short operative times and a low perioperative complication rate. Veterinary surgeons may consider minimally invasive splenectomy as an efficient and feasible technique in the treatment of splenomegaly or modestly sized splenic masses for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in cats.

Perioperative ventricular arrhythmias are increased with hemoperitoneum and are associated with increased mortality in dogs undergoing splenectomy for splenic masses.

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for intra- and postoperative ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) and in-hospital mortality in dogs undergoing splenectomy for splenic masses. ANIMALS: 308 dogs. METHODS: Records from 2010 through 2018 were reviewed for dogs undergoing splenectomy for a splenic mass. Clinical and laboratory findings on admission, diagnostic imaging, anesthesia, surgery and pathology reports, treatment records, and in-hospital mortality were evaluated with logistic regression. RESULTS: VAs occurred in 138 (44.8%) dogs (126/308 [40.9%] postoperative, 51/308 [16.6%] intraoperative, 26/308 [8.4%] preoperative), with 50/308 (16.2%) dogs having more than one type of VA. Increasing heart rate and body weight, decreasing PCV and platelet count, hemoperitoneum, receipt of a transfusion, and diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma were associated with the presence of intra- and postoperative VAs on univariable analysis (all P < .001). On multivariable analysis, hemoperitoneum (P < .001 , < .001), increasing body weight (P = .026, < .001), and increasing heart rate (P = .028, < .001) were significant for intra- and postoperative VAs, respectively. Twenty dogs died (20/308 [6.5%]; 14/138 [10.1%] with VAs, 6/170 [3.5%] without VAs). Intra- and postoperative VAs were associated with in-hospital mortality (P = .009, .025, respectively). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Perioperative VAs were common and odds of VAs were increased with hemoperitoneum, increasing heart rate, and increasing body weight. Presence of VAs increased the odds of in-hospital mortality. Despite this, the overall in-hospital mortality rate was low (6.5%), indicating a good prognosis for survival of surgery in dogs with splenic masses, regardless of the presence of VAs or hemoperitoneum.

Splenic epidermoid cyst in a dog.

Splenic epithelial cysts are rare in humans and have not been reported in animals, to our knowledge. During a routine medical examination of a 12-y-old castrated male Maltese dog, a splenic mass was found and subsequently removed via splenectomy. Histologically, a well-defined multilocular cyst in the spleen was lined mostly by simple cuboidal, multifocally by stratified cuboidal, or occasionally by stratified squamous epithelium. Immunohistochemically, the lining cells were positive for cytokeratin and negative for vimentin, CD31, and Wilms tumor protein 1. The case was diagnosed as a primary splenic epidermoid cyst.

Timely adjuvant chemotherapy improves outcome in dogs with non-metastatic splenic hemangiosarcoma undergoing splenectomy.

Timely delivery of adjuvant chemotherapy has been shown to be advantageous in many human cancers and canine osteosarcoma. Adjuvant chemotherapy has been shown to improve outcome for canine splenic hemangiosarcoma. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate whether timely adjuvant chemotherapy administration resulted in better outcome in dogs with non-metastatic splenic hemangiosarcoma undergoing splenectomy. Medical records were searched for dogs with non-metastatic, splenic hemangiosarcoma that received splenectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy. The number of days from surgery to the first chemotherapy dose (StoC) was evaluated to identify the cut-off value associated with the best survival advantage. StoC and other possible prognostic factors were tested for influence on time to metastasis (TTM) and overall survival (OS). Seventy dogs were included. Median StoC was 20 days (range: 4-70). The time interval associated with the greatest survival benefit was 21 days. Median TTM and OS of dogs with StoC ≤ 21 days were significantly longer than those with StoC >21 days (TTM: 163 vs. 118 days, p = .001; OS: 238 vs. 146 days, p < .001). On multivariable analysis, StoC >21 days was the only variable significantly associated with increased risk of tumour progression (HR 2.1, p = .010) and death (HR 2.3; p = .008). Starting adjuvant chemotherapy within 21 days of surgery may be associated with a survival benefit in dogs with non-metastatic splenic hemangiosarcoma, possibly due to the early targeting of newly recruited metastatic cells after surgery.

Treatment and outcomes of two pigs treated for hemoabdomen secondary to splenic disease.

OBJECTIVE: To report the management and outcomes of two pigs undergoing emergency surgery for hemoabdomen secondary to splenic disease. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. ANIMAL: Two adult pigs with hemoabdomen and suspected splenic pathology. METHODS: Pigs were admitted for several clinical signs including lethargy, inappetence, vomiting, abdominal distention, hypothermia, and tachycardia. Abdominal ultrasound and abdominocentesis led to a diagnosis of hemoabdomen secondary to splenic disease. RESULTS: The spleen was confirmed as the source of hemorrhage during midline exploratory celiotomy in both pigs. Splenic rupture resulted from splenic vein thrombosis in one pig and splenic torsion in the other. Complications included intraoperative hemorrhage and intraabdominal adhesion formation. Four years following splenectomy, one pig was euthanized because of widespread small intestinal adhesions causing luminal obstruction, while the other pig was euthanized following a diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia. CONCLUSIONS: A ventral midline celiotomy provided adequate exposure for splenectomy. The procedure allowed resolution of signs in both pigs. Splenic pathology, such as vessel thrombosis or torsion, may result in splenic rupture and should be considered as a differential in pigs with hemoabdomen.

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

BACKGROUND: Current 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. OBJECTIVES: To 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. ANIMALS: Seventeen 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. METHODS: Data 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. RESULTS: Six 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 IMPORTANCE: Splenectomy 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.

Complications and outcomes associated with laparoscopic-assisted splenectomy in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To report the perioperative characteristics and outcomes of dogs undergoing laparoscopic-assisted splenectomy (LAS). ANIMALS: 136 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES: Multicentric retrospective study. Medical records of dogs undergoing LAS for treatment of naturally occurring splenic disease from January 1, 2014, to July 31, 2020, were reviewed. History, signalment, physical examination and preoperative diagnostic test results, procedural information, complications, duration of hospitalization, histopathologic diagnosis, and perioperative outcomes were recorded. Perioperative complications were defined using the Veterinary Cooperative Oncology Group - Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (VCOG-CTCAE v2) guidelines. RESULTS: LAS was performed for treatment of a splenic mass (124/136 [91%]), immune-mediated disease (7/136 [5%]), splenomegaly (4/136 [3%]), or immune-mediated disease in conjunction with a splenic mass (1/136 [1%]). Median splenic mass size was 1.3 cm3/kg body weight. Conversion to open laparotomy occurred in 5.9% (8/136) of dogs. Complications occurred in 78 dogs, with all being grade 2 or lower. Median surgical time was 47 minutes, and median postoperative hospital stay was 28 hours. All but 1 dog survived to discharge, the exception being postoperative death due to a suspected portal vein thrombus. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In the dogs of this report, LAS was associated with low rates of major complications, morbidity, and mortality when performed for a variety of splenic pathologies. Minimally invasive surgeons can consider the LAS technique to perform total splenectomy in dogs without hemoabdomen and with spleens with modest-sized splenic masses up to 55.2 cm3/kg, with minimal rates of complications, morbidity, and mortality.

Prognostic value of sternal lymphadenopathy on malignancy and survival in dogs undergoing splenectomy.

The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to determine prevalence of sternal lymphadenopathy in a population of dogs undergoing splenectomy, and to evaluate if the prevalence was associated with splenic malignancy. In addition, the study investigated if survival in dogs diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma (HSA) differed between those with or without sternal lymphadenopathy at the time of surgery. Digital radiographs and medical records for dogs who underwent splenectomy from 2013 to 2016 where retrospectively reviewed. One hundred ninety-five dogs underwent splenectomy during the study period. The overall prevalence of sternal lymphadenopathy was 12.8%. The prevalence of sternal lymphadenopathy in dogs with hemangiosarcoma was 16.2% (12/74), other malignancy was 15.8% (3/19), and with a benign process 9.8% (10/102). There was no significant association between sternal lymphadenopathy with hemoperitoneum (p = .20) or between sternal lymphadenopathy and presence of neoplasia (p = .37). There was no significant difference in survival probability in all dogs with or without sternal lymphadenopathy (p = .073). However, sternal lymphadenopathy was associated with lower survival in 74 dogs with HSA (p = .036) and 19 with other splenic malignancies (p = .039). The presence of sternal lymphadenopathy should not be considered a negative prognostic indicator if present in dogs presenting with a hemoperitoneum. Although the presence of sternal lymphadenopathy at the time of initial presentation was not significantly associated with survival time in all dogs with splenic disease, it may have predictive value related to survival of dogs with splenic malignancy.

Premature death in dogs with nontraumatic hemoabdomen and splenectomy with benign histopathologic findings.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether premature death occurred among dogs with nonmalignant splenic histopathologic findings after splenectomy for nontraumatic hemoabdomen. ANIMALS: 197 dogs with nontraumatic hemoabdomen that underwent splenectomy and histopathologic evaluation between 2005 and 2018. PROCEDURES: Information was obtained from electronic medical records, dog owners, and referring veterinarians to determine patient characteristics, histopathologic findings, survival information, and cause of death. Dogs were grouped based on histopathological diagnosis and outcome, and median survival times (MSTs) and risk factors for death were determined. RESULTS: Histopathologic findings indicated malignancy in 144 of the 197 (73.1%) dogs with nontraumatic hemoabdomen. Hemangiosarcoma was diagnosed in 126 dogs (87.5% of those with malignancies and 64.0% of all dogs). Nine of 53 (17%) dogs with nonmalignant histopathologic findings had an adverse outcome and premature death, with an MST of 49 days. Risk factors for this outcome included low plasma total solids concentration, an elevated hemangiosarcoma likelihood prediction score, and a medium or high hemangiosarcoma likelihood prediction score category. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study showed that there is a group of dogs with nontraumatic hemoabdomen due to splenic disease that have nonmalignant histopathologic findings after splenectomy, but nonetheless suffer an adverse outcome and die prematurely of a suspected malignancy. Further evaluation of potential at-risk populations may yield detection of otherwise overlooked malignancies.

Comparison of conventional methods with commercially available topical hemostat surgical snow (oxidized cellulose) for achieving hemostasis in canine model of partial splenectomy.

Spleen is highly vascularized organ and bleeding control during partial splenectomy is a big challenge. In this study conventional methods of electrocautery, absorbable suturing and advance methods of topical hemostat Surgicel® were compared to control bleeding during partial splenec- tomy. Twelve healthy dogs (n=4) were divided in A, B and C groups. After partial splenectomy Surgicel®, electrocautery and absorbable horizontal mattress sutures were used to control hemor- rhages in group A, B and C respectively. Bleeding time and loss of blood volume was evaluated during surgery. In addition, blood samples were taken on day 0 pre-surgery and on days 3, 10 and 17 post-surgery to evaluate changes in biochemical parameters after the application of dif- ferent hemostatic techniques. Ultrasonography was also performed at alternative days to check any gross changes in the spleen. Dogs in group A showed minimum bleeding time and loss of blood volume as compared to group B and C. Drop in red blood cells count was compared be- tween group A, B and C showing significant change (p≤0.05) at day 3, 10 and 17, while a sig- nificant decline in hemoglobin was found in group C followed by groups B and A at 3rd and 10th day. There was no difference between platelet counts in various groups. Ultrasonography showed no significant changes in the spleen parenchyma. It was concluded that Surgicel® was an effective material for controlling hemorrhage in veterinary patients.

Development and validation of a multivariable model and online decision-support calculator to aid in preoperative discrimination of benign from malignant splenic masses in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a multivariable model and online decision-support calculator to aid in preoperative discrimination of benign from malignant splenic masses in dogs. ANIMALS: 522 dogs that underwent splenectomy because of splenic masses. PROCEDURES: A multivariable model was developed with preoperative clinical data obtained retrospectively from the records of 422 dogs that underwent splenectomy. Inclusion criteria were the availability of complete abdominal ultrasonographic examination images and splenic histologic slides or histology reports for review. Variables considered potentially predictive of splenic malignancy were analyzed. A receiver operating characteristic curve was created for the final multivariable model, and area under the curve was calculated. The model was externally validated with data from 100 dogs that underwent splenectomy subsequent to model development and was used to create an online calculator to estimate probability of splenic malignancy in individual dogs. RESULTS: The final multivariable model contained 8 clinical variables used to estimate splenic malignancy probability: serum total protein concentration, presence (vs absence) of ≥ 2 nRBCs/100 WBCs, ultrasonographically assessed splenic mass diameter, number of liver nodules (0, 1, or ≥ 2), presence (vs absence) of multiple splenic masses or nodules, moderate to marked splenic mass inhomogeneity, moderate to marked abdominal effusion, and mesenteric, omental, or peritoneal nodules. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for the development and validation populations were 0.80 and 0.78, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The online calculator (T-STAT.net or T-STAT.org) developed in this study can be used as an aid to estimate the probability of malignancy in dogs with splenic masses and has potential to facilitate owners' decisions regarding splenectomy.

Presumptive hemophagocytic syndrome associated with immune-mediated anemia in two Miniature Dachshunds.

This report describes the cases of two Miniature Dachshunds who were suspected to have immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) and were treated with immunosuppressive therapy. However, progression of anemia, increases in C-reactive protein (CRP) and total-bilirubin (T-Bil) levels, splenomegaly, transition to nonregenerative anemia, and thrombocytopenia occurred after the treatment. Splenectomy and bone-marrow aspirations were performed subsequently. Both dogs were diagnosed with hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) associated with IMHA. Unfortunately, they died 9 and 6 days later. These findings indicate that some cases of refractory IMHA have the pathogenicity of HPS. HPS should be included as a differential diagnosis of refractory IMHA concurrent with thrombocytopenia. Continuously elevated CRP and T-Bil levels may be helpful indicators in the detection of HPS associated with IMHA.

Partial Gastrectomy at the Time of Splenectomy in Two Dogs With Splenic Neoplasia and Gastric Involvement.

Splenic malignancies are reported in 30%-76% of dogs presenting with splenic masses, and splenectomy is the cornerstone in their management. However, long term prognosis is guarded due to the high rates of distant metastases reported both for HSA and nonangiogenic nonlymphomatous sarcomas. Metastases from splenic tumors usually occur to regional lymph nodes, liver, omentum, and lungs. These case series aim to describe 2 cases of splenic neoplasia with gastric involvement and report the surgical technique and outcomes associated with the condition. Two mixed-breed dogs were referred for a splenic mass and underwent explorative celiotomy. In both cases, the splenic mass was firmly attached to the gastric wall, and splenectomy with concurrent partial gastrectomy was thus performed. In case 1, liver lobectomy due to a hepatic mass was also performed. In case 2, the regional nodes were also excised due to lymphoadenomegaly. Both dogs recovered uneventfully from surgery and were discharged from the hospital at 72 and 96 hours. Histopathological examination was costent with splenic undifferentiated sarcoma and hepatic adenocarcinoma in one dog. The other dog had a diagnosis of malignant fibrous histiocytoma with nodal metastases. Neoplastic invasion of the stomach was histologically confirmed in both dogs. Adjuvant chemotherapy was refused, and both dogs were euthanized due to tumor progression at 71 and 58 days, respectively. According to our results, splenectomy with concurrent gastrectomy is feasible in dogs with splenic tumours involving the gastric wall. However, long term prognosis is poor, as previously reported for metastatic splenic sarcomas.

Use of a Bipolar Vessel-Sealing Device for Splenic Parenchymal Resection in Three Dogs and One Cat.

Based on splenic abnormalities noted during surgery, four client-owned animals (three dogs, one cat) undergoing exploratory laparotomy were identified as candidates for partial splenectomy. In three cases, small mass lesions of the spleen were identified on elective exploratory laparotomy. In one case, the patient was referred for emergency surgery for diaphragmatic hernia with entrapment of stomach and spleen. The discovery of avulsion of a significant portion of the splenic mesentery led to the decision to perform partial splenectomy in this case. All animals included in the study underwent partial splenectomy by one of two board-certified veterinary surgeons at a multispecialty hospital between 2014 and 2018. The same type of bipolar vessel-sealing device was used in each surgery, and three of four partial splenectomy cases recovered uneventfully. One patient went into cardiopulmonary arrest hours after surgery and died; however, this is not suspected to be due to the described partial splenectomy technique. The bipolar vessel-sealing device is suitable for use in resection of the splenic parenchyma in some canine and feline patients. This technique is designed to decrease surgical time, provide effective hemostasis, and preserve the important functions of the spleen that are lost when total splenectomy is undertaken.

Splenic T-cell lymphoma in a North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis).

Background: Splenic lymphoma is commonly reported in domestic ferrets (Mustela putorious furo), but very rarely reported in wild Mustelidae species, including otters. One report described B-cell splenic lymphoma in an Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinerea) that metastasized and was the primary reasoning for humane euthanasia (Stedman and Mills, 2014). Case Description: The current report describes a case of splenic T-cell lymphoma in a captive North American river otter (Lontra canadensis). The otter died several weeks after splenectomy and no evidence of metastasis was found on gross necropsy or histopathological evaluation. Conclusion: The splenectomy performed on this individual was presumptively curative for its splenic lymphoma. Extensive myocardial fibrosis was found, and suspected to have caused severe cardiac arrhythmia leading to acute death.

Clinical features and their course of pituitary carcinoma with distant metastasis in a dog.

An 11-year-old male toy poodle with neurological symptoms was diagnosed with a macroscopic pituitary tumor, which produced adrenocorticotropic hormone. Radiation therapy with a linear accelerator was performed for the pituitary tumor, and resulted in good local tumor control. However, serum endogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone concentrations were uncontrollable even after the tumor disappeared. Abdominal computed tomography revealed splenic masses, and splenectomy was performed. Histopathological examination of the surgical specimen showed tumor cells with eosinophilic and finely granular cytoplasm suggestive of endocrine origin. Since these cells were positive for adrenocorticotropic hormone, the case was diagnosed as a pituitary carcinoma with distant metastasis. Necropsy revealed multiple metastases to the abdominal organs. This is the first case report describing canine pituitary carcinoma with distant metastasis.

Clinical utility of liver biopsies in dogs undergoing splenectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of neoplasia detected on liver biopsy obtained at the time of splenectomy in dogs with splenic masses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of medical records of dogs with splenic masses from which liver biopsies were taken following splenectomy. RESULTS: Malignant splenic neoplasia was detected in 50 of 113 (44.2%) of the dogs undergoing splenectomy. Neoplastic liver disease was detected on biopsy from 1 of 40 (2.5%) dogs with a grossly normal liver and from 20 of 69 (28.9%) dogs with a grossly abnormal liver. Dogs with a grossly abnormal liver had a ~ 16 times (95% CI: 2.5-170) higher chance of being diagnosed with liver neoplasia on biopsy. Haemoabdomen was also associated with an increased likelihood of liver neoplasia on biopsy at the time of splenectomy. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A liver biopsy taken from grossly normal liver is a low-yield diagnostic test but liver biopsy is recommended following splenectomy if the liver appears abnormal at surgery.

Clinical outcomes in dogs with localized splenic histiocytic sarcoma treated with splenectomy with or without adjuvant chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Localized splenic histiocytic sarcoma (HS) in dogs is a poorly understood disease, and could have longer survival times than disseminated or hemophagocytic HS. Understanding the clinical behavior of localized splenic HS can refine treatment recommendations. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of dogs with localized splenic HS. ANIMALS: Fourteen client-owned dogs with histologically confirmed splenic HS that received splenectomy. METHODS: Multi-institutional retrospective case series-medical records of dogs with splenic HS were reviewed. Dog signalment, clinicopathologic data, primary and adjuvant treatments, and outcomes were obtained. Survival data were calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Dog variables such as age, weight, platelet counts were reported using descriptive statistics. The Cox proportional hazards regression method was used to determine whether potential risk factors (weight, age, albumin level, hematocrit, and platelet count) were associated with PFI. RESULTS: Median survival time for the dogs in this study was 427 days. Twelve dogs received adjuvant lomustine-based chemotherapy. Five dogs (35.7%) were suspected or confirmed to have developed metastatic disease. Eleven dogs died of disease, 1 dog died of unrelated cause, and 2 dogs were alive at final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Histiocytic sarcoma in dogs can manifest as a localized form in the spleen. Dogs with localized splenic HS treated with surgery ± chemotherapy can experience survival times over a year.

Primary Cystic Lymphangioma of the Spleen in an Adult Dog.

Proliferative disorders of lymphatic origin in animals are mostly congenital or occur within the first few months of life. Involvement of internal organs is extremely infrequent. A seven-year-old entire female mixed-breed dog was presented with apathy and poor appetite. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a focally enlarged spleen with an anechoic round lesion. Splenectomy was performed and pathological examination demonstrated a sponge-like, compressible tumour composed of endothelium-lined vascular cystic spaces filled with eosinophilic proteinaceous material lacking erythrocytes. Immunohistochemical stains showed that cyst-lining cells were strongly positive for CD31 and factor VIII and focally positive for lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 (LYVE-1). Based on these findings, the lesion was identified as splenic cystic lymphangioma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of solitary lymphangioma of the spleen in animals.

Pancreatic adenosquamous carcinoma with invasion to the spleen in a cat.

A four-and-a-half-year-old female Scottish Fold cat underwent partial pancreatectomy with en-bloc splenectomy. The resected specimen was a biphasic tumor that was diagnosed histologically and immunohistochemically as pancreatic adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC), a ductal carcinoma variant according to the WHO classification of tumors in humans. There was a gradual transition between the adenocarcinoma component and the squamous cell carcinoma component. The squamous cell carcinoma component comprised approximately 30-40% of the tumor. A pancreatic tumor infiltrated into the gastrosplenic ligament and spleen with regional lymph node and mesenteric metastases. Pancreatic ASC has not been reported in animals. This is a case report of feline pancreatic ASC with splenic involvement.