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The general contour of the spleen is tongue‐shaped and when viewed adjacent to the left kidney, it appears more triangular (than flat) in cross‐sectional views. Since the size of the spleen can vary in normal animals, estimation of size is generally subjective in dogs except in cases of marked splenomegaly. In cats, splenomegaly is almost always due to pathology and should prompt further evaluation. Spleen thickness greater than 10 mm or a folded spleen invariably indicates splenomegaly in the feline species (Hecht 2008; Reese et al. 2013) (Figure 9.2; see also Figure 39.9). Benign splenomegaly is uncommon in cats and if present, additional evaluation is warranted.

Figure 9.1. Normal splenic hilus. (A) The “Y” shape of the splenic vein, also referred to as the whale tail (mimics tail fluke of the whale), as it branches at the hilus is helpful for identifying the spleen and distinguishing it from the liver. (B) Color flow Doppler may be used to assess blood flow and rule out splenic venous thrombosis and splenic torsion when suspected.

Figure 9.2. Subjective size evaluation of the spleen. Splenic enlargement as evidenced by its folding. The “Y”‐shaped splenic veins departing from its hilus are helpful for identification and distinguishing it from the liver. The spleen here has a homogeneous normal echotexture.

Source: Courtesy of Dr Gregory Lisciandro, DVM, Hill Country Veterinary Specialists and FASTVet.com, Spicewood, TX.

Pearl: Moderate splenomegaly occurs in dogs with many forms of sedation or anesthesia (Hecht 2008; Reese et al. 2013); thus, the effects of sedation and anesthesia must be considered.