From:
Bruce Williams, DVM
Date: 2001-09-28 14:02:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Quick Question on Spleen Removal
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., "Vickie McKimmey" <jbferret@m...>
wrote:
> One of the local vets I use is doing a spleen removal on an older
> ferret Monday morning. Not one of my ferrets, I am donating one of
> my guys as a blood donor just in case the need arises.
>
> What is the injection that can be done to the spleen to make it
> shrink up so there is not as much blood loss? If someone could let
> me know, so I can let the vet know, I'd appreciate it.
>
> I am also going to suggest he join this group.
>
Vickie -
Historically, epinephrine has been used in domestic animals to cause
splenic contraction, but it is probably not recommended, especially
around the time of surgery. There is a small possibility that a peri-
anethestic dose of epinephrine may actually precipitate an
arrhythmia, and probably is is not warranted.
You did not mention whether the animal is anemic or not - in animals
which are not anemic, the likelihood of significant blood loss is
minimal, and the post-surgical packed cell volume will probably
approximate the pre-surgical (accounting for fluid administered
intravenously during the operation of course.)
Remember that the blood contained in the spleen generally is not
represented in a packed cell volume, and much of the actual cellular
contents of enlarged spleens is immature erythrocytes, leukocytes,
and megakaryocytes, and do not contribute to the contents of
peripheral blood in any fashion.
The most likely case in which your ferrets service would be needed is
in the unlikely occurrence of intra-operative hemorrhage.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM