Ultrasonography of the spleen. Life-threatening splenic disorders

Diagnosis of splenic disease in small animals is often difficult unless a mass is palpable. The physical signs and hematological changes are often variable and non-specific. Radiographic examination may also be unrewarding, especially if concurrent abdominal effusion is present. Splenic ultrasonography is easily performed, sensitive but often non-specific because many disorders have overlapping ultrasonographic patterns.