Figure 10: Enlarge neoplastic spleen in male rat. (Angel)
Case history and photos

History

Angel, a 15-month-old neutered buck was part of the same group of rats as Mal-foy.

Clinical Signs

Angel exhibited signs of non-specific malaise for a few weeks. He showed intermittent discomfort, piloerection and grimace. Intermittent soft swelling of the upper left flank, but never anything palpable and swelling disappeared when examined. He was otherwise normal on multiple examinations

Diagnosis

Most recent exam revealed grossly enlarged spleen. Ultrasound confirmed and revealed diffuse neoplastic changes through spleen.

Plan of action

As Angel continued to remain bright and eating well with very little loss of weight, surgery was scheduled for a splenectomy.

Treatment

Methadone/ ketamine premed given, induced and maintained on sevoflurane/O2. Meloxicam, an analgesic and autoinflammatory agent, was given. In addition to meloxicam, maropitant, an antiemetic, was given to help reduce postop nausea and inappetence in the rat, as well as tranexamic acid given to help with any clotting issues that might arise given the planned splenectomy.

Respiratory arrest occurred during preparation for surgery. IPPV (intermittent positive pressure ventilation) commenced and spontaneous respiration restored. However, at initiation of laparotomy incision he deteriorated significantly, and the decision was made that he was highly unlikely to survive the surgery and was euthanized.

Follow-up

A postmortem exam showed the changes to the spleen (pictured below), as well as suspected metastasis to liver based on gross appearance.

Photos

Case history and all photos courtesy of Adele Wharton, BVSc, MRCVS, CertGP
Photo compilation by Cyzahhe
Case editing courtesy of Karen Grant RN