Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
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J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. · Oct 1998
Case ReportsLaparoscopic diagnosis of subcapsular splenic hematoma in a horse.
A 5-year-old Quarter Horse was examined after it developed signs of abdominal discomfort as a result of a training accident. Oral mucous membranes were pale, and capillary refill time was > 3 seconds. Hematologically, the PCV was low, and abdominocentesis yielded a serosanguineous fluid. ⋯ Laparoscopic examination revealed a 7.5-cm-diameter splenic hematoma contained within the splenic capsule, confirming the diagnosis of subcapsular splenic hematoma. Abdominal laparoscopy provided excellent observation of the spleen and allowed for thorough evaluation and determination of the extent of the lesion. This information aided the clinician in reaching a definitive diagnosis and choosing between splenectomy and medical treatment.