babesia in splenectomized(sp?) dog

[Tigereye1]

Greetings,
My brother has a 9 year old bull who underwent a splenectomy one month ago. 3 days ago he started showing signs of not being well. He had lost a lot of weight(partially diet), was very listless, stopped eating, was dehydrated, wobbly on his feet, and had very pale gums and dark urine, although temp was a high normal at 102.5. After waiting a day until I went and saw the dog and told him to bring him to the vet, and then waiting another day before making the appointment, he ended up bringing him to the emergency hospital last night.

After a blood tranfusion and I don't know what else the dog is better and happy at the hospital and might be released tomorrow.

Apparently my brother forgot that right after he got the dog 6 1/2 years ago (when the dog was 2) he was sick and diagnosed with babesia and treated. He didn't realize that babesia is permanent, although can go dormant for long periods of times. He never had a relapse until after the splenectomy last month. As far as the spleen is concerned, I've just read that in dogs with babesia, an enlarged spleen is the norm, and without it the parasite is more likely to activate, especially after illnesses, surgeries, etc.

I am thinking now that they should have never removed the spleen, and now that it is gone, this dog will have recurring episodes of the parasite, and will need blood transfusions for the rest of his life. Is it more likely for him to get sick more often now, and how manageable is this without his spleen? He needs the acl surgery, but I'm afraid that it will aggravate the parasite and cause more complications, do you think we should do it? We just want the dog to be happy and comfortable, but we are out of money and resources.

I am in need of an outside expert's opinion, so I can try and help my brother take the best care of this dog, and I would appreciate any insights. Thank you very much

JMR

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

I would get a second opinion about the acl.  If it is a complete tear, the progressive instability of the joint will only continue to worsen and severe arthritis will ensue.  Other options includes: physical therapy, Stem cell procedure.  Please google vet stem.  It is a very promising alternative that does not require surgery on the joint.  Vet Stem does require surgery to harvest some fat from your dog from which they derive the stem cells and does require two anesthesia's, though.

[Tigereye1]

The reason for the splenectomy a month ago was enlargement. The dog was at the vet for an acl injury(another surgery in the future), and a new vet at a new practice palpated a very large spleen, became concerned about cancer and recommended surgery. At this point the dog's records from the old vet had not been forwarded, and they did not know about the history of babesia. I later learned that dogs with babesia have large spleens. That is why I now think it shouldn't have been taken out. Anyway, the splenectomy was done and another mass next to it was removed, biopsied(benign), and the dog recovered well..

He is back now from the transfusion at the vet and is happy as a clam. I am just not looking forward to future episodes now that his immune system has been compromised, and the cost of his care will now skyrocket- ugh. Thank you for your helpful words of advice.

I know that some doctors recommend acl surgery, and some say dogs don't really need it to be happy, but I guess it depends on each case. Given this dog's health now, would you think he would be fine without it, even if slower with a limp for the rest of his life?

Thank you again, I appreciate it greatly

JMR

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

There must have been a very good reason for your brother's dog to have a splenectomy performed.  Splenectomy surgery is not routine, like spaying and neutering and is only performed if there is splenic cancer or another very serious problem.  Therefore,  asking if his spleen should not have been removed in the first place is a moot point.  Recently it has been theroized that the spleen is more than just a storage organ for blood, and is very important for the immune system.  Since your brother's dog no longer has a spleen your brother must be more diligent in controlling babesia infections and possibly treating for the disease several times per year, or whenever his dog has a relapse.  And, unfortunately, he may need to have periodic blood transfusions.  If he really needs the acl surgery, he may have to be transfused during and after the surgery.  I think that most diseases that your brother's dog may acquire can be adequately managed with a little extra help.