Two Prospective Trials Demonstrate Lower Risk for Malignancy in Canine Hemoperitoneum

A common cause of spontaneous hemoperitoneum in dogs is the rupture of splenic masses. Previous retrospective studies have reported the cause of spontaneous hemoperitoneum to be due to benign (curable) lesions in as low as 4% of cases. The collective results of two sequentially launched prospective studies now suggest a new narrative on the prevalence of benign tumors and perioperative outcomes in older large breed dogs with hemoperitoneum from ruptured splenic masses. There were 40 dogs recruited in the first study and 60 dogs in the second study. All dogs underwent pre-surgical staging, splenectomy, and were followed until discharge. Biospecimens were collected for genomic analysis as part of a parallel study. All other perioperative care was at the discretion of the attending clinician. Both cohorts predominately consisted of older large breed dogs. 35/100 (35%) of dogs had benign splenic tumors that were cured with surgery alone and 93/100 (93%) survived to discharge. These prospective cohort data yield distinctive and more optimistic perspectives for dogs with hemoperitoneum due to splenic rupture than past retrospective studies. These data now allow veterinarians to consider this new optimism during discussions about splenectomy for dogs with hemoperitoneum. In parallel we are using genomic data from this cohort to identify improved therapeutic options for dogs with hemangiosarcoma utilizing a precision medicine approach. Similar efforts were responsible for the transformation of childhood leukemia from a commonly fatal cancer to one that is now commonly cured.