Intrahepatic splenosis as a differential diagnosis for hepatic neoplasia in a dog

Abstract

Intrahepatic splenosis is the heterotopic autotransplantation of splenic tissue secondary to splenic trauma or splenectomy. A 12-year-old Cairn terrier was referred due to lethargy, collapse and abdominal discomfort. Abdominal ultrasound and a computed tomography scan (CT) revealed an intrahepatic mass in the left medial liver lobe. The dog underwent surgery for liver lobectomy, and subsequent histopathology revealed intrahepatic splenosis. The dog had undergone splenectomy 3 years previously due to splenic rupture following an abdominal trauma.