Anaesthetic considerations for a bleeding hemangiosarcoma undergoing splenectomy

A haemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that is common in dogs. Most cases originate from the spleen. Typically these patients present with haemoabdomen for splenectomy. Care should be taken to thoroughly assess and stabilise the patient prior to anaesthesia. These patients are often critical, and consideration should be taken of the equipment and monitoring devices required. ECG, blood pressure, SpO 2 and capnography are all vital when monitoring the anaesthetic for these patients.