Intramural jejunal splenosis associated with mechanical intestinal obstruction in a dog

Abstract

Abstract A 15‐year‐old neutered male Poodle was referred for vomiting and dysorexia. The dog underwent splenectomy 2 years earlier for a splenic haematoma complicated by pancreatitis. Abdominal ultrasonography identified an obstructive jejunal mass with mesenteric nodules, raising suspicion of intestinal neoplasia. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a jejunal mass, and segmental enterectomy was performed. Histopathology of the jejunal lesion and largest mesenteric nodule demonstrated mature splenic tissue consistent with splenosis, and a plastic foreign body was identified orally to the intramural lesion. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of intramural jejunal splenosis associated with mechanical intestinal obstruction in a dog. The foreign body may have become impacted at a stenotic site created by the intramural mass, but their respective contributions remain uncertain. Although benign, splenosis may mimic gastrointestinal neoplasia and cause significant complications. It should be considered in splenectomised dogs with obstructive intestinal masses; histopathology remains essential for definitive diagnosis.