The spleen is a dark red organ located in the abdomen that plays a role in blood cell production and immune function. A normal ferret’s spleen measures about 5 cm long, 2 cm wide, and is about 1 cm thick. Enlarged spleens are fairly common in ferrets over the age of 1 year, however, the cause is poorly understood. The most common cause found in a condition called extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH). This is when the body is using the spleen for extra production of blood cells in addition to the bone marrow. This is not a medical problem other than determining if there is a medical reason to increase blood cell production. Other causes include cancer, splenic torsion (rare), abscess (rare), splenic rupture (rare), and hypersplenism (rare). Idiopathic hypersplenism (splenic enlargement of unknown cause) refers to a group of syndromes that involve splenomegaly and peripheral cytopenia of various causes. Involves destruction of one or more blood cell lines by the reticuloendothelial system within the spleen.
Patients typically act normal and healthy with the enlarged spleen is discovered incidentally on exam or felt at home by the owner within the belly. In cases where the spleen is enlarged secondary to other underlying problems or of idiopathic hypersplenism, the patient may be weak and have pale gums secondary to anemia.
Your veterinarian will recommend imaging including radiographs and ultrasound, a complete blood count, and serum biochemistry. If anything of concern is noted on imaging they may recommend doing an aspirate for biopsy and sending samples in to a pathologist. If the cause still remains elusive, a bone marrow biopsy may be necessary.
Treatment of splenomegaly depends on the cause, with some causes required no treatment. Extramedullary Hematopoiesis is one cause that requires no treatment except if there are underlying issues resulting in the need for increased blood cell production such as anemia. On the other hand, splenic tumors are treated with surgical removal of the spleen and/or chemotherapy depending on the type of cancer involved. Idiopathic hypersplenism is also treated with surgery to remove the spleen.
The prognosis of extramedullary hematopoiesis is good while the prognosis for splenic tumors is highly dependent on the type of tumor involved. The prognosis of idiopathic hypersplenism following surgery is fair to guarded with an average survival time of 20 months.
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