Early sterile splenic abscess following vehicular trauma in a dog

Abstract A dog presented 24 hours following vehicular trauma. The dog presented in hypovolaemic shock and developed a progressive haemoperitoneum and anaemia over the following 2 days. Initial ultrasonography was concerning for a splenic mass, suspected to be a haematoma. The dog developed a waxing and waning fever despite broad‐spectrum antimicrobials, intermittent anorexia and abdominal pain. Exploratory celiotomy 10 days following trauma revealed a sterile splenic abscess, with complete resolution of clinical signs following splenectomy. Histopathology yielded a diagnosis of a sterile necropurulent abscess with no bacterial growth. This report suggests that a splenic abscess should be considered in post‐trauma patients with a fever, leukocytosis or abdominal pain.