TITLE:
Splenic Torsion in a Domestic Short Hair Cat: Diagnostic Imaging and Surgical Management
AUTHORS:
Boris Masnov, Eleonora D’Incecco, Anna-Maria Adrian
KEYWORDS:
Splenic Torsion, Hemoabdomen, Ultrasound, Laparotomy
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Veterinary Medicine,
Vol.16 No.2,
February
28,
2026
ABSTRACT: An 11-year-old spayed domestic shorthair cat was presented for evaluation of significant weight loss with a palpable abdominal mass. Ultrasonography revealed a severely enlarged spleen with findings suggestive of splenic torsion, including folding and vascular abnormalities. Colour Doppler flow was still present. Exploratory laparotomy confirmed complete splenic torsion with capsular rupture and hemoperitoneum. Splenectomy was performed. Histopathology confirmed torsion with congestion and hemorrhage. The patient initially responded well postoperatively but was euthanised two weeks later due to suspected intra-abdominal abscess formation. Relevance and novel information: This report adds to the limited literature on feline splenic torsion. The detection of Doppler flow in a torsed spleen challenges previously established ultrasound criteria, suggesting species-specific variations or transient perfusion. Given the rarity of this condition in cats, it should be considered a differential in cases of acute abdominal signs and splenomegaly, even when Doppler flow is present.