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Can X-rays reliably detect spleen enlargement or tumors in dogs?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 11 years and 11 months old | 73 lbs

Hi is an x-ray adequate enough to tell if a spleen might be enlarged or even if there might be a tumor on the spleen. I am adding two pictures below when is my lab sitting with his leg under his tummy after a bath so it looks like a bulge. Second pic is him laying down without his leg under his tummy we went to the vet she examine and palpitated his abdomen and felt everything was okay I was just wondering if it x-ray might help in establishing that everything is okay thank you

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Catherine Stecyk

Veterinarian

Published on March 6th, 2019

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Abdominal x-rays are sometimes helpful in determining if there is a mass in the cranial (front part) of the abdomen, near the spleen or liver. Sometimes this is obvious, but masses can be more subtle on x-rays, and it can be difficult to determine from what organ a mass is originating. If there is concern for an abdominal mass on x-rays, an abdominal ultrasound may be recommended to better determine what organ the mass is associated with. I hope this is helpful - best of luck with Teddy!

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    Answered By Christie Long, DVM

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on April 30th, 2018

    There is possibly a mass on the left side attached to the spleen, but these x-rays are not sufficient to tell. If there is a mass on the spleen, the most likely possibilities are hematoma (basically a bruise), hemangioma (a benign tumor) and a hemangiosarcoma. So yes, if there is a mass there is could be a hemangiosarcoma, however ultrasound would be needed to get a better view, and ultimately the mass (likely the entire spleen) would need to be removed and biopsided to get a specific diagnosis.

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