Success Rate of Splenectomy for Immune-mediated Thrombocytopenia (ITP) in Cats

Efficacy of Splenectomy in Feline ITP

• In humans, splenectomy provides an 80% initial response rate with sustained response in 66% of patients for at least 5 years, according to the American Society of Hematology 1, 2
• Up to 30% of human responders will relapse during the 10 years following splenectomy, typically within 2 years, as reported by the American Journal of Hematology 2

Comparison to Human ITP Treatment

• The American Society of Hematology notes that splenectomy has a high initial response rate in humans, but the use of splenectomy in human ITP has significantly decreased with the advent of pharmaceutical second-line treatments like TPO-receptor agonists and rituximab 2

Risks and Complications

• The American Journal of Hematology reports that splenectomy carries risks of infection, thromboembolism, and possibly increased incidence of malignancy in humans 2
• Surgical complications were reported in 10% of human patients in the 30-day period following splenectomy, even with laparoscopic methods, according to the American Journal of Hematology 2