What function does the spleen have in a dog?
In general, the spleen has the following functions: Hematopoiesis: The spleen is the major site outside the bone marrow where red blood cells are made. Blood filtration and phagocytosis: removal of old/dysfunctional/abnormal blood cells and particles from the blood. Site of immune activities: helps fight infections. This following function is what makes dog spleens (and horses too) special: Blood reservoir: The canine spleen serves as a blood reservoir which can contract in response to increased metabolic demands to release more red blood cells into the circulation. When this is no longer needed, the spleen relaxes and resumes its role as a blood reservoir. Consequently, the hearts of these animals are designed to accomodate the increased viscosity resulting from the increased amount of red blood cells in their blood. In humans, the spleen DOES NOT function as a reservoir for red blood cells, although it does serve as a storage site of platelets.
