Which procedure is essential for the diagnosis of suspected splenic tumors?

The procedure that is essential for the diagnosis of suspected splenic tumors is emergency surgery. This allows for direct visualization and assessment of the spleen and any masses present. When a splenic tumor is suspected, especially if the animal is symptomatic due to rupture or significant bleeding, immediate surgical intervention is often necessary not only to obtain a definitive diagnosis but also to address any acute clinical issues.

Surgical exploration enables the veterinarian to confirm the presence and type of tumor through direct examination and allows for possible tissue sampling, typically via excisional biopsy, which provides the histopathological analysis required for an accurate diagnosis. In cases where splenic tumors are suspected, non-invasive imaging techniques like CT scans or X-rays may assist in identifying the mass but cannot provide a definitive diagnosis by themselves. Thus, while imaging studies are useful adjuncts, the definitive procedure required for diagnosis in acute situations involving suspected splenic tumors is emergency surgery.