09/22/2021
Education Topic: Hemangiosarcoma
Hemangiosarcoma is a common and deadly cancer of dogs. The cancer tends to grow and spread rapidly, rarely giving the owner any clue their dog is harboring a deadly disease – until it suddenly strikes. Knowing more about how this cancer develops and learning to recognize the subtle signs of the disease is important for owners, not only to spot a potential problem, but also be prepared if hemangiosarcoma affects their dog.
Hemangiosarcoma arises in sites with a rich blood supply
Hemangiosarcomas begin with uncontrolled growth of the cells lining blood vessels. Because of their abundant blood supply, the heart and spleen are the two most common sites where this type of tumor is found. This predilection for growth in blood-rich areas is the reason these tumors are so deadly. Hemangiosarcomas can suddenly rupture, causing massive blood loss, and forcing owners and veterinarians to make difficult decisions within minutes of diagnosis.
Hemangiosarcoma is a disease of larger-breed, older dogs Hemangiosarcoma most commonly affects:
* Middle-aged to older dogs
* German shepherds, golden retrievers, Portuguese water dogs and Labrador retrievers
* Slightly more males than females (in some studies)
Unfortunately, no clinical signs (symptoms) are classic for hemangiosarcoma other than sudden, profound, internal bleeding. Other clinical signs sometimes reported by owners include:
* Intermittent lethargy or fatigue
* Anorexia
* Panting
* Sudden collapse
* Sudden death
Most pet owners are quick to act in cases of sudden collapse and time is of the essence in cases of hemangiosarcoma. These are true medical emergencies and many patients require immediate surgery to remove the bleeding mass (if possible), followed by supportive care to survive.
Long-term survival statistics are bleak: Even when a tumor is quickly detected and removed, the outlook for dogs with hemangiosarcoma is grim. Statistics show that:
* Average survival time with surgery alone is one to three months
* Average survival time with surgery and chemotherapy is five to seven months
* 90% of dogs are deceased one year post-diagnosis despite surgery and chemotherapy with almost 100% mortality two years post-diagnosis
If your dog is showing any signs of abnormality, please take him/her to your vet for an exam. Regular check-ups and extensive exams/testing are recommended for older dogs.
