FAQs

Disclaimer

This document is intended for informational purposes only. It is based on a thorough compilation of primary research studies, review articles, and information from reputable medical professionals. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the content, it does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your veterinarian or healthcare provider to address any concerns or questions regarding your pet’s health or medical conditions.

What are the early signs of Hemangiosarcoma in dogs?

Hemangiosarcoma is often referred to in the veterinary field as the “silent killer” because dogs typically show no symptoms until the disease has already progressed to an advanced stage, often leading to an emergency situation.

Common symptoms shared by most hemangiosarcomas include:

  • Weakness
  • Pale mucous membranes
  • Anemia
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Collapsing/fainting 
  • Difficult breathing
  • Sensitivity to touch
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss

Splenic Hemangiosarcoma may also display:

  • Distended abdomen
  • Pale gums
  • Accumulation of fluid within the abdominal cavity (pot-bellied look)

Heart Hemangiosarcoma may also manifest:

  • Trouble with coordination
  • Irregular heartbeats/arrhythmia
  • Accumulation of fluid within the thoracic cavity

Dermal/Subcutaneous types are the easiest to spot, displaying:

  • Red or purple masses, usually in areas of little fur and exposed to the sun
  • Bruising around the tumor
  • Ulcerated sores on the skin
  • Visible bleeding

Muscular hemangiosarcomas can occasionally present as a visible lump, but unfortunately, they are often diagnosed as metastases of hemangiosarcoma originating from a different organ.

Additional symptoms may arise if the cancer has spread to other organs. Since these symptoms can overlap with those of various other health issues, it’s crucial to promptly consult a veterinarian if you notice any concerning changes in your dog’s behavior or health.

What diagnostic tests are used to confirm hemangiosarcoma?

To confirm hemangiosarcoma, veterinarians typically conduct a combination of diagnostic tests based on the symptoms your dog is exhibiting and their overall medical history.

For Splenic Hemangiosarcoma, diagnosis often involves an urgent approach:

  • A physical examination may prompt emergency surgery if the veterinarian detects an enlarged spleen.
  • Biopsy and pathology evaluation of the bleeding tumor or the spleen, if removed, confirm the suspicion.
  • If diagnosed with HSA, additional examinations may be necessary to assess the spread of the cancer (metastasis). These can include an abdominal ultrasound to check for spread within the abdomen, chest X-rays to look for metastasis in the lungs, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the heart for any signs of involvement.

Cardiac hemangiosarcomas are typically diagnosed using ultrasound of the heart, especially after a health crisis reveals fluid accumulation or the presence of a tumor, mass, or clot. This type of heart cancer can also be incidentally visualized on routine chest X-rays or may be a consequence of a previously diagnosed splenic HSA.

  • Biopsy for definitive diagnosis is challenging due to the complex location and is often discouraged due to the risks involved.
  • Blood count, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis to assess for anemia and other systemic dysfunctions caused by the cancer.
  • Fluid samples from the abdomen and chest may be analyzed.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) to examine the electrical activity of the heart muscles for abnormalities.
  • X-rays to detect changes in cardiac size and structure.

Cutaneous / Subcutaneous / Muscular hemangiosarcoma

Cutaneous hemangiosarcomas are visible and can be traced, making them more likely to be diagnosed early. In contrast, hemangiosarcomas developing in subcutaneous or muscular tissue tend to behave more aggressively, with a higher likelihood (around 60%) of spreading internally. This type of hemangiosarcoma does not have a specific anatomical preference and can appear in various locations such as the limbs, flank, trunk, scapula, and cervical regions

  • The veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical examination of the dog, carefully noting any visible symptoms or abnormalities such as lumps, swelling, or changes in skin color.
  • Initial diagnosis may involve a fine needle aspirate (FNA), where a small sample of tumor cells is collected using a needle for microscopic examination.
  • In some cases, a surgical biopsy may be necessary for a definitive diagnosis.
  • Staging follows to investigate potential spread to other parts of the body. This may include blood work, urinalysis, clotting tests to assess organ function, and visual tests such as X-rays, ECG for detecting abnormal heart rhythms, and abdominal ultrasound to examine for enlarged lymph nodes, masses, and signs of metastasis.

What can affect the prognosis and survival rate of dogs with hemangiosarcoma?

Several factors may influence the prognosis and survival rate of dogs with hemangiosarcoma, including the stage and extent of cancer at diagnosis, presence of metastasis, and the response and effectiveness of treatment.

Median survival time provides an estimate based on research and observation, but individual outcomes can vary significantly. Some dogs may respond well to treatment, leading to extended survival beyond expectations, while others may not respond as favorably, affecting their prognosis.

C1 Splenic Hemangiosarcoma

Without surgery, most pets succumb to the disease within 0-1 month.

With surgery alone and no metastasis, the average survival time is 1-3 months.

If splenectomy gets combined with chemotherapy and there’s no metastasis, dogs may survive around 6-9 months.

In cases where metastasis has occurred, chemotherapy may help slow progression, but survival is generally shorter.

Fewer than 10% of dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma survive one year after diagnosis.

C2 Cardiac Hemangiosarcoma

Untreated, survival times range from 0- 1 month.

If surgery is not feasible due to tumor location or size, chemotherapy alone may extend survival by 2 to 4 months.

When surgery is possible, dogs may survive between 1 to 5 months.

Following surgery with chemotherapy to slow disease progression, survival time may extend to 6 to 9 months.

Similar to splenic hemangiosarcoma, the 1-year survival rate is less than 10%, regardless of aggressive treatment approaches.

Cutaneous/Subcutaneous/Muscular Hemangiosarcoma

Cutaneous hemangiosarcoma typically has a fair prognosis if removed before it invades deeper into subcutaneous tissues. The median survival with surgical removal and supportive chemotherapy, if necessary, is approximately 2-3 years.

Subcutaneous and muscular hemangiosarcomas, however, carry a poorer prognosis. Treatment involves surgery when feasible, along with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The median survival time for these forms of hemangiosarcoma ranges from 5 to 10 months.

What are the treatment options available for hemangiosarcoma?

It’s important to understand that hemangiosarcoma cannot be cured at this time. The goal of treatment is to slow down tumor progression and improve the dog’s quality of life for as long as possible. Each treatment plan is adjusted to fit the dog’s individual condition and the extent of the cancer. This often involves using a combination of therapies to achieve the best outcomes. Treatment approaches are generally similar for all types of hemangiosarcoma.

  • Surgery is the primary first-line treatment when feasible. The procedure involves removing affected organs, tumors, and cancerous tissue, followed by thorough exploration of the affected area.
  • Chemotherapy is strongly recommended as the next step, or as the first-line treatment for dogs unable to undergo surgery, to target any remaining cancer cells, slow down progression, and address metastasis. Commonly used chemotherapy drugs such as Doxorubicin and Carboplatin are administered intravenously in outpatient settings every 2-3 weeks for approximately 4-5 treatments. Following the primary chemotherapy protocol, oral maintenance therapies may be recommended.

For patients who cannot tolerate intravenous chemotherapy or require additional support, metronomic chemotherapy may be advised. Metronomic protocols involve administering lower doses of one or more oral medications in combination, typically given by the dog’s caregivers over a shorter period.

  • Additional therapies may be recommended alongside standard treatments. Drugs such as Losartan, repurposed medications like Propranolol and Panacur, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be suggested to enhance patient health and quality of life. These therapies aim to shrink tumors or slow down the progression of the condition.
  • Radiation therapy may be used to alleviate pain, improve function, and minimize treatment-related side effects.
  • Supplements for nutritional support and palliative care may also be recommended. Integrative mushroom extracts and combinations of Chinese herbs such as Yunnan Baiyao, Turkey Tail, and K9 Immunity Plus are commonly used in veterinary practice to aid with tumor management and mitigate internal bleeding crises. It’s important to discuss the potential benefits and risks of these additional treatment strategies with a veterinary oncologist.

Can hemangiosarcoma be prevented?

As of now, there is no known way to definitively prevent hemangiosarcoma in dogs. Because the exact cause remains unclear, establishing prevention strategies is challenging. However, certain risk factors have been associated with an increased likelihood of dogs developing this cancer, such as:

  • Genetic predisposition, which may be inherited through bloodlines.
  • Certain breeds, including Golden Retrievers, Portuguese Water Dogs, German Shepherds, Boxers, and Labrador Retrievers, have a higher incidence of HSA. Research is ongoing to determine if this is due to genetic factors or breed popularity.
  • Age is a significant factor, with the disease more commonly diagnosed in older dogs, typically between 8 to 13 years old, although it can occur in dogs of any age.
  • Male dogs have a slightly higher risk compared to females, although recent studies suggest that neutered females may have a higher incidence of diagnosis compared to intact females.
  • Exposure to certain environmental factors or carcinogens may potentially increase the risk of cancer development, although specific links to hemangiosarcoma are not well-established.

Understanding these risk factors can help identify dogs that may be more susceptible to hemangiosarcoma, encouraging closer monitoring and proactive care

How can I support my dog while undergoing treatment?

The care you provide at home should focus on alleviating symptoms, managing the side effects of treatment, and ensuring the best comfort for your dog. Some elements of supportive care may include:

  • Familiarizing yourself with crisis management, as they may experience bleeding from bursting tumors and display pain differently. Medications, physical therapies, and alternative treatments can help effectively manage the disease’s progression and outcomes.
  • Keeping a journal with a checklist to track new symptoms and potential side effects from medications.
  • Ensuring your dog receives a balanced and nutritious diet tailored to their specific needs to help maintain their strength and boost their immune system.
  • Providing a cozy resting area and promptly addressing any signs of discomfort to keep them comfortable.
  • Adapting regular exercise to your dog’s energy levels to contribute to their physical and mental well-being.
  • Offering companionship, love, and engaging activities to improve their overall quality of life during treatment.

Collaborating closely with your veterinarian to create a personalized care plan that addresses your dog’s specific needs and aims to enhance their comfort and happiness throughout the treatment journey.