What is Hemangiosarcoma?
Cancer of the blood vessel walls, called hemangiosarcoma, is most often seen in German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Flat-Coated Retrievers, and Boxers. This cancer can occur either inside the body cavity or on the surface of the skin. The skin variety can be easily removed surgically and carries an excellent chance of full recovery. Unfortunately, internal hemangiosarcoma is almost certainly fatal. Growths that form in the spleen, heart or liver are difficult to detect until they become large enough to show symptoms. Even at a microscopic level, hemangiosarcoma can spread and progress throughout the body, forming large, blood-filled tumors virtually anywhere. When one of these tumors bursts, it can cause an immediate internal bleeding crisis signified by sudden whitening of the gums, weakness and collapse. Owners who notice any abnormalities of the skin, lumps in the abdomen, or abnormal weakness in their pet should see a veterinarian immediately.
Hemangiosarcoma is an aggressive cancer affecting the cells that make up blood vessels, often forming masses in the spleen or heart. The cancerous tissue forming these masses is not as strong as ordinary tissue and may rupture when filled with blood, causing sudden internal bleeding emergencies and potentially death.
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Symptoms of Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs
- Lump(s) detectable in the abdomen
- Black or red mass in the skin
- Weakness
- Heart arrhythmia
- Weight loss
- Partial or complete loss of movement
- Seizures and/or intermittent collapsing
- General lack of energy, lameness, and/or lack of engagement
- Pale mucous membranes
Types
- Dermal (skin)
- Visceral (internal)
Causes of Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs
- Genetic predisposition
- Accumulated lifetime exposure to carcinogens
Diagnosis of Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs
Dermal hemangiosarcoma presents as a bluish, black or red lump in the skin. This condition may have a sun-exposure component, and occurs on areas with sparser hair growth. Dogs with short, white hair are at greatest risk for this type of hemangiosarcoma. A veterinarian will make a physical inspection of the lump and likely will send a sample for analysis.
When an older dog presents with internal bleeding, a ruptured splenic hemangiosarcoma is often suspected. If present, a splenectomy will be performed and the dog will be stabilised with fluids and possibly blood transfusions. Many animals will survive the incident. However, the tumour will often have already spread. Visceral hemangiosarcoma is sometimes only diagnosed post-mortem due to the sudden onset of symptoms from a ruptured tumor. However, if a tumor happens to be close to the skin and is successfully detected, there are a number of ways to identify the cancer. The veterinarian will look for general swelling of the abdomen, and will look at the dog’s gums to see if they are pale, a simple check for anemia. If the lump is not immediately identified as benign, a blood analysis, urine sample analysis, and medical imaging of the chest and abdomen will also be requested. A biopsy of the tumor may be taken, but this must be done carefully to avoid triggering an internal bleeding crisis.
Treatment of Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs
In the case of dermal hemangiosarcoma, careful surgical removal is usually highly effective. If the tumor has been allowed to infiltrate the lower layers of the skin or muscle, chemotherapy is often administered as well and can include IV treatments of cyclophosphamide. Surgical excision and and chemotherapy combined give an excellent prognosis.
Visceral hemangiosarcoma treatment depends on the extent and size of the tumors. In cases where the cancer is localized to the spleen and has not ruptured, surgical removal along with chemotherapy can give a median survival time of around 4 months. Only 10% of dogs survive more than a year with visceral hemangiosarcoma. Complications of this cancer include clotting disorders leading to hemorrhage, intense pain if the cancer spreads to the bone, weakness and vomiting. In cases where the cancer has spread beyond the spleen, many veterinarians deem it kinder to euthanize the dog rather than subject it to the effects of the cancer.
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Recovery of Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs
Dermal hemangiosarcoma is survivable if the tumor is small, removed completely and follow-up chemotherapy administered. Cases where the tumor has spread carry a poor outlook of 6-10 months survival time. Follow-up appointments and imaging will be needed to make sure the cancer has not spread or relapsed.
Visceral hemangiosarcoma is almost always fatal in the long term. Pain can sometimes be managed with analgesics, but the severity of the cancer is such that recovery is not possible, and pets often succumb to the complications of living with it.
Hemangiosarcoma Average Cost
From 9 quotes ranging from $3,000 - $16,000
Average Cost
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Hemangiosarcoma Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Cocker Spaniel
Sam
12 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Shaking
Loss Of Appetite
Fatigue
Our 12 year old cocker spaniel Sam was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma on March 20th. He has 12cm mass on his spleen and the cancer has also spread to his liver. I opted not to do the surgery, nor chemo, due to QoL. The (junior) vet sent me home with pain meds (Tramadol) and a decision to put him down. As well, to feed him whatever he wanted, as he recently went off kibble. On the 26th of March we went back to the vet prepared to put him down, as we thought that this was the only option. Sam was still eating, taking long walks, etc. however the meds did knock him out. Upon researching I discovered that the condition was not painful, so asked the (senior) vet why he was on pain meds, she explained for the discomfort that he might be experiencing, but suggested to take him off, and offered an injection and liquid meds (Famotidine) to help with digestive issues that he was experiencing due the change in food. There is the risk that the cyst could rupture and he would pass, however we were assured that it would not be painful and that he could die in his sleep. I would rather he pass in the comfort of our home, on his own terms, in his own time, as long as he is not suffering. We were happy to bring Sam home again, but annoyed that we weren't given more information/options earlier. It has been a roller coaster, one day he's great and the next day he won't eat. He shakes periodically which apparently is a symptom of the condition. In the past 2 days he has not eaten. It is difficult to know what is best. Is he suffering? Should we make the decision to put him down? Your advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance for your time.
April 7, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
It is hard for me to comment on whether Sam is painful or not. I think that cancer can be painful, and he may have good and bad days as it can take a significant toll on his body. If he is not eating for a few days in a row, that may be a sign that he just really isn't feeling good. It may be worth giving him a Tramadol to see if it helps and makes him more comfortable, since he cannot tell you if it hurts. Tramadol is a medication that doesn't need to be given all the time - it can be used as needed. Since I cannot examine him, it would be a good idea to contact the veterinarian that you trust and ask if they have thoughts on his condition. I hope that he has a while longer with you.
April 7, 2018
Thank you Dr. King for your response.
Unfortunately Sam passed away this morning. With his declining health and responsiveness we were prepared to put him down tomorrow. However difficult a decision that was to make, it was equally as hard to watch him labour this morning. I did question my decision at that moment, but have to believe that he was happy to spend a few more weeks, trustingly without pain, surrounded by all of those who loved and cared for him, and trust that the information that the vet was providing was accurate. Words of advice from our vet were there is no right or wrong decision in this situation, however a tough one.
My heart goes out to all who have loved and lost.
Thanks again for your advice, and for taking the time to offer guidance and support to those who are faced with this difficult situation.
April 8, 2018
Sam's Owner
Sam's owner and Dr.King : My pup Rocky is going through same ting. Hes eating and looks happy to do so and happy to see people. But its so hard to know if he's in pain. I'm giving CBD oil and a little Tramadol so does that guarantee no pain? ALso wanted to ask how long Sam lived after becoming immobile?... Rocky is on day 4 of back end paralasis and can not even sit up by himself. He is on forearms to eat and drink, and of course I have to bring those to him. And he's incontinent wearing diapers but no blockage of urine and his stools are firm and dark (I'd guess some blood as he has hemorrhaging around his navel down throughout groin that is visible dark red purple skin). I prefer not to euthanize but want to be sure he's not feeling pain otherwise I would and also wondering how prolonged it could be to wait it out.
June 6, 2018
Pamela D.
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German Shorthaired Pointer
Godiva
11 Years
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0 found this helpful
My German Short Hair pointer, age 11 died suddenly after a diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma. She displayed zero symptoms, other than in the middle of one night she was drinking water excessively. After a couple of vet visits for blood work, x-rays and then finally an ultra sound, the diagnosis was confirmed, the cancer was present in her kidneys and heart. She was diagnosed in the afternoon and by evening she was already gone. She was playing and being her usual self up until the end. I have two questions as I am trying to sort through what all of this means. 1)is this type of cancer common in GSPs,as I have always heard that as far as pure breds go, they have the least predispositions for illnesses and ailments, etc? and 2)this website mentions 'accumulated lifetime exposure to carcinogens' as a possible cause, what kind of carcinogens would they be typically exposed to? Are there carcinogens in dog foods, treats, human foods (I cooked for my dog), environmental,etc? Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated!
April 6, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hemangiosarcoma is sadly not an uncommon disease in large breed dogs, with no real predilection for breed. It can grow slowly until it becomes a problem, with no evidence of being there until the end. The problem with that type of tumor is it will grow quietly until it bursts, at which point cardiovascular collapse is imminent. There are no known contributors to this disease.
April 6, 2018
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Shih Tzu
Coco
16 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bleeding ,
My shitzu is 10 year old and she has a big lump the size of eggplant on her stomach that keeps busing with blood running out of it yellow pus and she has eye boogers but her lump when it busted it leave holes and sores that keep bleeding what can I do because we don't have the money to her to the vet ??
March 22, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. Without veterinary care, there really isn't anything that you can do at home for tumors that are bleeding and bursting. She really does need to be seen. Many clinics offer a 'free first exam' that would allow you to at least know what you might be dealing with and what possible options there might be.
March 22, 2018
Look into Yunnan Baiyao! It helps with hemangiosarcoma.
March 25, 2018
Kristine B.
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Hemangiosarcoma Average Cost
From 9 quotes ranging from $3,000 - $16,000
Average Cost
$9,000
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