Hemangiosarcoma

This form of cancer arises from the blood vessels and is extremely aggressive. The location for these tumours in dogs is generally in the spleen, in the right atrium of the heart, the liver or under the skin.

Hemangiosarcoma in dogs can be had by any dog, regardless of breed, age or sex. Dogs that are at a greater risk for this are the German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Boxers and English Setters. Pit bulls and Dalmatians tend to be predisposed to the subcutaneous or dermal forms.

There is little research done on these forms of cancer in dogs because they are primarily found in dogs, and not on humans. Because of increasing incidents occurring in several breeds, one link is potentially genetic.

Because these are fragile, blood filled tumours, they tend to exert their life-threatening effects by bleeding. If it is a heart-based tumour, the blood fills up the pericardium until it is so full that the heart inside is under extreme pressure. This prevents the heart from filling up with the blood it needs to pump.

Generally if there is a tumour located on the heart or spleen, there is a good chance there is more located elsewhere. As this tumour metastasizes extremely rapidly, the dog's health is severely affected.

The prognosis for skin and subcutaneous forms of Hemangiosarcoma is far more promising than for the splenic or heart-based tumours. Ultrasound is used to determine a diagnosis as well as X-rays and blood tests. Dogs with mass spreading, do not benefit from surgery.

It is a gut wrenching diagnosis to hear that your companion is the beholder of this type of tumour. Take the best and quickest action to help them. If it is caught early enough, miracles do happen. Unfortunately, this is a difficult one to notice at an early stage. Symptoms will include weakness and collapse with pale mucus membranes. Follow the cancer warning signs and have your dog checked if you notice anything unusual.

If your dog has been diagnosed with this form of cancer, make every day golden. Be with them 24 / 7 and cherish all the special conversations to cuddles, that you will have with them.

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Some informational links:

Animal Cancer Center (information from the Colorado State University on treatments and research)

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