Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is most common in middle-aged to older, large breed dogs, with high-risk breeds including Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Labrador Retrievers, plus Portuguese Water Dogs, Boxers, and Bernese Mountain Dogs, affecting the spleen, heart, liver, or skin, often presenting as sudden bleeding or collapse.

What dogs are most likely to get hemangiosarcoma?

Golden retrievers, German shepherds, and Labrador retrievers are among the breeds most frequently diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma. Dogs with cutaneous hemangiosarcoma may have a mass in or under the skin.

Why are so many dogs getting hemangiosarcoma?

Like many forms of cancer, the exact cause of HSA is unknown. Genetics likely contribute since HSA is more common in certain breeds, such as German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers.

How can I prevent hemangiosarcoma in my dog?

There are no known methods for effective prevention of hemangiosarcoma.

Has a dog ever beaten hemangiosarcoma?

Chase is a feisty, cream-colored dachshund owned by Krista Dieckamp, a Morris Animal Foundation donor. Chase didn't just beat the odds, though, she exceeded all expectations. Many dogs with visceral hemangiosarcoma (affecting the heart, lungs and spleen) don't survive the high-risk surgery needed to save their lives.

Early Detection and Strategic Prevention of Canine Hemangiosarcoma

What is the average age for hemangiosarcoma in dogs?

Hemangiosarcoma is most common in middle-aged and older dogs, with the median age at diagnosis being ten years.

Does hemangiosarcoma show up in bloodwork?

The first question we asked was, “Does the blood test accurately detect the presence of hemangiosarcoma in dogs?” The answer is an unqualified, “Yes.” Our results show that the test accurately identifies dogs in which hemangiosarcoma is present about 90% of the time.

What is the 2/3 2/3 rule for hemangiosarcoma?

The "double two-thirds rule" for canine splenic masses suggests 2/3 are malignant, and 2/3 of those are hemangiosarcoma (HSA), meaning about 43% of all splenic masses are HSA, with the rest being benign (like hematomas) or other cancers. However, recent studies refine this: dogs with ruptured splenic masses and abdominal bleeding (hemoperitoneum) have a much higher likelihood (around 73-80%) of malignancy, predominantly HSA, requiring urgent splenectomy, while incidental masses have a higher chance of being benign.
 

Can diet impact hemangiosarcoma?

There are no known methods for prevention of hemangiosarcoma. Altering lifestyle behaviors, eliminating exposure to toys or other factors in the environment, and/or feeding special diets have no effect on the risk of developing this disease.

Can you cure hemangiosarcoma in dogs?

“Unfortunately, this disease is invariably fatal. More than 50% of dogs with this disease will die within four to six months, and almost 90% will die within a year. Surgery and chemotherapy can prolong life for dogs with hemangiosarcoma, but currently there is no cure,” the site states.

How long can a dog live with a spleen tumor without surgery?

Without treatment, the life expectancy ranges from one week to three months, with many dogs living only a few weeks if the tumor has already started to bleed. For those undergoing surgery (splenectomy) without further complications, the median survival time extends to about 1-3 months.

How fast can a tumor grow in a dog?

While some may be present for many months without growing much, others can appear suddenly and grow very quickly. Sometimes they can suddenly grow quickly after months of no change. They may appear to fluctuate in size, getting larger or smaller, even daily.

What's the longest a dog has lived with hemangiosarcoma?

We report a case of a 6.5-year-old dog diagnosed with a splenic hemangiosarcoma and treated solely with micronized fenofibrate, administered orally once a day following splenectomy. The dog survived for over 26 months (804 days) after initial diagnosis without signs of adverse effects due to fenofibrate treatment.

What happens when a dog is dying of hemangiosarcoma?

The heart – hemangiosarcoma can spread to the heart, leading to bleeding around the heart which can cause severe weakness/collapse, pale gums, and sudden death.

Is it worth putting a dog through chemotherapy?

Dog chemotherapy is often worth it for extending comfortable life and improving quality of life, not typically curing cancer, with goals focused on minimizing side effects and maximizing happy time with your pet, though it's a case-by-case decision involving the specific cancer, dog's health, cost, and owner's emotional capacity, requiring close consultation with a veterinary oncologist. Many owners find the extra time and improved vitality worth the financial and emotional investment, as dogs generally tolerate chemo better than humans, but outcomes vary. 

Do dogs feel pain with hemangiosarcoma?

The disease is indolent; in other words, it does not cause pain and the rate of growth in the early stages is relatively slow. Dogs harboring even large hemangiosarcomas may show no clinical signs or evidence that they have a life threatening disease.

Can hemangiosarcoma be cured if caught early?

Cases caught and treated early can mean a longer life expectancy for your pet, although hemangiosarcoma mainly carries a poor prognosis. Splenic hemangiosarcoma has a poor predicted outcome, especially in cases with no surgical intervention or only surgical removal of the spleen without chemotherapy.

Where does hemangiosarcoma start in dogs?

Hemangiosarcoma occurs primarily in the spleen, followed by the heart, skin, and liver. It spreads from the initial site where it forms, and by the time the tumor is diagnosed cancer cells have likely localized to other parts of the body.

Can hemangiosarcoma be misdiagnosed in dogs?

Abstract. Canine splenic hematoma can be indistinguishable from hemangiosarcoma on clinical presentation and grossly at the time of surgery. However, hemangiosarcoma represents an aggressive malignancy and a misdiagnosis of hematoma would forgo indications for chemotherapy.

Has a dog ever survived hemangiosarcoma?

Yes, some dogs have survived hemangiosarcoma, a very aggressive cancer, often by beating the typical 4-6 month prognosis through a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, clinical trials, and sometimes experimental treatments, with a small percentage living years longer, demonstrating that while it's a deadly disease, rare cases of long-term survival and remission do occur. 

How long do dogs live after tumor removal?

The average survival time with surgery alone is one to three months. The 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.

Can I walk my dog with hemangiosarcoma?

Tumors Affecting the Heart (Chemodectoma, Hemangiosarcoma)

This can result in significant exercise intolerance, therefore, over-exercise or strenuous activity may predispose pets with heart-based masses to heart-related complications.

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