Hemangiosarcoma in dogs

Hemangiosarcoma is an aggressive type of cancer that originates in the blood vessels and frequently impacts dogs. While it predominantly affects middle-aged to older dogs, it can also occur in puppies. Understanding the development of this cancer and recognizing its subtle signs are essential for dog owners. Early detection plays a vital role in successful treatment and improving the quality of life of your dog.

What is Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs?

Hemangiosarcoma is a cancer in dogs that starts in blood vessels, often in organs like the spleen, heart, liver, or skin. These tumours are fragile and can easily rupture, causing sudden bleeding inside the body. It's essential to find it early because signs may not show until it's quite advanced.

Symptoms of Hemangiosarcoma in dogs

Identifying hemangiosarcoma in dogs can be tough as it spreads quickly within the body. Early signs include weakness, loss of appetite, rapid breathing, and a swollen belly. Dogs might also suddenly feel weak, have pale gums, a fast heartbeat, or difficulty breathing. However, these signs can resemble other issues, so vets need to run tests for a definitive diagnosis. Sometimes, dogs don’t show signs until they suddenly collapse or even die. 

When a dog suddenly collapses, immediate action is very important because hemangiosarcoma is an emergency. Quick surgery to remove the bleeding mass, if possible, followed by supportive care, can save the dog’s life.  Recognizing the signs and acting quickly when a collapse happens is a huge help in treating this illness.

What causes Hemangiosarcoma in dogs?

The causes of hemangiosarcoma in dogs aren't entirely clear, but genetics and sunlight exposure could be part of it. Certain breeds like German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, older dogs, and males are more likely to get it. Dogs with light-coloured skin exposed to the sun and those with a history of inflammation or injury might also have a higher chance of getting hemangiosarcoma. Further research is needed to fully understand the causes and risk factors associated with canine hemangiosarcoma. 

How is hemangiosarcoma diagnosed in dogs?

Diagnosing hemangiosarcoma in dogs involves careful checks and specific tests. Vets start by looking for signs and considering the pet's health history. They might do blood tests to check for problems like low red blood cells or liver issues. Imaging tests like x-rays and ultrasounds help see if there are any tumours and how far the cancer has spread.

After these tests, vets need to know how serious the cancer is to plan treatment. They might use special scans like CT scans or MRIs for a clearer picture. Lastly, a biopsy, where a small sample of tissue is taken, helps confirm the diagnosis. 

What are the available treatments for dogs with Hemangiosarcoma?

Treating hemangiosarcoma in dogs typically involves surgery to remove the cancer, followed by chemotherapy to slow its growth and prevent it from recurring. Radiation therapy might also be used to shrink the tumour and ease symptoms if surgery isn't possible.

Dogs with hemangiosarcoma may also receive supportive care, like pain medicine and special diets for sensitive skin. Treatment success depends on factors like how advanced the cancer is and the dog's overall health. While surgery is usually preferred, chemotherapy and radiation can help dogs live longer and feel better after diagnosis. These treatments can't cure hemangiosarcoma, but they help manage it and keep dogs comfortable. Other treatments, like medicine to control bleeding or procedures to remove fluid, might also be used to ease symptoms.

How to support your dog with Hemangiosarcoma

When managing hemangiosarcoma in your dog, the first step is consulting your veterinarian for a personalised treatment plan. This usually includes surgery, chemotherapy, and pain management. Keep an eye out for signs of internal bleeding, such as pale gums or weakness, and ensure your dog receives a balanced diet to support their health. Keeping stress levels low, maintaining a routine, and offering emotional support for both you and your pet are crucial. Remember, every case is unique, so working closely with your vet ensures your dog's comfort and well-being remain the top priority.

Final thoughts

Immediately contact your vet if you notice your dog with any symptoms such as sudden weakness, lethargy, pale gums, difficulty breathing or if they're throwing up blood. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that spreads fast. Early intervention is crucial to manage the symptoms and improve your dog's chances of receiving effective treatment.

It is vital to begin end-of-life care discussions before your dog‘s condition becomes unmanageable, or they begin losing their quality of life. Evaluate your dog’s quality of life with our scoring tool here.

Don’t wait until the very end. It’s important to consider your pet’s end-of-life journey early, so that you, your family and your pet are all supported through the process.

When the time comes, we’re here for you. Goodbye Good Boy provides a range of end-of-life services to make the difficult process of saying goodbye a little easier. 

We offer quality of life assessments from qualified vets, specialist grief counselling, at home euthanasia from dedicated end of life veterinarians, as well as cremation services and memorial options to help remember your pet for their unique character.

We are with you at every step of the journey.

To find out more, you can call our team of passionate pet lovers on 1800 953 619.