Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs

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Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs

By: Dr. Kimberly Cronin

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Section: Overview

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Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant cancer of the cells that form blood vessels. Because these tumors start in blood vessels, they are frequently filled with blood. Consequently, when a blood-filled tumor ruptures, it can cause problems with internal or external bleeding. Hemangiosarcoma is considered to be a very aggressive tumor and can spread rapidly to other organs.

Hemangiosarcoma is more common in dogs than in cats. It usually occurs in middle-aged to older dogs 9 to 11 years of age, and German shepherds appear to be predisposed to developing this cancer.

The most common primary location of this cancer in dogs is the spleen. Other primary locations include the heart, liver, skin, and bone; however, it can start in any location where blood vessels are present. These tumors usually spread to the lungs, liver, spleen and heart.

Signs of this disease are usually the result of the tumor rupturing, which causes bleeding.

This may occur without any warning, and the symptoms will depend upon where the tumor is located.

When the tumor is located in the spleen or liver, the signs are usually due to rupture of the tumor and subsequent bleeding into the abdomen. This causes anemia, weakness and if the bleeding is severe, collapse. The gums may appear to be pale or white. In relatively few animals the diagnosis is made before the tumor ruptures.

When this type of tumor occurs in the heart, it can cause symptoms, such as weakness, collapse, difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance and fluid build-up in the abdomen. This is usually due to the development of fluid around the heart, called pericardial effusion. A thin sack, called the pericardium, normally surrounds the heart. In pericardial effusion the sack fills up with fluid and prevents the heart from beating effectively. With hemangiosarcoma, the pericardium fills up with blood due to rupture of the tumor.

When the tumor occurs in the skin, a mass or lump can usually be felt in or under the skin. The mass may become ulcerated and bleed. When the tumor occurs in a bone, it can cause pain and discomfort. In some locations, such as a rib, the tumor can be felt as a firm swelling in the bone.

What to Watch For

Anemia, weakness and collapse

Pale or white gums

Difficulty breathing

Exercise intolerance

Fluid build-up of the abdomen

Mass or lump under the skin

Swelling in the bone

Pain in the bones

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1 Hemangiosarcoma of the Bone in Dogs
Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that arises from blood vessels and can occur almost anywhere in the body. Usually when it occurs in bone it is due to metastasis from another site, although rarely,...
Read More
2 Acute Collapse in Dogs
If your dog suffers an acute collapse, he will sit down suddenly or lie down and won’t be able to get back up. He may even lose consciousness. Call or take your pet to your veterinarian immediately.
Read More
3 Syncope (Fainting) in Dogs
Syncope is the term used to describe fainting, which is a brief period of unconsciousness due to cerebral anemia and may last from seconds to minutes. Most fainting “spells” are due to low blood pressure...
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4 Structure and Function of the Spleen in Dogs
The spleen is an elongated organ located in the abdomen. Though not essential for life, the spleen serves very important functions related to the blood system. The spleen filters the blood and contributes...
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5 What Is a Splenectomy?
A splenectomy is the surgical removal of the spleen and is indicated when tumors are present on the spleen, trauma has resulted in uncontrollable bleeding, or when the spleen is severely infected.
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1 Hemangiosarcoma of the Bone in Dogs
Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that arises from blood vessels and can occur almost anywhere in the body. Usually when it occurs in bone it is due to metastasis from another site, although rarely,...
Read More
2 Acute Collapse in Dogs
If your dog suffers an acute collapse, he will sit down suddenly or lie down and won’t be able to get back up. He may even lose consciousness. Call or take your pet to your veterinarian immediately.
Read More
3 Syncope (Fainting) in Dogs
Syncope is the term used to describe fainting, which is a brief period of unconsciousness due to cerebral anemia and may last from seconds to minutes. Most fainting “spells” are due to low blood pressure...
Read More
4 Structure and Function of the Spleen in Dogs
The spleen is an elongated organ located in the abdomen. Though not essential for life, the spleen serves very important functions related to the blood system. The spleen filters the blood and contributes...
Read More
5 What Is a Splenectomy?
A splenectomy is the surgical removal of the spleen and is indicated when tumors are present on the spleen, trauma has resulted in uncontrollable bleeding, or when the spleen is severely infected.
Read More

Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs

Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs

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