What is the prognosis for a dog with splenic hemangiosarcoma?

Our question this week was:

Dr. Debra – I have a 9-year-old golden retriever that was recently diagnosed with splenic hemangiosarcoma. She started bleeding and the emergency clinic removed her spleen. She is doing okay at home now. However, they sent off the spleen tumor samples and now are telling me she has cancer – one called hemangiosarcoma and that she doesn't have but a few months to live? Is that true? She has felt so good until this bleeding episode.

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William S. – New York

Answer

Hi – thanks for your email William. You wrote that your dog was recently diagnosed with splenic hemangiosarcoma, her spleen was removed and the biopsy came back positive for hemangiosarcoma (HSA). I'm very sorry to hear this.

The prognosis for a dog with hemangiosarcoma is about 3 months when the spleen is removed without chemotherapy. It can be slightly longer with chemotherapy.

I'm very sorry. I'd recommend that your talk to your veterinarian about your options.

An article that might be helpful to you is Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs.

Best of luck!

Dr. Debra

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