Hemangiosarcoma

The following is by no means an exhaustive list and is meant to provide a basic description of the more common cancers that afflict our dogs. We have provided links to more detailed information on other websites under Cancer Support.

Hemangiosarcoma is a very aggressive cancer affecting the soft tissue, most commonly the spleen and heart. However, since it preys on blood vessels, it can spread rapidly, causing tumors almost anywhere in the body. One of the big problems with Hemangiosarcoma is that it develops slowly and is essentially painless, therefore clinical signs usually go unnoticed until the advanced stages when the tumors are resistant to most treatments. Most Hemangiosarcomas are treated by surgery followed by intensive chemotherapy. Unfortunately, many dogs die from severe internal bleeding before treatment begins.

A common form of cancer, hemangiosarcoma affects mostly older, large breed dogs though all dogs, including young, can be affected. Males tend to have a higher rate of diagnosis than females, with German Shepards and Golden Retrievers more affected than other breeds.

Like osteosarcoma, a significant research effort is currently underway to help alleviate this disease in dogs.

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