Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant tumor of the vascular endothelium with a high degree of invasion and metastasis. It is especially common in dogs and less common in cats.
Hemangiosarcoma in dogs
Localization:
- Spleen - most often.
- Heart (right atrium).
- Liver.
- Skin/subcutaneous tissue.
- Muscle, bone, other tissues (less common).
Clinical signs:
- Weakness, pale mucous membranes, tachycardia.
- Hemoperitoneum (internal bleeding).
- Periodic improvement and sudden deterioration (due to tumor rupture).
- Cutaneous form - red, dark tumors on the abdomen, ears, and extremities.
Diagnosis:
- Abdominal ultrasound - to detect tumors of the spleen, liver.
- Puncture - risk of bleeding.
- Cytology is often insufficient (uninformative) and histology may be required.
- Echocardiography - if a heart tumor is suspected.
- Blood test: anemia, low platelets, changes in biochemistry.
Treatment:
- Surgery:
- Splenectomy (removal of the spleen) for spleen lesions.
- Surgical removal of the skin form.
- Chemotherapy: Necessary to control the spread of tumor cells throughout the body.
- Palliative therapy:
- Prednisolone, analgesics, homeostasis support (infusions, hepatoprotectors).
Prognosis:
- Surgery alone to remove the spleen 1-3 months.
- Surgery + chemotherapy 4-6 months.
- Skin-only form 6-12 months.
- Severe (heart or liver are affected) 1-2 months.
Hemangiosarcoma in cats
Rare, but more aggressive than in dogs.
Main localizations:
- Skin, spleen, liver, rarely lungs, kidneys
Clinical signs:
- Similar to dogs: weakness, anemia.
- Skin forms often with ulcers, bleeding, swelling.
Diagnosis:
- Ultrasound, X-ray, biopsy.
- Histology is mandatory.
- Often late detection due to lack of early symptoms.
Treatment:
- Surgical removal.
- Chemotherapy is less effective than in dogs.
- Palliative therapy for generalization.
Prognosis:
- Unfavorable - the average life expectancy after diagnosis: 1-3 months.