Hemangiosarcoma Dog Treatment: Treatment Options and Prognosis

Hemangiosarcoma is a serious and often fatal cancer in dogs, with a median survival time of just 4-6 months after diagnosis.

Surgery is often the primary treatment for hemangiosarcoma, aiming to remove the tumor and affected organs.

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Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that affects blood vessels.

It's a fast-growing cancer that can occur in various parts of the body, including the spleen, liver, and skin.

Hemangiosarcoma is most common in older dogs, typically over the age of 10.

This cancer is caused by the abnormal growth of cells in the blood vessels, which can lead to tumors.

The symptoms of hemangiosarcoma can be non-specific and may include lethargy, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

In some cases, hemangiosarcoma can cause bleeding or bruising due to the rupture of blood vessels.

The prognosis for dogs with hemangiosarcoma is generally poor, but treatment options are available to improve quality of life.

Hemangiosarcoma is a complex and multifaceted disease, and understanding its causes can help us better grasp its nature. Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in the development of hemangiosarcoma in dogs, making some breeds more susceptible to this cancer.

Accumulated lifetime exposure to carcinogens is another key factor, and it's essential to minimize our pets' exposure to potential carcinogens to reduce their risk of developing hemangiosarcoma.

Some common carcinogens that can contribute to the development of hemangiosarcoma include:

Hemangiosarcoma is a serious condition that requires prompt attention. The first symptom of hemangiosarcoma is a tumor rupture, which can lead to blood loss and potentially life-threatening complications.

A tumor rupture can cause pale gums, labored breathing, and collapse. These symptoms are a clear indication that an emergency veterinary visit is needed.

The symptoms of hemangiosarcoma can vary, but common signs include a lump or mass in the abdomen, a black or red mass in the skin, and weakness.

A dog with hemangiosarcoma may also experience heart arrhythmia, weight loss, and partial or complete loss of movement.

In severe cases, seizures and/or intermittent collapsing can occur, making it essential to monitor your dog closely.

Other symptoms include a general lack of energy, lameness, and/or lack of engagement, and pale mucous membranes.

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Diagnosing hemangiosarcoma in dogs can be challenging due to its vague and nonspecific symptoms, or acutely severe signs of hypovolemic shock. Your veterinarian will likely make a presumptive diagnosis based on the dog's signalment, symptoms, and preliminary imaging of the abdomen.

Symptoms of hemangiosarcoma may include the presence of masses, typically on the spleen, which can be seen during imaging tests like x-rays and ultrasound. In some cases, a bluish, black, or red lump may be visible on the skin, especially in areas with sparser hair growth.

A veterinarian will typically perform a physical inspection of the lump and may send a sample for analysis to confirm the diagnosis. Staging tests, including bloodwork, abdominal ultrasound, echocardiogram, and X-rays, may also be conducted to determine the extent of the disease.

Here's a breakdown of the staging process:

Keep in mind that hemangiosarcoma is an aggressive cancer type, and up to 80% of dogs may already have metastases at diagnosis.

Diagnosing hemangiosarcoma in dogs can be a bit tricky, but veterinarians have some key signs to look out for.

The symptoms of hemangiosarcoma can be vague and nonspecific or acutely severe, with signs of hypovolemic shock from blood loss.

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A veterinarian can make a presumptive diagnosis based on the dog's age, breed, and gender, as well as the presence of masses on the spleen visible during imaging tests like x-rays and ultrasound.

Certain breeds, such as those with short, white hair, are at greater risk for dermal hemangiosarcoma, which presents as a bluish, black, or red lump in the skin.

The veterinarian will make a physical inspection of the lump and may send a sample for analysis.

A ruptured splenic hemangiosarcoma can cause internal bleeding, and a splenectomy may be performed to stabilize the dog.

To diagnose hemangiosarcoma, veterinarians will also look for signs of blood loss, such as pale gums and changes in heart rate.

A veterinarian will look for general swelling of the abdomen and may request a blood analysis, urine sample analysis, and medical imaging of the chest and abdomen.

Here are the key signs veterinarians look for during a physical exam:

Hemangiosarcoma is an aggressive cancer type, with up to 80% of dogs already having metastases at diagnosis.

The prognosis for dogs with hemangiosarcoma depends on the stage of the disease. Unfortunately, micrometastasis, which is the spread of cancer not visible on imaging or to the naked eye, is thought to occur in many patients at diagnosis.

The World Health Organization has a modified staging scheme for visceral hemangiosarcoma, which is based on the extent of the disease.

Here's a breakdown of the stages:

Staging tests may include bloodwork, abdominal ultrasound, echocardiogram, 3-view thoracic radiographs (X-rays), and/or a CT scan.

Surgery is a common treatment for hemangiosarcoma in dogs, and it's often the first line of defense. The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor, stop the bleeding, and prevent future bleeding.

For dermal hemangiosarcoma, surgical removal is usually highly effective, especially if the tumor is caught early.

Visceral hemangiosarcoma requires more complex surgery, often involving the removal of the spleen, to stop the bleeding and prevent further complications.

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The prognosis for visceral hemangiosarcoma is generally poor, with only 10% of dogs surviving more than a year.

Chemotherapy is often used in conjunction with surgery to improve the prognosis for dogs with hemangiosarcoma.

Cyclophosphamide is a common chemotherapy drug used to treat hemangiosarcoma, especially in cases where the tumor has infiltrated the lower layers of the skin or muscle.

Radiation therapy can be used as a palliative care option for skin hemangiosarcoma, especially when surgery cannot achieve wide margins or if dirty margins are seen on histopathology.

Here are some new and experimental treatments being evaluated in clinical trials:

Chemotherapy can extend survival times for dogs with hemangiosarcoma, especially when combined with surgery. Doxorubicin is the most effective medication used, often in combination with other drugs like cyclophosphamide and vincristine.

Up to five total chemotherapy treatments, given three weeks apart, are typically recommended if doxorubicin is used and the dog tolerates it well. Exceeding five doses of doxorubicin can increase the risk of heart damage, especially in large-breed dogs.

Metronomic therapy, which involves giving smaller oral doses of chemotherapy more frequently, may be better tolerated with fewer side effects, but its efficacy is not comparable to traditional chemotherapy when used alone to treat hemangiosarcoma.

Here's a summary of chemotherapy protocols for hemangiosarcoma:

Adding chemotherapy to surgery may only add a few extra months to survival time, but it's still an important part of treatment for hemangiosarcoma.

Chemotherapy can extend survival times for dogs with hemangiosarcoma, especially when combined with surgery.

The most commonly used medication for chemotherapy is doxorubicin, which has been shown to be the most effective treatment to date.

Chemotherapy typically involves giving up to five total treatments three weeks apart, but exceeding five doses of doxorubicin can increase the risk of heart damage.

Doxorubicin is usually well-tolerated by dogs, but large-breed dogs are at a higher risk of heart damage with more than five treatments.

Metronomic therapy, which involves giving smaller oral doses of chemotherapy more frequently, may be better tolerated with fewer side effects, but its efficacy is not comparable to traditional chemotherapy.

Here are the median survival times for dogs with hemangiosarcoma based on treatment:

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and individual results may vary depending on the dog's specific condition and overall health.

A balanced diet is crucial for your dog's overall health, especially during chemotherapy. This means providing a complete and balanced diet that meets all your dog's nutritional needs.

For dogs with hemangiosarcoma, a consistent diet is particularly important, especially if they're undergoing cancer treatment. Consistency is key to supporting their recovery.

A dog's digestive system can be sensitive during chemotherapy, so it's essential to stick to a familiar and easily digestible food. This can help minimize any potential side effects.

Dogs with hemangiosarcoma require a diet that's tailored to their specific needs, ensuring they're getting all the necessary nutrients.

Experimental therapies for hemangiosarcoma are being evaluated in clinical trials, including a study using a novel formulation of Rapamycin.

Rapamycin has shown anticancer activity in humans and has been used anecdotally in dogs, but its effectiveness has been unpredictable. Recent genomic analysis suggests that certain genotypes may be uniquely responsive to Rapamycin.

The SOCH (Scout Out Canine Hemangiosarcoma) study is a clinical trial that combines standard chemotherapy with vaccine immunotherapy to stimulate the dog's immune system to detect and kill cancer cells.

Turkey tail mushrooms, specifically Coriolus versicolor, have shown promise in improving outcomes for dogs with hemangiosarcoma by stimulating the immune system and promoting a healthy gut microbiome.

Yunnan Baiyao, a Chinese herbal medicine, may help support hemangiosarcoma patients after surgery or as palliative treatment for patients with bleeding metastatic nodules.

Supplements can be a valuable addition to your dog's treatment plan, but it's essential to approach them with caution and under the guidance of your veterinarian.

Two supplements have been studied concerning hemangiosarcoma in dogs: turkey tail mushrooms and Yunnan Baiyao.

Turkey tail mushrooms, also known as Coriolus versicolor, have shown promise in improving outcomes for dogs with hemangiosarcoma.

The beta-glucans in this mushroom are thought to bind to immune cells, stimulating their activity to kill and remove cancer cells.

A healthy gut microbiome is associated with better immunity, and turkey tail mushrooms also contain prebiotics which provide food for beneficial gut bacteria.

One study found that high-dose polysaccharopeptide (PSP), derived from C. versicolor, significantly delayed the progression of metastasis and increased median survival time.

However, a follow-up study did not show improvements, so more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

Yunnan Baiyao is another supplement that may benefit dogs with hemangiosarcoma, particularly in reducing bleeding.

It's essential to consult your veterinarian before adding any supplement to ensure it won't interfere with your dog's medications or treatments.

Only add one supplement at a time, so if your dog reacts poorly, you'll know exactly which one to blame.

Choosing a few supplements targeting your dog's primary needs is generally better than throwing too many at her, which can also help keep costs down.

Experimental therapies for hemangiosarcoma are being explored in clinical trials and through innovative approaches. Rapamycin, an immunosuppressive with anticancer activity, is being studied for its potential to improve treatment outcomes for dogs with hemangiosarcoma.

Researchers are also investigating CAR-T therapy, which involves genetically modifying immune cells to recognize and eliminate tumor cells. This approach has shown success in human blood cancers but is still being explored for solid tumors in canines.

Studies are underway to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CAR-T cells in dogs with spontaneous cancers, including hemangiosarcoma. Collaboration between Northwestern University and the University of Illinois is partially funding this research.

Personalized therapies, such as Ethos-PUSH, are being developed to target specific genomic alterations in hemangiosarcoma. This approach involves randomizing dogs to receive one of four treatments, including standard therapies and novel targets.

Supplements like turkey tail mushrooms and Yunnan Baiyao are also being studied for their potential benefits in hemangiosarcoma. Turkey tail mushrooms have shown promise in improving outcomes for dogs with hemangiosarcoma by stimulating the immune system.

The Scout Out Canine Hemangiosarcoma (SOCH) study is enrolling dogs with hemangiosarcoma to receive a combination of standard chemotherapy and vaccine immunotherapy. This trial aims to stimulate the patient's immune system to detect and kill cancer cells.

Researchers are actively exploring new treatments for hemangiosarcoma in dogs. Antibody therapy is one promising approach, which aims to inhibit the activity of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to prevent the formation of new blood vessels that feed the tumor.

Studies have shown that antibody therapy can be effective in treating hemangiosarcoma, particularly in dogs with splenic tumors.

Immunotherapy is another area of research, with some treatments showing significant survival benefits. Liposome-encapsulated muramyl tripeptide phosphatidylethanolamine (L-MTP-PE) has been used in combination with splenectomy and chemotherapy, but it's not currently commercially available in the United States.

A newer compound called I'm-Yunity, derived from the mushroom Coriolus versicolor, has shown promise in improving survival times in dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma. In a recent study, dogs treated with I'm-Yunity had a median survival time of 199 days, compared to 86 days for those who only underwent surgery.

The eBAT drug has also shown exciting results, with a 6-month survival rate of approximately 70% and 21% of dogs living more than 450 days. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.

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Here are some new and emerging treatments for hemangiosarcoma:

These emerging treatments offer hope for dogs with hemangiosarcoma, and ongoing research may lead to even more effective treatments in the future.