Is Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs Painful and What to Expect

Hemangiosarcoma in dogs can be a painful and potentially life-threatening condition.

The pain associated with hemangiosarcoma is often described as a dull ache or discomfort, particularly in the affected area.

As the tumor grows, it can cause pain and discomfort that may be exacerbated by movement or activity.

In some cases, hemangiosarcoma can also cause pain due to the formation of blood clots or hemorrhaging.

Dogs may exhibit behavioral changes such as lethargy or loss of appetite due to the pain and discomfort.

Hemangiosarcoma in dogs is a type of cancer that originates from the blood vessels, specifically from the cells that line them.

It's a relatively rare but aggressive cancer, making up about 7% of all canine cancers.

The cancer can occur in various parts of the body, including the spleen, liver, and skin.

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Hemangiosarcoma in dogs is often linked to a genetic predisposition, with certain breeds like German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labradors being more susceptible to this condition.

Age is another significant risk factor, as most cases of hemangiosarcoma occur in dogs over the age of 10.

Hemangiosarcoma can also be triggered by exposure to environmental toxins and carcinogens, such as pesticides and industrial chemicals.

Male dogs are more likely to develop hemangiosarcoma than female dogs, with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 2:1.

Dogs with a history of liver disease or cancer are also at a higher risk of developing hemangiosarcoma.

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Hemangiosarcoma in dogs can be a sneaky disease, and symptoms often don't appear until the cancer has spread.

One of the most common symptoms is a sudden and unexplained swelling in the abdomen, which can be caused by the accumulation of fluid or blood in the spleen.

This swelling can be accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.

As the cancer progresses, dogs may also experience weight loss, loss of appetite, and difficulty breathing.

Diagnosing hemangiosarcoma can be challenging, but veterinarians often use imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound, and CT scans to identify tumors in the spleen, liver, or other organs.

Blood tests may also be conducted to check for anemia and abnormal protein levels in the blood.

A definitive diagnosis can only be made through a biopsy or surgical removal of the tumor.

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Surgery can be curative for dermal hemangiosarcoma if identified early.

The reported median survival time for dermal hemangiosarcoma is 780 days.

Surgery alone unfortunately doesn't appear to confer a marked survival benefit for patients with visceral hemangiosarcoma.

Chemotherapy after surgery is often recommended because hemangiosarcoma is highly malignant and readily metastasizes.

The use of the drug doxorubicin is associated with longer survival times, with a reported median survival time of 141-179 days for splenic hemangiosarcoma treated with surgery and doxorubicin-based chemotherapy.

Family veterinarians often refer families to veterinary specialty hospitals where board-certified veterinary surgeons and emergency/critical care specialists can provide life-saving interventions and post-operative critical care.

After surgery, your dog will be sore, and it will be necessary to restrict activity in order to avoid sudden hemorrhage.

Your veterinarian may prescribe pain medication as a part of the palliative treatment program.

Be sure to follow directions and administer as prescribed.

Providing a quiet, comfortable place away from stimuli will help promote rest and aid in your dog's recovery.

Pain medication will help alleviate your dog's discomfort during the recovery period.

Hemangiosarcoma treatment is a complex process that depends on the location of the tumor. Surgical removal is often the first line of treatment.

The median survival time for dermal hemangiosarcoma is 780 days when identified early. Complete excision is usually possible in this form of the disease.

Subcutaneous hemangiosarcoma requires resection whenever possible, but complete excision is not often possible. Chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy may be recommended in these cases.

Visceral hemangiosarcoma requires aggressive therapies, including emergency surgery for bleeding masses in internal organs. The spleen can be surgically removed if it's the affected organ.

Surgery alone doesn't appear to confer a marked survival benefit for patients with visceral hemangiosarcoma. Chemotherapy after surgery is often recommended due to the high malignancy of this cancer.

The use of doxorubicin-based chemotherapy is associated with longer survival times. The median survival time for splenic hemangiosarcoma treated with surgery and doxorubicin-based chemotherapy is 141-179 days.

Chemotherapy can prolong survival compared to surgery alone, but virtually all dogs relapse.

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