Disease Ontology ID: DDTO:0000487

Disease Description: A cancer of blood vessels involving liver, spleen or skin.

Inherit Mode: -

Disease Symptom: Because hemangiosarcoma tumors most often in develop in internal organs, frequently, there are few or no obvious symptoms before the onset of severe clinical signs of disease. Signs of this disease are usually the result of the tumor rupturing, which causes bleeding. This may occur without any warning, and the symptoms will depend upon where the tumor is located. The most common symptom will be a lump under the skin, visible bleeding, sometimes in the form of nosebleeds, tiring easily, episodes of unexplained weakness, pale color in the gums, difficulty breathing, abdominal swelling, seizures, abnormal heart rhythms, collapse, and depression.

Disease Cause: The dermal form of Hemangiosarcoma in dogs is associated with sun exposure. It is uncertain what the causes are for the other forms of this disease, but in humans exposure to certain chemicals, such as vinyl chloride has been implicated. Because of the increased incidence in several breeds, a genetic link appears to be one of several likely causes. Hemangiosarcoma is rarely found in humans, so less research has been done, and the amount of information about the cause of this tumor is somewhat limited.

Disease Diagnose: In order to diagnose the potential disease, the veterinarian will begin with an examination of the dog. This may include looking at the mucous membranes for signs of anemia (pale gums), feeling for abdominal swelling, aspirating fluid from the abdomen to see if blood is present, and drawing blood to see if clots form. Further diagnostic work-up will most likely include a complete blood count, chemistry panel, urinalysis and radiographs (x-rays) of the chest and abdomen to determine the extent of organ involvement and whether metastasis is present. Definitive diagnosis is accomplished by biopsy or removal of the tumor. This can be challenging because there may be multiple tumors and/or the primary tumor site may be difficult to determine. There is also a significant risk of severe hemorrhage during these surgical procedures.

Treat Method: The treatment for hemangiosarcoma depends upon the location of the tumor. Treatment is more successful when this cancer occurs on the skin than when it is found in an internal organ. Most dermal hemangiosarcomas can be successfully treated and cured by surgical removal of the tumor. Chemotherapy is often used in addition to surgical excision if the veterinarian was not able to remove the entire tumor or it has penetrated into the subcutaneous tissue or muscles below the skin. Radiation therapy is also used to treat dermal hemangiosarcoma.

Breeder Advice: -

Disease Description Source: Link