Blood Vessel Cancer of the Liver and Spleen in Dogs (Hepatic and Splenic Hemangiosarcoma)
- Occurrence: common
- Location of disease: Abdomen/pelvis
When to visit the vet?
Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days
If the condition worsens / symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.
The most important facts at a glance
Hemangiosarcomas are tumors that arise from the cells of the blood vessels and frequently affect the liver and spleen of dogs. These tumors are highly vascularized, which increases the risk of bleeding. The exact cause is unclear, but genetic factors play a role, as certain dog breeds like German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible. Environmental factors and the age of the dog can also be risk factors. Common symptoms include abdominal enlargement, weakness, and reduced exercise tolerance. For diagnosis, clinical examinations, imaging procedures like ultrasound, and blood tests are performed. Treatment often includes surgical procedures to remove the tumor and chemotherapy. These measures can improve quality of life but are not a cure. The prognosis is usually unfavorable, with an average survival time of three to nine months. Preventive measures are limited, but regular veterinary check-ups can help detect the disease early. Research focuses on better diagnostic methods and new treatment options, including immunotherapies and genetic approaches. Advances in imaging and the development of targeted therapies offer hope for improved diagnostic and treatment options.
Causes
Hemangiosarcomas are tumors that arise from the endothelial cells of the blood vessels. These cells line the inner walls of the blood vessels and contribute to the structure and function of these vessels. The tumors are highly vascularized, meaning they contain many blood vessels, leading to an increased risk of bleeding.
The exact cause for the development of hemangiosarcomas is not yet fully understood, but genetic factors play a role. Certain dog breeds, such as the German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Labrador Retriever, seem to have a higher susceptibility to this type of cancer. This suggests that genetic predispositions could play a role.
Environmental factors and the age of the dog are also considered potential risk factors. Hemangiosarcomas occur more frequently in older dogs, suggesting that the aging process and associated cellular changes may contribute to the development of the tumor.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a hemangiosarcoma are often non-specific and can range from lethargy, loss of appetite, and weight loss to collapse and sudden death. This is because the tumor is often only diagnosed after it has already led to severe internal bleeding.
A common sign is an enlarged spleen or liver, which may be noticed during a physical examination. Sudden weakness or fainting can occur if a rupture of the tumor happens, leading to acute internal bleeding.
Other symptoms can include pallor of the mucous membranes, rapid breathing, cardiac arrhythmia, and abdominal pain. These symptoms arise from blood loss and the associated anemia, as well as from the pressure the tumor exerts on neighboring organs or structures.
Therapy
Treatment of hemangiosarcomas in dogs usually involves a combination of surgical procedures and chemotherapy. Surgical removal of the affected spleen or liver may be necessary to remove the tumor and reduce the risk of bleeding.
After surgery, chemotherapy is often recommended to kill remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of metastasis. Chemotherapy can slow the progression of the disease and extend survival time, but it is not a cure.
Since hemangiosarcomas are very aggressive, treatment is often palliative. This means the main goal is to improve the dog’s quality of life and alleviate symptoms rather than completely curing the cancer.
Prognosis and follow-up care
The prognosis for dogs with hemangiosarcomas is unfortunately often poor. Even with surgical removal and chemotherapy, the average survival time is usually between three and nine months. Since the tumor is often only diagnosed at an advanced stage, treatment options are limited.
The aggressive nature of the tumor and the high probability of metastasis contribute to the unfavorable prognosis. However, the course of the disease can vary greatly between individuals, and some dogs may survive longer, especially if the cancer is detected and treated early.
Prevention
Since the exact causes of hemangiosarcomas are not fully understood, there are no specific preventive measures that can reliably prevent the development of these tumors. However, regular veterinary check-ups can help detect signs of the disease early.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can support the dog’s overall health and potentially reduce the risk of various diseases, including cancer.
For owners of breeds that are genetically susceptible to hemangiosarcomas, it can be helpful to be aware of the signs and symptoms of this disease in order to react quickly at the first sign of suspicion. Early detection and treatment can improve the chances of survival.
Outlook on current research
Current research on hemangiosarcoma in dogs focuses on various aspects of the disease, including improving diagnostics, developing new treatment approaches, and understanding genetic predispositions. Researchers are investigating advanced imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to improve the early detection of this aggressive form of cancer. These technologies allow for more detailed visualization of internal organs and help veterinarians detect and assess tumors earlier.
Another important area of research is the development of new therapeutic approaches. While traditional treatment options like surgical procedures and chemotherapy have achieved some success, the search for targeted therapies is of great importance to improve survival rates. Scientists are investigating the effectiveness of immunotherapies and personalized medicine approaches, where the genetic characteristics of the tumor are taken into account to develop tailored treatment plans.
Genetic research also plays a crucial role in fighting hemangiosarcoma. Researchers are working to identify genetic markers that pose an increased risk in certain dog breeds. By understanding the genetic basis, preventive measures could be developed for at-risk breeds. Additionally, research is being conducted on how genetic changes influence tumor development and progression, which could potentially lead to new therapeutic targets.
A promising area of research is the study of angiogenesis inhibitors, which inhibit the growth of new blood vessels. Since hemangiosarcomas are highly vascularized, these inhibitors could help cut off the tumor’s nutrient supply and slow tumor growth. Clinical trials are underway to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these drugs and clarify their potential role in treating hemangiosarcomas.
Furthermore, the role of diet and lifestyle in disease prevention and treatment is being explored. Some studies suggest that certain nutrients and diets could influence cancer risk. Researchers are investigating whether targeted dietary changes or the use of supplements can improve the quality of life and survival rates of dogs with hemangiosarcoma. This research could lead to new dietary recommendations for dogs prone to this form of cancer.
In summary, research on hemangiosarcoma in dogs is interdisciplinary and focuses on various innovative approaches. Advances in imaging, the development of new therapies, and the understanding of genetic factors offer hope for better diagnostic and treatment options. Collaboration between scientists, veterinarians, and dog owners is crucial to translate these advances into clinical practice and improve the lives of affected dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a hemangiosarcoma?
2. What symptoms does a dog with hemangiosarcoma show?
3. How is a hemangiosarcoma diagnosed?
4. What treatment options are available for dogs with hemangiosarcoma?
5. What is the prognosis for dogs with hemangiosarcoma?
6. Can certain dog breeds have a higher risk for hemangiosarcomas?
7. Are there preventive measures against hemangiosarcomas?
8. How long can a dog with hemangiosarcoma live?
9. Can a hemangiosarcoma be transmitted to humans?
10. What role does nutrition play in dogs with hemangiosarcoma?
Literature
- De Nardi, A. B., da Costa Vieira, R. A., Defavari, L. M., Filho, N. P. R., & others. (2023). Diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of canine hemangiosarcoma: A review based on a consensus organized by the Brazilian Association of Veterinary Oncology (ABROVET). Cancers, 15(7), 2025. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15072025
- Brown, N. O., Patnaik, A. K., & MacEwen, E. G. (1985). Canine hemangiosarcoma: Retrospective analysis of 104 cases. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 186(1), 56–58.
- Wendelburg, K. M., Price, L. L., Burgess, K. E., Lyons, J. A., Lew, F. H., & Berg, J. (2015). Survival time of dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma treated by splenectomy with or without adjuvant chemotherapy: 208 cases (2001–2012). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 247(4), 393–403. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.247.4.393
- Story, A. L., Wavreille, V., Abrams, B., Egan, A., Cray, M., & Selmic, L. E. (2020). Outcomes of 43 small breed dogs treated for splenic hemangiosarcoma. Veterinary Surgery, 49(6), 1154–1163. https://doi.org/10.1111/vsu.13470
- Moore, A. S., Rassnick, K. M., & Frimberger, A. E. (2017). Evaluation of clinical and histologic factors associated with survival time in dogs with stage II splenic hemangiosarcoma treated by splenectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy: 30 cases (2011–2014). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 251(5), 559–565. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.251.5.559
- Faulhaber, E. A., Janik, E., & Thamm, D. H. (2021). Adjuvant carboplatin for treatment of splenic hemangiosarcoma in dogs: Retrospective evaluation of 18 cases (2011–2016) and comparison with doxorubicin-based chemotherapy. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 35(4), 1929–1934. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.16212
- Taylor, C., O’Neill, D. G., Church, D. B., Brodbelt, D. C., & others. (2025). Survival time and prognostic factors in dogs clinically diagnosed with haemangiosarcoma in UK first-opinion practice. PLOS ONE, 20(6), e0316066. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0316066
- Queiroga, F. P., Pires, I., Amorim, I., & others. (2026). Canine splenic hemangiosarcoma: Biological behavior, prognostic factors, and treatment. Animals, 16(5), 778. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16050778