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Hemangiosarcoma of the spleen

Hemangiosarcoma is a cancer that arises from the cells lining the inside of blood vessels. The spleen is the most common location in dogs. The tumor forms a fragile, blood-filled mass that can rupture and bleed inside the abdomen. Its parti...

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Definition Signs Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Complications When to see a vet Prognosis FAQ Sources Affected species

What is it?

Hemangiosarcoma is a cancer that arises from the cells lining the inside of blood vessels. The spleen is the most common location in dogs.

The tumor forms a fragile, blood-filled mass that can rupture and bleed inside the abdomen.

Its particularity, and its cruelty, is to remain silent for a long time: many dogs appear in great shape until the day a bleeding causes a sudden collapse.

Key point

A mass in the spleen is not systematically cancerous: a significant proportion of these masses are benign, and the operation is then sufficient to cure the dog. Only microscopic analysis allows us to know.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Related signs — each one links to its page:

Pale mucous membranes Reduction Fatigue Bloating Loss of appetite Rapid breathing Lying animal that does not get up Weight loss

Episodes of sudden weakness: the dog staggers, lies down, seems weak, then seems to recover a few hours later. These episodes correspond to small bleedings and are a major alarm signal.

Gums very pale, almost white.

Rapid breathing, panting at rest.

Abdomen that swells and becomes tense as blood accumulates.

Fatigue from exercise, refusal to go out, loss of appetite, progressive weight loss.

Sudden collapse with inability to get up: this is a life-threatening emergency.

When to consult without delay

This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.

Causes and risk factors

Cancer develops from cells in the lining of blood vessels, which are extremely numerous in the spleen.

The causes of this transformation are not known.

A racial predisposition is clearly observed, which suggests a genetic component.

Breeds particularly affected: German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Labrador, Boxer, Bernese Mountain Dog.

Middle to advanced age: the disease mainly affects dogs over six to eight years old.

Size: large breed dogs are more represented than small dogs.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

Faced with sudden weakness or pale gums, the veterinarian first assesses the circulatory state: heart rate, pulse, color of the mucous membranes, blood pressure.

An ultrasound of the abdomen looks for a mass on the spleen and the presence of free blood.

A blood test assesses anemia and clotting.

X-rays or an ultrasound of the heart and chest are taken, because this tumor can also affect the heart and lungs.

Only laboratory analysis of the removed spleen makes it possible to confirm the diagnosis: on ultrasound, a mass of the spleen can be benign or malignant, they cannot be distinguished with certainty on the image.

Treatment

In the event of active bleeding, treatment is an emergency: infusion, stabilization, sometimes transfusion to compensate for blood loss.

Surgical removal of the spleen is the primary treatment. It stops the bleeding and removes the tumor; a dog lives completely normally without a spleen.

The operated part systematically goes to the laboratory: this is what distinguishes a benign tumor, resolved by the operation, from a hemangiosarcoma.

Chemotherapy is offered after surgery when the diagnosis of cancer is confirmed, to delay the reappearance of the disease elsewhere.

If surgery is not an option, comfort care is provided to limit pain and discomfort.

Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.

Prevention

No prevention is known.

In predisposed breeds and older dogs, palpation of the abdomen at each visit and, on the advice of the veterinarian, an abdominal ultrasound during the senior assessment may reveal a mass before it bleeds.

Learning to look at the color of your dog's gums when he is well allows you to immediately spot abnormal pallor the day it occurs.

Possible complications

Tumor rupture and massive, life-threatening internal bleeding within hours.

Severe anemia due to repeated blood loss.

Serious clotting disorders, the blood consuming its own factors during bleeding.

Diffusion to the liver, lungs and heart, with risk of effusion around the heart.

When to see a veterinarian

Your dog collapses, cannot get up or appears weak: a life-threatening emergency, go to a veterinarian immediately.

Its gums are pale or white.

He had an episode of weakness from which he seemed to recover: consult him anyway, without waiting for the next one.

His stomach swells or becomes tense.

He pants when resting or breathes quickly without having made any effort.

Prognosis

Hemangiosarcoma is an aggressive cancer, which has often already spread by the time it is discovered. The prognosis is serious.

Emergency surgery saves the immediate situation and allows you to find a comfortable dog; chemotherapy prolongs this respite.

A part of the spleen masses operated on ultimately turns out to be benign, and these dogs are cured by the operation. This is one more reason not to give up before having the laboratory result.

Frequently asked questions

My dog was fine yesterday, how is this possible?

This is the most puzzling feature of this disease. The spleen is a silent organ: a tumor can grow there for a long time without bothering the dog. The signs only appear when she is bleeding. You haven't missed anything.

Can a dog live without a spleen?

Yes, absolutely. The spleen stores blood and helps with filtration, but other organs take over. The operated dogs return to a normal life, without lifelong treatment or special diet.

Is the mass seen on ultrasound necessarily cancer?

No, and this is important: a spleen mass can be benign, and the image alone cannot tell the difference. It is the analysis in the laboratory, after withdrawal, which gives the answer.

Should we operate urgently or can we wait?

When the tumor bleeds, the operation cannot wait: the risk is that of a hemorrhage which will kill the dog within a few hours. When a mass is discovered by chance in a dog who is well, surgery is scheduled, which allows time for a complete assessment.