Leonberger Club of America Health, Research, and Education Committee

Hemangiosarcoma

What is it?	Hemangiosarcoma is a cancer of the lining of some blood vessels. It occurs most commonly in the spleen and in the heart. But it can occur just about anywhere in the body. It often does not cause any problems until the cancer bursts and rapidly releases large quantities of blood into the abdomen (splenic hemangiosarcoma) or into the lining surrounding the heart (hemangiosarcoma of the atrium of the heart). It also is a type of cancer that appears to be more common in large breed dogs, including the Leo.
Symptoms:	Include sudden weakness, acute onset of heart failure, shock, and possibly death.
Diagnosis:	A diagnosis can be made using x-rays and abdominal taps during a crisis.
Treatment:	Removing the spleen may treat splenic hemangiosarcoma, even though it may recur. Dogs can survive an acute bleeding episode with intensive care, but usually will have recurrence of the bleeding.
Links:	Review of the Epidemiology of Cancer in Dogs Human cancer treatment goes to the dogs Cancer - General Information Cancer In The Canine Hemangiosarcoma Cancer links