Understanding HSA in Dogs: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

Let’s talk about something important but not-so-fun—hemangiosarcoma (HSA) in dogs. It’s a sneaky and aggressive type of cancer that can affect our furry best friends, especially certain breeds. While it’s not as commonly discussed as other canine health issues, it’s one of the most serious and life-threatening cancers for dogs, often progressing rapidly and without clear symptoms in the early stages. But don’t panic! Understanding HSA can help you stay proactive and give your pup the best care possible. In this blog, we’ll break down what HSA is, the warning signs, which breeds are most at risk, and what treatment options are available. Let’s dive in!

What is Hemangiosarcoma (HSA)?

Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that arises from blood vessels. It can occur in any organ, but it most commonly affects the spleen, heart, and liver. HSA tumors are highly vascular (rich in blood vessels), and because they can grow rapidly, they often rupture, leading to internal bleeding and sudden, severe symptoms. This is one of the reasons why HSA can be difficult to detect early on—it often isn’t diagnosed until the tumor has caused significant damage.

HSA is highly metastatic, meaning it has a tendency to spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or liver, even before it is diagnosed. This makes it particularly dangerous and challenging to treat. Unfortunately, the prognosis for HSA in dogs is often poor, but early detection and treatment can improve the chances of a better outcome.

Common Signs of Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs

Since HSA can be sneaky, catching it early is tricky. Some dogs show no symptoms until a tumor bursts, leading to a medical emergency. Here are some warning signs to keep an eye on:

• Sudden Collapse or Weakness: Dogs with HSA may suddenly collapse or appear weak, especially after physical activity. This could be a result of internal bleeding caused by a ruptured tumor.

• Lethargy: Dogs with HSA often seem unusually tired and disinterested in normal activities.

• Loss of Appetite: A dog with HSA may refuse to eat or show a decreased interest in food.

• Pale Gums and Cold Mouth/Tongue: Internal bleeding can lead to a drop in red blood cells, causing pale gums, cold mouth/tongue and a lack of energy.

• Abdominal Distention: In cases where the tumor is in the spleen, it can cause the abdomen to swell, sometimes making it noticeable to the owner.

• Coughing or Difficulty Breathing: If the cancer affects the heart or spreads to the lungs, coughing and labored breathing can occur.

• Sudden Death: In some cases, a dog with a ruptured HSA tumor may die suddenly due to massive internal bleeding.

Which Dogs Are Most Affected by HSA?

While hemangiosarcoma can affect any dog, there are certain breeds that are at a higher risk for developing this type of cancer. Breeds that are genetically predisposed to HSA include:

• German Shepherds

• Golden Retrievers

• Labrador Retrievers

• Boxers

• Doberman Pinschers

• Poodles

Older dogs (usually over 8 years of age) are also more likely to develop HSA, though it can occur in younger dogs as well. If you have a dog from one of the at-risk breeds, regular veterinary checkups with your holistic vet and vigilance for the symptoms of HSA are especially important.

How is Hemangiosarcoma Diagnosed?

Diagnosing HSA can be challenging because the symptoms often appear suddenly and can be mistaken for other conditions. If your dog is showing any signs of HSA, your veterinarian will likely begin with a physical examination and blood tests to assess for signs of internal bleeding or anemia.

In addition to blood work, imaging techniques such as ultrasound, X-rays, or CT scans can be used to locate and examine the tumor. If a tumor is found, fine needle aspiration (FNA) or a biopsy may be done to confirm the diagnosis.

In some cases, if the tumor ruptures and your dog experiences sudden internal bleeding, the diagnosis may be made during an emergency surgery to stop the bleeding.

Treatment Options for Dogs with HSA

Once HSA is diagnosed, treatment options depend on the location of the tumor, the extent of the spread, and the overall health of the dog. While the prognosis for HSA is generally poor, treatment can help extend your dog’s life and improve their quality of life. The main treatment options for hemangiosarcoma include:

1. Surgical Removal

If the tumor is localized and has not spread extensively, surgery to remove the tumor is often the first step. This is most commonly done for tumors in the spleen. In some cases, the spleen may need to be removed entirely (splenectomy). Surgery can sometimes lead to a temporary remission, but because HSA is highly metastatic, there’s a chance the cancer may spread to other organs later.

2. Holistic Care

Visiting a holistic veterinarian for alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, can help address pain, nausea, anemia, reduced appetite, and more. Holistic vets can also recommend a tailored diet for dogs with hemangiosarcoma (HSA) to ensure they receive healthy, well-balanced meals. Additionally, they can prescribe herbs to manage anemia, control bleeding, boost the immune system, and address various other concerns.

3. Palliative Care

In cases where surgery is not an option or the cancer has spread too extensively, palliative care may be recommended to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. This could include medications for pain relief, anti-nausea treatments, or fluids to support hydration.

4. Targeted Therapies

Newer treatments, such as targeted therapies and immunotherapies, are being researched for HSA. These therapies work by targeting specific cancer cells or boosting the dog’s immune system to fight the cancer. While still experimental, these treatments may provide additional options for dogs with advanced HSA.

5. Chemotherapy

Since HSA is prone to metastasis, chemotherapy is often recommended after surgery to help prevent the cancer from spreading further. Chemotherapy drugs like doxorubicin or cyclophosphamide are commonly used to treat hemangiosarcoma in dogs. While chemotherapy cannot cure HSA, it can slow down the progression of the disease and improve the dog’s overall survival time. Although this isn’t a holistic approach it is sometimes recommended. Make sure to consult with a holistic veterinarian on the pros and cons of using chemotherapy on your HSA dog.

Prognosis for Dogs with HSA

The prognosis for hemangiosarcoma depends on several factors, including the location of the tumor, how much it has spread, and how early the cancer is detected. Even with surgery and chemotherapy, the median survival time for dogs with HSA is typically between 3 to 12 months. In cases where the tumor is discovered early and it is confined to a single location, survival time can be longer.

Unfortunately, due to the aggressive nature of HSA and its tendency to spread quickly, the overall outlook remains guarded. However, some dogs can live longer with appropriate treatment, and many owners report that their dogs are able to enjoy a good quality of life for several months to years following diagnosis.

Conclusion: Vigilance and Early Detection Are Key

Hemangiosarcoma is a serious and life-threatening condition that requires prompt attention from a veterinarian. While the prognosis for dogs diagnosed with HSA can be poor, early detection, surgical intervention, and a holistic approach can improve a dog’s quality of life and survival time. If your dog is at higher risk due to breed or age, regular checkups and vigilance for symptoms like sudden weakness, loss of appetite, or abdominal swelling are crucial for early detection.

By staying informed and seeking veterinary care at the first sign of trouble, you can help ensure that your dog receives the best possible treatment and support. While a diagnosis of HSA can be devastating, it’s important to remain hopeful and work with your veterinarian to create a treatment plan that’s tailored to your dog’s individual needs.