Hemangiosarcoma is a rapidly growing and highly aggressive cancer that occurs almost exclusively in dogs, while it is rare in cats, horses, rats and humans.The tumor originates from the lining of the blood vessels and can usually be observed under a microscope with blood-filled channels and spaces.The common cause of death of this tumor is the rupture of the tumor, which causes the animals to die quickly and cause death.Of particular concern is that the incidence of angiosarcoma in specific breeds such as German shepherds has attracted widespread attention from veterinarians, owners, and animal health researchers.
Diagnosis of angiosarcoma is often performed after the tumor has become very large or has metastasized.
The most common locations of angiosarcoma include the spleen, right heart base, and liver, and may also appear on the skin or other areas.According to research, the symptoms of this type of tumor usually include loss of appetite, weakness, pale pupil mucosa and sudden death.Many dog owners only learn that they have angiosarcoma when their dog suddenly falls down.This situation is particularly common among German shepherds, which has attracted in-depth research from experts.
Clinical signs and symptoms are usually related to the place of origin or metastasis of the tumor.More than 50% of cases are acute collapse after spontaneous rupture of the tumor.This condition may stem from arrhythmia, especially in patients with spleen or cardioangiosarcoma.
Common symptoms clinically manifested include reduced feeding, weight loss and weakness, which are caused by the effects of tumors and the internal bleeding caused.
In the specific breed of German Shepherd, the incidence of angiosarcoma is higher, which may also be related to the overall health, genetic factors and environmental impact of these dogs.During diagnosis, veterinarians usually use surgical sections for histological examinations, or supplemented with imaging examinations such as ultrasound, CT and MRI to confirm the presence and metastasis of the tumor.
Currently, treatment for angiosarcoma includes chemotherapy and the removal of the organs where the tumor is located, such as spleen removal.The average survival time for resection alone is 1 to 3 months, while chemotherapy (mainly using doxorubicin) can extend the survival time by 2 to 4 months.According to one study, dogs treated with "turkey tail" mushroom extract showed better responses than controls who received only standard treatment, but subsequent studies failed to repeat the results.In the case of skin angiosarcoma, if it can be completely removed, it can mostly be cured, while systemic infiltration will complicated the prognosis.
Early detection and active treatment of angiosarcoma are key to improving dog survival.
It is worth noting that due to the occult nature of the symptoms, many German shepherd owners only realize the severity of the problem after their dogs have already experienced obvious discomfort and blood loss.Therefore, regular health checks are crucial for early diagnosis and timely treatment.For families with German shepherds, whether this potentially dangerous tumor can be detected and identified early will directly affect the survival and quality of life of the cute dog.This situation also caused many dog owners to think about what they can do for their pets to improve their health records and quality of life?