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Do you know the potential dangers of canine angiosarcoma? You must not ignore these signs!
Angiosarcoma is a rapidly growing and highly aggressive cancer that occurs almost exclusively in dogs and is extremely rare in cats, horses, mice, and even humans. These tumors arise from the vascular endothelium and usually have blood-filled lumens visible under a microscope. Tumor rupture causes massive bleeding and is often the cause of death. Unfortunately, many owners discover their dogs have hemangiosarcoma after their dogs have already lost consciousness.
Most dogs do not show clinical signs until the tumor has become very large and has spread.
Characteristics of Canine Angiosarcoma
Angiosarcoma occurs more frequently in dogs, especially German shepherds and golden retrievers. Clinically, this tumor mainly appears in the spleen, right heart base or liver. But they can also appear under the skin or in other places. Subcutaneous angiosarcomas usually appear as small red or bluish-black bumps that are related to sun exposure.
Many dogs only develop symptoms such as loss of appetite, weakness, and inability to walk after the tumor ruptures.
Clinical signs
In dogs with hemangiosarcoma, collapse often occurs acutely after the tumor spontaneously ruptures. The most common clinical signs include loss of appetite, abnormal heart rhythm, weight loss, listlessness, pale mucous membranes, and sudden death. Abdominal distension is often caused by bleeding. The most common sites of metastasis are the liver, ovaries, and lungs.
Diagnostic Process
The final diagnosis usually requires confirmation by biopsy and histopathology. Although cytologic aspirates can aid in the initial diagnosis, negative results do not exclude the possibility of disease due to frequent blood contamination.
In diagnosis, imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT, and MRI can provide important information and help in tumor staging and metastasis detection.
Treatment Options
Treatment for canine angiosarcoma usually includes chemotherapy and surgical removal of the tumor. If only the spleen is removed, the average survival time of the patient is about 1 to 3 months. If chemotherapy such as doxorubicin is added, the average survival time can be extended to 2 to 4 months. An extract of the turkey tail fungus performed well in some studies when used in combination with other chemotherapy, but results were mixed in subsequent studies, according to one study.
ConclusionHemangiosarcoma in dogs is a hidden and deadly disease, and early detection and prompt treatment are critical. Giving your dog regular health checks can help detect potential health problems early, which could save their lives. Do you pay attention to your dog's health and understand the dangers that may be lurking in their bodies?
