Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs – Symptoms of Tumors, Types, Surgery, Treatment, Tips for Improvement/RecoveryThe Immune Power to Defeat Hemangiosarcoma

2018年12月25日

Don’t be discouraged if your dog is diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma.

We believe that efforts to boost the immune system can improve the dog’s condition, maintain their quality of life (QOL), and help them regain vitality and appetite.

In fact, there are numerous cases where immunity measures with Cordy have successfully controlled cancer in dogs.

This page summarizes the types and symptoms of hemangiosarcoma, general treatments, and methods to maintain the QOL (Quality of Life) of dogs with hemangiosarcoma by boosting their immunity.

We also introduce many examples of improvements. We hope it will be a source of support and a beacon of hope for you all.

Click here for examples of cancer improvements in dogs

1 What is Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs?
- 1.1 For Those Whose Dogs Have Been Diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma
2 Types of Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs
3 Common Breeds for Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs
4 Common Treatments for Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs
- 4.1 Surgery for Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs
- 4.2 Chemotherapy for Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs
5 Prognosis, Life Expectancy, and Survival Rates for Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs
- 5.1 Maintaining QOL, Prolonging Life, and Overcoming Hemangiosarcoma – The Need to Improve Immunity
6 Prevention of Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs
7 Aiming to Prolong Life and Overcome Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs

What is Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs?

Sarcomas are malignant tumors (cancers) that originate from non-epithelial cells such as bones and muscles.

Among sarcomas, those that originate in the endothelial cells of blood vessels are called hemangiosarcomas. They can develop anywhere there are blood vessels but are particularly common in the liver and spleen, where there are many blood vessels.

In dogs, they most commonly arise in the spleen, and are highly malignant with very rapid progression and a high likelihood of metastasis.

Hemangiosarcoma is cancer that affects the cells lining blood vessels, and it is a highly malignant cancer that easily metastasizes along the bloodstream.

About 80% of tumors that form in the heart are hemangiosarcomas.

The incidence of hemangiosarcoma in dogs is much higher compared to humans and cats.

Furthermore, it is a type of cancer with a high recurrence rate post-surgery, making it difficult to achieve complete cure.

When hemangiosarcomas develop in a dog’s spleen or liver, the sarcoma can rupture, leading to massive bleeding and potentially fatal outcomes once it grows large.

For Those Whose Dogs Have Been Diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma

Due to the high malignancy of hemangiosarcoma in dogs, it is generally challenging not only to cure it but also to control it, and the prognosis is said to be extremely poor.

In general, even if surgeries and chemotherapy that place a significant burden on the body are performed, the survival time is considered to be around six months.

It is difficult to detect in its early stages due to few symptoms.

It is not uncommon to notice changes in condition due to tumor rupture and bleeding.

There are cases where the prognosis is given as one month to live upon discovery, making it a severe form of cancer.
However, with the right approach, it is not uncommon to coexist with hemangiosarcoma and improve your dog’s prognosis.

In fact, we have received numerous reports of dogs with hemangiosarcoma showing improved quality of life, including regained vitality and appetite, after being given Cordy, which has potential immune-regulating functions.

Cordy, which may have immune-regulating functions, is considered to have the potential to help suppress tumor growth and prevent recurrence.

Types of Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs

Subcutaneous Hemangiosarcoma – Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs

Subcutaneous hemangiosarcoma is a type of sarcoma that forms under the skin of dogs.

It can occur anywhere on the body.

As is common with other cancers, when subcutaneous hemangiosarcoma forms, you may be able to feel a lump under the skin.

However, some subcutaneous hemangiosarcomas are not hard lumps but are relatively soft, so if you feel a lump on your dog’s skin, we recommend having it examined by a veterinarian.

Dermal Hemangiosarcoma – Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs

The dermis refers to the part beneath the skin.
Dermal hemangiosarcoma is a type of hemangiosarcoma that forms in the dermis of the dog.

Dermal hemangiosarcoma is particularly known to occur more frequently in areas with less body hair, causing the skin to turn reddish or blackish.

If you notice any abnormalities in your dog, please have them examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Visceral Hemangiosarcoma – Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs

The most common type of hemangiosarcoma in dogs occurs in organs such as the heart, spleen, and liver.

Since the heart, spleen, and liver are organs where blood collects, visceral hemangiosarcomas are prone to metastasize to other organs.

It is said that 45-50% of malignant tumors occurring in the spleen and 50% of those occurring in the heart are hemangiosarcomas.

If your dog seems to be having difficulty breathing, coughing more frequently, or shows signs of fatigue with a loss of appetite, there may be a possibility of visceral hemangiosarcoma.

Common Breeds for Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs

### Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs – Breeds Prone to the Condition

Hemangiosarcoma commonly manifests around the age of 9 years, with male dogs having a higher incidence compared to female dogs.

#### Examples of Breeds Prone to the Condition

German Shepherd
Doberman Pinscher
Boxer
Golden Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Miniature Schnauzer
Great Dane
Other large breeds

Hemangiosarcoma is relatively more common in larger dogs.

### Symptoms of Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs

In the early stages, there are almost no symptoms.

In cases of subcutaneous hemangiosarcoma, it can be felt as a lump under the skin.

For cutaneous hemangiosarcoma, it appears as a reddish-black growth in areas with less hair (limbs, prepuce, abdomen, etc.).

When it occurs in internal organs, the symptoms vary depending on the location of the sarcoma. If it develops in the spleen or liver, symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain may occur.

If it affects the heart, the accumulation of fluid can cause coughing and difficulty breathing, which can worsen into heart failure.

Other signs may include a tendency to bleed, nosebleeds, anemia, loss of appetite, weight loss, and abdominal distension.

For more examples of improvements in canine cancer cases, click [here](https://cordy-en.com/casereport/dogs/).

For Cordy information requests, click [here](https://cordy-en.com/request/).

For Cordy phone inquiries, call [048-474-0884](tel:048-474-0884).

Common Treatments for Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs

Surgery for Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs

If the tumor (hemangiosarcoma) is localized to one area, surgery is performed in hopes of extending the dog’s lifespan.

Even if the surgery appears successful in removing the tumor, there is a very high likelihood that cancer cells have spread throughout the body.

It is not uncommon for veterinarians to inform owners, “Unfortunately, a complete cure is difficult,” even after surgery.

Sometimes surgery is performed even when it’s clear the hemangiosarcoma cannot be completely removed.
This kind of surgery is referred to as palliative surgery.

In palliative surgery, the goal is to reduce the tumor’s volume and achieve temporary improvement, but it is unclear how much it will extend the dog’s lifespan.

Additionally, hemangiosarcoma tumors can easily bleed, thus surgery to stop the bleeding is crucial as an emergency measure.

Chemotherapy for Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs

Following surgery, chemotherapy may be considered.

The purpose is to target cancer cells that have spread throughout the body and cannot be removed surgically.
In cases where the cancer has already spread too extensively, chemotherapy alone may be administered without surgery.

Chemotherapy may include the use of the anticancer drug Doxorubicin (brand name: Adriamycin).

However, hemangiosarcoma is known to be highly resistant to chemotherapy, and the life-extending effects are not clear even if the dog undergoes the treatment, which can be quite taxing on their body.

Moreover, Doxorubicin has a side effect of causing heart damage, making it difficult to use for dogs with heart diseases (such as heart failure due to mitral valve insufficiency).

For small breeds prone to heart diseases, such as Maltese and Spaniels (especially Cavalier King Charles Spaniels), it is essential to thoroughly discuss the disadvantages with your veterinarian.

As known to many, almost 100% of chemotherapy treatments come with side effects.

Some veterinarians might claim that “dogs are strong against chemotherapy” or “dogs do not experience side effects,” but unlike humans, dogs cannot verbalize feelings of nausea or loss of appetite.

When pet owners report that “my dog has been lying down a lot lately,” “he hasn’t been finishing his meals,” or “he has stopped eating,” it is often found that the dog had received chemotherapy a few days prior.

Moreover, if blood tests show a sudden deterioration in white blood cell or platelet counts, or abrupt worsening of liver or kidney values, these are likely side effects.

Don’t let the situation arise where you had your dog undergo treatment on the veterinarian’s advice, but the treatment ended up worsening their condition and causing more suffering.

To avoid this, it is important for pet owners to take the lead and decide whether to proceed with, skip, or take a break from treatment for the sake of their dog’s well-being.

If you decide to proceed with chemotherapy, using Cordy for immune support and placenta extract derived from domestic SPF pigs for liver and kidney care may help improve your dog’s quality of life (QOL) by mitigating side effects.

Prognosis, Life Expectancy, and Survival Rates for Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs

Generally, the prognosis for hemangiosarcoma is considered to be very poor.

The average life expectancy after being diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma may be less than 3 months.

The survival rate after surgery is said to be around 10% at one year, but the extension of life by surgery is possible only if the cancer is fortunately detected at an early stage.

It is not uncommon for the disease to be too advanced for surgery to be an option.
The administration of anticancer drugs is considered with the desire to prolong life even by one day, but it does not necessarily produce effective results.

On the contrary, there is a risk of shortening life and a significant decline in QOL (quality of life).

Hemangiosarcoma in dogs is a highly refractory disease that is almost impossible to control with conventional treatments alone.

Maintaining QOL, Prolonging Life, and Overcoming Hemangiosarcoma – The Need to Improve Immunity

After your dog undergoes surgery for hemangiosarcoma, we recommend immediately starting measures to improve their immune system.

Immunity is extremely important in cancer treatment.

It significantly impacts the progression of cancer and prognosis.

Moreover, due to the stress of surgery, anesthesia, and side effects of anticancer drugs, the immune system can easily be compromised. Without taking measures, this could worsen the prognosis.

Prevention of Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs

Although the exact cause of hemangiosarcoma in dogs is not known, ultraviolet rays have been pointed out as a factor.

Ultraviolet rays damage cellular DNA, increasing the risk of tumors, not just hemangiosarcoma.

This is especially true for areas with thin fur or skin, making UV protection during walks or while indoors (near windows) potentially effective.

Aiming to Prolong Life and Overcome Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs

No one remains unaffected when their beloved dog is diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma.

Worrying won’t change anything.

Cancer will certainly progress over time.

If there are benefits, consider surgery and anticancer drug treatment immediately.

Even if conventional treatment is ineffective, advanced medicine and alternative therapies may improve the situation.

Consider approaches from an immunity and nutritional standpoint.

These approaches pose minimal risks to vitality and side effects and can be started even while undergoing general treatment.

They not only improve immunity and overall condition but also carry almost no downsides.

There are reports of long-term survival (over 3 years and 7 months) by focusing on diet and immune measures.

There have also been reports of dogs rushed to animal hospitals with ruptured spleens becoming remarkably vigorous through dietary therapy and immune system approaches.

Though it’s uncertain how far the response will go, there is a sufficient possibility of at least regaining appetite and vigor.

When your beloved dog is suffering from hemangiosarcoma, it is very important to take immune measures regardless of whether they undergo surgery, radiation therapy, or anticancer drug treatment. Our lab continues to research whether administering Cordy can accelerate immune recovery during periods of immune decline due to surgery or anticancer drug treatment.

When using medicines such as anticancer drugs, steroids, and antibiotics, liver function decline is also a concern.
In such cases, concurrent use of domestically produced SPF pig-derived placental extract powder may minimize damage to the liver.
There are many cases where liver function improves in about a month with it, even in dogs with deteriorating liver metrics. If your dog is already experiencing worsening liver function, please consider domestically produced SPF pig-derived placental extract powder.

Our lab continues to research Cordy, expected to have immune-regulating effects, and domestically produced SPF pig-derived placental extract powder, expected to protect liver function. If you have any questions, please contact us.

監修獣医師：林美彩　　所属クリニック：chicoどうぶつ診療所

代替療法と西洋医学、両方の動物病院での勤務経験と多数のコルディの臨床経験をもつ。　モノリス在籍時には、一般的な動物医療（西洋医学）だけでは対応が困難な症例に対して多くの相談を受け、免疫の大切さを痛烈に実感する。
ペットたちの健康維持・改善のためには薬に頼った対処療法だけではなく、「普段の生活環境や食事を見直し、自宅でさまざまなケアを取り入れることで免疫力を維持し、病気にならない体づくりを目指していくことが大切である」という考えを提唱し普及活動に従事している。

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