Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant cancer that develops from blood vessels. This condition can develop anywhere in a canine’s body but typically affects the spleen, liver, skin, and heart. Should a furry baby be diagnosed with this ailment and undergo emergency surgery, then the average life expectancy from that point may only be about three to four months. Chemotherapy post-surgery can add a few more months to the above-average.

This disease progresses at a slow rate and does not cause any pain. Canine fur babies with even massive hemangiosarcomas may exhibit no clinical signs at all, which is why it can be challenging to know that they are suffering from a life-threatening disease. Suppose your puppy is diagnosed with this health condition; then provide timely medical assistance and spend more quality time with it.

Medical care during such health circumstances can cost thousands of dollars, like during many other emergencies. Consider searching insurance for pets online, weighing up different policies, then requesting and comparing quotes to buy a plan that best fits your little pupper’s health and your budget.

The best pup insurance covers your furry baby’s health comprehensively, so why not explore and contemplate purchasing a policy? Meanwhile, read this article to learn more about hemangiosarcoma in dogs.

Hemangiosarcoma

This dangerous cancer can affect dogs of all breeds and ages, but particular breeds are at a higher risk of developing the disease. For instance, Golden Retrievers, Great Danes, Boxers, and German Shepherds are highly prone to developing this disease.

It often originates in the endothelium tissues of the spleen and liver, then spreads into the blood vessels and eventually other body parts, including the heart and brain.

Puppies develop a significant mass of cells on the spleen or liver in the beginning stages that then spread to other regions. Hemangiosarcoma is generally identified in three regions and classified based on location.

Dermal (on the skin), Hypodermal (under the skin), and visceral (on the spleen, pericardium, and heart). In this condition, the masses are fed by blood vessels that can rupture due to constant filling. It can lead to severe hemorrhage and even sudden mortality.

The owners may not realize that something is wrong until the hemangiosarcoma bursts and the puppy collapses. Also, it is worth noting that male dogs are more susceptible to hemangiosarcoma than female dogs at an average age of eight to ten years.

Treatment

The symptoms and treatment depend on the location of hemangiosarcoma, i.e., the organ that the disease has affected. For instance, in a case where spleen and liver functions are impaired, common red flags are –

• Body weakness
• Lameness
• Muscle coordination loss
• Unexplained weight loss
• Sudden/intermittent collapse
• Seizures
• Fluid in the abdomen
• High heart rate
• Acute blood loss
• Partial movement loss

Since the underlying causes of this disease are unknown, it is challenging to avoid this condition if your little pupper has a predisposition to developing it. Treatment is often suggested based on the disease severity and rate of disease progression. Hospitalization is mostly recommended; sometimes, the tumors can be removed, and chemo sessions advised post-surgery to improve the canine’s survival time, although it may not be effective in all cases.

Rehydration therapies and blood transfusions may be prescribed to restore body fluids; however, your vet is the best person to guide you on this. The best pup insurance can help you manage the financial stress associated with unplanned vet visits more effectively. However, first, check what benefits are covered and the benefit limit before signing up for a policy.

Contemplate searching insurance for pets online and purchasing a policy that optimally covers your furry baby’s health and fits your budget so you don’t have to fret about unexpected medical expenses you may incur over the year.