Description
Hemangiosarcoma (HSA), is a malignant tumour composed of neoplastic endothelial cells and represents up to half of all canine splenic malignancies but can also frequent other anatomic sites include the heart, skin and subcutis, and liver.
Clinical presentation is largely dictated by tumour location and may vary from vague, nonspecific signs of illness to acute collapse and death secondary to haemorrhagic shock. The majority of patients with visceral or cardiac HSA will present in an emergent scenario secondary to tumour rupture and subsequent internal haemorrhage, necessitating urgent medical attention and quick, challenging decisions to be made.
Surgical excision of the fragile or bleeding tumour offers the best increase in survival time, and is often coupled with chemotherapy to treat the high metastatic potential of this disease
Despite its challenges, patients with HAS can be achieve an extended quality-based survival time of up to 12 months which most importantly allows owners more time with their companion and some really rewarding nursing!
