Many dogs are diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma of the spleen, also known as dog spleen cancer, each year. Because it is a cancer made up of blood vessel lining cells, it can occur anywhere in the body. However, the spleen, liver, and right atrium of the heart are the most frequently affected organs. About two-thirds of splenic masses are malignant, and of those, two-thirds are identified as hemangiosarcomas. The most common affected breeds are German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers. Splenic hemangiosarcoma is most frequently diagnosed in older dogs.
Dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma are at high risk because there are few symptoms until the spleen ruptures or the cancer is discovered during a routine abdominal radiograph or ultrasound. This is primarily caused by the spleen’s position within the body, which is deep. In fact, many canines with splenic hemangiosarcoma arrive at the emergency vet’s office with a history of lethargic behavior, a loss of appetite, weight loss, an acute collapse, pale to white mucous membranes, and/or abdominal swelling. Diarrhoea and vomiting are occasionally seen in a small proportion of patients.
Abdominal radiographs can sometimes show splenic masses, but abdominal ultrasounds are the most common method of diagnosis. In either scenario, it is in the patient’s best interest to undergo additional diagnostics after a splenic mass has been found (i e. staging tests) to look for any indications that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, or metastasized. These tests include an abdominal ultrasound (if not already done) to check for any other abdominal organs that may have disease, chest radiographs to check for lung disease, blood work that includes a CBC (which checks the red and white blood cells and platelets), a chemistry panel, clotting times, and a urinalysis. An echocardiogram of theheart may also be warranted. According to studies, a small proportion of patients with splenic hemangiosarcoma may already have a mass in their right heart at the time of diagnosis.
The main course of treatment for a splenic mass is surgery, but it’s important to remember that not all splenic masses are cancerous. Removing the spleen and sending the sample for a biopsy is the only way to get a certain diagnosis. The goal is to have surgery before the mass or masses rupture, but most patients end up needing emergency surgery because the mass has ruptured. Patients who undergo surgery alone have a median survival time of about 1-2 months before they pass away from metastatic disease.
Even after the spleen has been removed, hemangiosarcoma has a high risk of spreading. Hemangiosarcomas are aggressive cancers, so chemotherapy may be suggested to try and stop the cancer’s spread. Doxorubicin, also referred to as adriamycin, is the main chemotherapy agent used to treat hemangiosarcoma. Fortunately, most patients tolerate chemotherapy well with minimal side effects. A decrease in white blood cell count, thinning of the fur coat, and stomach upset (including decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy) are possible side effects. Doxorubicin has a lifetime dose in dogs that we do not exceed because it has also been demonstrated to have a cumulative toxicity on the heart. To establish a baseline for their heart function prior to the first treatment and again prior to the fifth or sixth treatment, an echocardiogram may occasionally be advised. For 4-6 treatments, doxorubicin is given intravenously once every three weeks. The median survival time for patients receiving surgery and chemotherapy is 4-6 months.
There are a few other treatment options besides traditional therapy that have shown some promise, but there is little data on their actual efficacy. These include I’m Yunity andYunnan Baiyao. I’m Yunity is a polysaccharide extract from the Yunzhi mushroom, Coriolus versicolor, that showed some promise in a small study from the University of Pennsylvania. It is unknown whether the data from this study is representative of the larger population because it was conducted on a very small sample size.
Many oncologists are prescribing the Chinesesupplement Yunnan Baiyao. Some cancerous lesions may bleed less or stop bleeding with the aid of this supplement. Additionally, some evidence suggests that it may aid in healing and possibly have some anti-tumor benefits for hemangiosarcoma. Clinical studies are required to fully comprehend the advantages of this supplement.
There may be some ongoing clinical trials availableto your pet. In clinical trials, new and potentially better treatments are frequently sought after in an effort to better the prognosis for canines with hemangiosarcomas.
Splenic hemangiosarcoma is an extremely aggressive cancer, and long-term control and survival are unfortunately challenging to achieve. Our primary objective when caring for your pet is to give the three of you some quality time. Call us today in Annapolis at (410) 224-0121.
Blood chemistry and complete blood count (CBC)
After identifying a splenic tumor, veterinarians frequently advise bloodwork as a preliminary step to assess general health. A complete blood count can reveal the presence of anemia (low red blood cell count) and low platelets, which are frequently caused by bleeding or ruptured tumors. The blood chemistry panel may reveal problems that are present in many conditions, like dehydration.
Coagulation tests will be carried out to determine whether a dog is at risk for serious bleeding issues because low platelets and other clotting-related indicators are common in some types of splenic tumors. This kind of test measures how long it takes for the blood to clot and includes the prothrombin and partial thromboplastin times. Results that are abnormal may indicate that the patient’s disease is more advanced and that she is at risk for additional bleeding. If bleeding is suspected, coagulation tests may be carried out. These tests can direct treatment, such as blood product transfusions, that might improve patient survival during surgery.
X-rays or radiographs can be used to assess the spleen’s overall size, shape, and location in relation to other abdominal organs. The spleen may have obvious masses or be noticeably enlarged and abnormally shaped by veterinarians. Additionally, veterinarians will want to perform lung x-rays to check for the spread of cancer.
The spleen and other abdominal organs’ internal structure, location, and size can all be more precisely analyzed using ultrasound technology. Additionally, veterinarians will use ultrasound as a reference when they take biopsies, which is one method to make a certain diagnosis. The entire abdominal cavity is examined by veterinary radiologists for additional tumors, abnormalities, and fluid.
Abnormal fluid buildup in the abdomen is a common symptom in dogs with ruptured splenic tumors. Veterinarians can easily collect a sample by inserting a needle into the abdominal fluid, which is typically blood. Veterinarians can use a microscope to examine this fluid and check for cancerous cells. Lymphoma and mast cell tumors may be easier to diagnose using this technique, but it is not always reliable.
Both during surgical removal of the spleen and under ultrasound guidance, splenic biopsy can be carried out to obtain a sample of spleen cells.
What is Spleen Cancer in Dogs?
In dogs, the spleen contributes to the immune system by producing specific types of white blood cells and assisting the body in warding off infection. Additionally, it disposes of old red blood cells while producing and storing new ones. Up to 20% of the body’s total red blood cells and 30% of its total platelets are kept in the spleen at any given time.
The oblong-shaped spleen is situated beneath the stomach in the abdomen. Although it does contribute to animal health, the spleen is not a necessary organ and can be removed with little long-term harm.
Dogs frequently develop splenic tumors, especially as they age. Even benign tumors run the risk of rupturing and bleeding, which would result in an acute illness because the spleen both stores and produces red blood cells.
Veterinarians class tumors as:
In spleens, hemangioma and hemangiosarcoma are two of the most prevalent primary tumors. Hemangiomas are benign, while hemangiosarcomas are malignant. The type of tumor determines the prognosis for any specific spleen tumor. Malignant tumors have a worse prognosis than benign tumors, especially if treated late. However, benign tumors may still need to be treated and removed.
Any dog can develop splenic tumors, but older, larger breed dogs are more likely to do so. Breeds most at risk include:
Although benign spleen tumors are not cancerous, they can be mistaken for malignant tumors. When veterinarians discover a tumor on the spleen, they might advise further testing to rule out more serious conditions. Benign tumors do not metastasize and do not spread to other parts of the body. If detected early, many benign tumors can still be removed and have a good prognosis.
While benign tumors typically have a good prognosis if found early, this is not always the case with malignant tumors. Malignant tumors’ prognosis varies depending on how aggressive the disease is. Common malignant tumors in the spleen include:
- Leiomyosarcoma
- Melanoma
- Carcinoma
Secondary tumors are also common in the spleen. These are brought on by the spread of cancer from other body locations. The spleen is a common location for secondary tumors due to its high vascularity, or rich blood supply.
How Will the Vet Treat a Splenic Tumor?
Your veterinarian will develop a thorough treatment plan once a splenic tumor has been identified, either by abdominal radiographs or ultrasound. The top suggestion is a spleenectomy (surgery to remove the spleen). Not only is this done to stop the bleeding, but the mass is also removed for a proper diagnosis. Many dogs may require stabilization prior to surgery, especially if they are actively bleeding. If a dog’s ECG shows abnormalities, we frequently administer intravenous fluids, pain relievers, and antiarrhythmics. Many dogs will require a blood transfusion if they cannot be stabilized with fluids alone to treat the anemia brought on by the unexpected bleed. Medicines may be administered to try and slow or stop additional bleeding.
Your veterinarian will go over your options if you decide not to have surgery on your dog. Dogs that are critically ill may sadly require euthanasia. We frequently send pets home with medication to control bleeding if they can be stabilized or are stable.
FAQ
Is spleen cancer painful for dogs?
Dogs with splenic cancer, especially those with hemangiosarcoma, are highly susceptible to blood loss from a bleeding tumor. Dogs with spleen tumors may experience pain, especially if the tumor ruptures. Occasionally they are asymptomatic.
What happens to a dog with spleen cancer?
First signs of cancer are frequently weakness or collapse, which can occur if the tumor has ruptured and the dog is internally bleeding. Additional symptoms include general weakness, weight loss, an expanded belly, and pale gums brought on by blood loss.
How long can a dog live with a benign spleen tumor without surgery?
The greatest risk of death was among patients with a confirmed malignancy. Dogs with benign lesions had a median lifespan of 436 days, which is a significant increase over the 110 days observed in the group of dogs with malignant splenic tumors.
Should I euthanize my dog with spleen cancer?
Bad news yes, but don’t panic. A variation of “they most likely won’t survive treatment so you should consider putting him/her down” is the response that many people hear but shouldn’t.