Tyler Passed: Part 4: We Suspect Hemangiosarcoma (PLUS: 2 videos of Tyler)

When I posted Tyler's traumatic decline on my books' social media pages, 2 pet parents wrote and shared that their dogs experienced the same 5 day rapid decline to the point where they were either rendered immoble, or lost bodily function from a fast moving cancer in dogs. They both told me their dogs experienced Hemangiosarcoma. So, today's blog is to make you aware of it, so you can be prepared should you ever receive the horrible news of this cancer type.   

(Tyler on July 16th, behaving as if there was nothing wrong- he passed on July 29th)

 

Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) in dogs is a highly malignant cancer of the blood vessels, often affecting the spleen or heart, and can also occur on the skin. It is known for its aggressive nature, rapid spread (metastasis), and poor prognosis, with most dogs succumbing within a year despite treatment. 

VIDEO: Tyler's cancer begins affecting his walk

On July 24th, 2025, Tyler began having trouble walking. we learned an internal tumor had been pressing on his spine, and rendered him paralyzed by the next day. Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zc5IXJhAK8M&feature=youtu.be

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• Key Aspects of Canine Hemangiosarcoma: Nature: HSA is a highly aggressive, malignant cancer arising from cells lining blood vessels.
• Common Locations: While it can occur in various locations, it most commonly affects the spleen, heart, and skin.
• Symptoms: Symptoms can be vague, ranging from non-specific signs of illness to sudden collapse due to internal bleeding from a ruptured tumor. Other symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal distension, pale gums, and difficulty breathing.
• Spread: HSA tends to spread quickly to other parts of the body, including the lungs and liver.
• Breeds Predisposed: Certain breeds, such as Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Boxers, are predisposed to HSA.
• Diagnosis: Diagnosis often relies on imaging (X-rays, ultrasound) and biopsy to confirm the presence and nature of the tumor.
• Treatment: Treatment typically involves surgery to remove or reduce the primary tumor, followed by chemotherapy. However, survival times with current treatments are often limited, with most dogs not surviving beyond a year.
• Prognosis: The prognosis is generally poor, with median survival times ranging from 90 days with surgery alone to 180 days with surgery and chemotherapy.
• Research: Research is ongoing to better understand the tumor's biology and develop new treatment strategies, including immunotherapy and antiangiogenic therapies. Additional Information:
• Skin HSA: .Cutaneous HSA, or HSA that originates in the skin, may be linked to sun exposure, especially in dogs with light skin and thin coats.
• Cardiac HSA: . Dogs with cardiac HSA may exhibit signs of heart failure, such as fluid buildup around the heart and difficulty breathing. Splenic HSA: .
• Splenic HSA is often associated with sudden collapse and internal bleeding due to a ruptured tumor.

 In summary, hemangiosarcoma is a serious cancer in dogs with a poor prognosis. 

VIDEO: Dash and Tyler take a ride on Tyler's last day, July 29, 2025. *Tyler, our 14 year old Dachshund, was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in five organs on July 25th 2025. that night a tumor near his spine paralyzed his back legs. On his last day with us July 29th 2025, we took him for a wagon ride with his brother Dash (front)*************************

Early detection and aggressive treatment, including surgery and chemotherapy, are crucial, but research is ongoing to find more effective therapies and improve survival rates.